As the weather gradually cools from the summer highs, transitioning to the crisp, cool evenings of fall, so too will the leaves begin their gradual transition to winter. You may not know it (yet), but the Midwest is truly a stunning place to witness fall colors. For fall colors, states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois are some of the best places to visit in the Midwest. Each offers a unique and picturesque landscape filled with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. From expansive forests and rolling hills to scenic lakeshores, the natural beauty of the Midwest is truly captivating during September and October and sometimes even into November. This region provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable fall getaway, with its cool, crisp air and the crunch of leaves underfoot enhancing the experience.
Despite its beauty, the Midwest is often underrated as a fall destination compared to the more popular New England states. However, those who venture here will find an array of hidden gems and breathtaking vistas that rival any other region. The Midwest’s charm lies in its unspoiled and less crowded parks and cities, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the season’s splendor. The simplicity and authenticity of the Midwest add to its appeal, offering a more relaxed and genuine experience away from the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy areas.
As you read on to discover the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors, complement your fall getaway with our collection of cozy and charming accommodations. Our association of independent Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, boutique hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals offer some of the best lodging in the Midwest, all with warm hospitality and personalized touches that will transform your lodging experience. With great locations to choose from and comfortable amenities, our associated lodging properties are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring fall scenery across the Midwest. Browse our diverse collection of places to stay in the Midwest, and book your fall getaway today!
When to See Fall Colors in the Midwest
If you’re looking to plan a colorful fall getaway, look no further than the Midwest. There are plenty of great places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors, including across the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. Here, you’ll find one immersive journey after the next into the vibrant hues of fall. A Midwest getaway in the fall is an unparalleled opportunity to witness nature’s artistry in action. Thanks to the diversity in climate across the Midwest, we tend to enjoy a longer season of fall colors.
You’ll see hints of fall’s colorful transition in early September, with many areas reaching peak color by early to mid-October. However, some spots have plenty of color to enjoy well into late October and early November. Generally, when the season strikes the perfect balance between seasonally comfortable, warm days and crisp, cool nights, you can expect to find the most significant percentage of trees ablaze in the colors of the season. Northern latitudes and higher elevations tend to change color first, followed by lower valleys and southern portions of Midwestern states.
Beyond the captivating fall colors, the Midwest offers a diverse array of things to do during your getaways. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking on tranquil lakes, cycling along scenic trails, hiking through numerous state parks, taking scenic drives along winding roads, or witnessing the breathtaking fall bird migration along important bird areas. The crisp, cool air and the picturesque scenery somehow make these activities even more enchanting.
The region’s rich agricultural heritage also means that fall festivals, apple picking, and pumpkin patches are in full swing, providing delightful experiences that are quintessentially fall. Moreover, autumn brings abundant farm-to-table experiences and local markets to satisfy your inner gourmand. Whether you prefer an adventurous pursuit or a leisurely day amidst fall’s beauty, we have a great guide to some of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors.
Best Places to Visit in the Midwest to See Fall Colors
The Midwest transforms into a wonderland of fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and golden yellows, offering some of the best scenery in the country for leaf-peeping enthusiasts. Scenic drives through states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois provide unparalleled views of colorful forests and charming small towns. Explore iconic spots like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the rolling hills of southern Indiana, and Wisconsin’s Door County, where local festivals and outdoor activities make the most of the crisp, refreshing weather.
When it comes to finding the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors, it’s truly hard to go wrong. Everywhere you go, whether deep in the region’s forests or walking down city streets, you’ll be surrounded by bright pops of color. Enjoy the season’s beauty with leisurely hikes, picturesque drives, and cozy visits to local wineries. Below, we’ve listed some of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors. However, to enjoy the best of fall in the Midwest, all you need to do is book a room at one of our many incredible properties for a getaway you won’t soon forget.
- The Door Peninsula in Wisconsin is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors. Door County is on the northeastern tip of Wisconsin, surrounded by Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other. Here, you’ll encounter 300 miles of coastline, offering stunning vistas of vibrant autumn leaves reflecting on the water. The area is renowned for its charming small towns and scenic parks, and with white-clapboard architecture reminiscent of New England, you’ll soon see why people call the Door Peninsula the Cape Cod of the Midwest.
- If you’re looking to spend some time on the water this fall, there’s perhaps no better place to go than the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, Wisconsin. This collection of islands on Lake Superior features striking cliff faces and pristine forests that come alive with autumn colors, making it a perfect spot for kayaking and hiking.
- One of Wisconsin’s best scenic fall drives is through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. This 115-mile drive in southeastern Wisconsin traverses six counties, with plenty of rolling hills and glacial landscapes. It’s easy to see why so many consider this one of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors.
- One of Minnesota’s first places to reach peak foliage season is the North Shore of Lake Superior, near Duluth. With dramatic views of the lake from places like Split Rock Lighthouse to endless hikes in the pristine and untouched Superior National Forest, it’s easy to see why the North Shore of Minnesota is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors.
- Another great spot to take in fall in Minnesota is Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. In addition to the headwaters, this park provides picturesque landscapes and a dense forest canopy that bursts into color each fall.
- To the east of Wisconsin is another one of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors: the M-22 in Michigan. This winding highway in northern Michigan travels for 116 breathtaking miles up the Lake Michigan shore from Manistee, around the Leelanau Peninsula, and then back down to Traverse City. With stops in charming small towns and Michigan’s impressive wine country to the towering 400-foot golden dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it’s hard to beat this drive in the fall.
- It’s nearly impossible to plan a fall getaway to the Midwest without considering a trip to the Upper Peninsula, Michigan. Known for its remote beauty, the UP offers expansive forests for hiking and biking, unbeatable, picturesque drives, hundreds of waterfalls, lakes and rivers for paddling, beautiful lighthouses, and so much more. With such diversity of things to do, this is easily one of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors.
- For a rugged and off-the-beaten-path adventure, one of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors is the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan. The rugged terrain and old-growth forests create a stunning mosaic of fall colors, with numerous lookouts providing panoramic views.
- Many of New England’s top destinations for fall foliage, such as Vermont and New Hampshire, involve stops at historic covered bridges. Did you know you can find gorgeous covered bridges surrounded by fall foliage in the Midwest, too? Head to Parke County in Indiana this fall, and you’ll see just how beautiful these historic bridges can be when surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn. There are 31 of them in all, making this a great candidate as one of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors.
- For fall views involving dramatic canyons and waterfalls, head to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. This impressive park offers 18 canyons to explore, 13 miles of hiking, and panoramic views that delight.
- Another great place to visit in the Midwest for fall colors is the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The forest’s rolling hills and unique rock formations provide a stunning backdrop for the vibrant autumn leaves, and peak color here usually shows up later in October and sometimes into early November, making this a great spot to wind down your fall adventure in the Midwest.
- Finally, no list of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall colors would be complete without mention of the exceptional Great River Road, which starts at the northern edge of the Mississippi River and winds its way along the borders of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and more as it travels south to Mississippi. It’s here that you’ll find some of the Midwest’s most dramatic fall scenery.
Where to Stay in the Midwest
It’s one thing to know where some of the best places to visit in the Midwest for fall color are – it’s another entirely to know where to stay while you’re visiting them. Luckily, we make it easy! The Midwest Association of Independent Inns features some of the best independent lodging properties in the Midwest.
Choose from a range of lodging options, including private cabins, historic Victorian mansions, quaint, rural B&Bs, or charming city Inns, and in return, you’ll have one of the best fall getaway experiences in the Midwest. Our properties really do represent some of the best places to visit in the Midwest, and they offer a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort. The accommodations are meticulously curated to provide guests with high-quality amenities and personalized service, ensuring you have a comfortable place to call “home” while you’re enjoying the vibrant colors, sights, and sounds of the season.
Many of our associated properties are situated near picturesque destinations, perfect for hiking, biking, and scenic drives, not to mention local attractions, museums, restaurants, history, and more. With knowledgeable and passionate hosts as your guide to the Midwest, you can expect to enjoy a unique integration of local culture and natural beauty. Each of our properties has been properly licensed and inspected for quality control, and we pride ourselves on providing authentic Midwestern charm.
The variety of accommodation styles offered by our members ensures everyone can find lodging that perfectly suits their desires. If you’re ready to discover why the Midwest is an ideal destination for a fall retreat, it’s time to book your fall getaway with one of our associated lodging members. Book your stay today!
