When to come

Follow the color as fall moves across the U.P.

The U.P. doesn't turn all at once. Use the timeline to see where color typically builds first, peaks, and begins to fade.

Fall color across Michigan's Upper PeninsulaThe Upper Peninsula with Iron County outlined and the ten gems numbered. Color typically arrives in the west and north first and reaches the eastern end of the peninsula last. Lake Superior Lake Michigan Wisconsin Iron County Houghton Marquette Munising Sault Ste. Marie Escanaba 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11

Fall color dates are approximate

  • Early colorSept 15–21
  • Building colorSept 22–30
  • Peak colorOct 1–7
  • Late colorOct 8–15

01–10 are the ten hidden gems. 11 Brule Mountain is an additional featured destination, not one of the ten.

Early color

September 15–21

The first turn shows in the high western country and along the ridges. Most of the peninsula is still green.

At this point in the season, these gems are typically in their best color window

Color timing varies with weather, elevation and year. These dates are a seasonal guide, not a guarantee.