Up North

Fall is one of the shortest yet most spectacular seasons of the year in Northern Michigan. And if steamy summer days stretch on through September and biting winds start blowing ahead of schedule in early November, you might just blink and miss this glorious time of year! All the more reason to be purposeful about squeezing in autumn activities while you can.

To help you stay ahead of these fleeting fall days, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite autumn adventures. Pick one or two, or better yet, give them all a try one of these crisp, sunny days. Come winter, you'll be glad you did!

Northern Michigan's fall foliage is legendary, and Leelanau county might be the crowning jewel. While most visitors experience the soft summer hues of Caribbean blue waters, sparkling beige sands, and lush green forests, when summer ends and temps drop Autumn is ready to move in.

Across the county, the foliage covering the rolling sandy landscape is slowly painted soft hues of gold, scarlet, purple, and orange, eventually giving way to an explosive peak of magical scenic transformation in mid-October.

This year, peak color in Leelanau County will begin on October 7 but dramatically improve the closer we get to October 14. Blazing reds, vibrant yellows, and stunning oranges will burst onto the scene, lighting up the world around us.

If you're planning a fall color tour in Leelanau County, we'd humbly suggest you take a look at some of our top spots.

Here are some of our favorite places to experience Autumn at its best.