20 best Michigan small towns to see the leaves change this fall

By Metro Times editorial staff on Thu, Sep 28, 2017 at 6:11 pm

The weather is cooling down, school is back in session, and everything is pumpkin spice flavored. That must mean Autumn is here, and with it comes an array of colors. We came up with the top places to visit to watch the colors of fall.

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Petoskey
One place you can view the emergence of fall colors is Petoskey. The laid back atmosphere of the city goes perfectly with watching the leaves change. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to go to enjoy yourself when you’re done. Photo via Instagram user, Jackleena

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Harbor Springs
Besides visiting shops or enjoying other attractions, Harbor Springs is a wonderful place to watch the colors of fall. Grabbing lunch or dinner on the water of Little Traverse Bay and looking at the trees will make this visit worthwhile. Photo via Instagram user, Keller_Joe

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Charlevoix
Spanning both sides of the Pine River Channel and Round Lake, Charlevoix is a town with a deep history and natural beauty. From the beautiful shores to boating, Charlevoix has many different ways one can view the varied colors of fall. Photo via Instagram user, Megan_Buchanan

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Sault Ste. Marie
You can also watch the fall colors in a city where the locals call it “The place where Michigan was born.” Tightroping along the U.S. and Canada border, Sault Ste. Marie not only provides perfect autumn scenery but is also home to some historic buildings as well. Photo via Instagram user, Abigailtraveler

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Marquette
On the southern shores of Lake Superior lies Marquette. The home to Northern Michigan University has no shortage of trees that can fill up your instagram with stunning photos of fall. Photo via Instagram user, Travelmarquette

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Tawas City
The coastal community of Tawas City is a tranquil place. This small town will provide an excellent weekend getaway for witnessing Mother Nature decorating the trees in autumn hues. When you’re not busy doing that be sure to check out the quaint shops and the bay shoreline. Photo via Instagram user, Masphotomi

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Tahquamenon Falls
If visiting a town for a day to watch the changing of the leaves doesn’t sound appealing to you. Try going camping for a few days in one of Michigan’s largest state parks. No, Tahquamenon Falls isn’t a town. However, there are an over abundance of leaves and the sight will surely leave you in awe. Photo via Instagram user, Puremichigan

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Escana
Home to the shoreline with the most freshwater in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Escanaba is another great location to relax and witness the arrival of fall. You can go to Hiwatha National Forest for a view or catch a glimpse from Escanaba’s countryside. Photo via Instagram user, blackwater_outdoors

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St. Ignace
St. Ignace is a wonderful destination. With attractions like museums, lighthouses, and state parks, you’re going to want to do more than just stare at the gorgeous multi-colored trees. Photo via Instagram user, Kathykatke

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Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a good place to keep busy. You can explore the campus of Central Michigan University, dine, and go shopping. It is a lively and fun area to look at the sights of fall. Photo via Instagram user, mtpleasantcvb

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Suttons Bay
Brightly colored houses, a historic shopping district, and Michigan wine country tours, all can be found in the town of Suttons Bay. Surveying the changes of the luscious landscape while on the bike trails or nature trails is a must. Photo via Instagram user, Sherri.patterson

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Bellaire
With two large parks, Bellaire is a nice spot to go camping and enjoy the fall. If you want to go downtown, make sure to visit the courthouse. The historic landmark has recently been restored and is an interesting part of the town’s history. Photo via Instagram user, lllizzie

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Leland
Leland is on a piece of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. It’s a lovely place to walk around and visit the shops, museums, and galleries while taking in all the beauty nature has to offer. Photo via Instagram user, Carriefilm

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Cheboygan
Possessing three rivers, three lakes, and more than 40 miles of inland boating, Cheboygan is a boater’s paradise. Not only that but it has state parks and trails for you to visit and explore. Photo via Instagram user, Thekatenik

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Cadillac
Cadillac is a prime location for hunting, fishing, hiking, or boating. The city’s bike and nature tails are magnificent in the fall. The town even has fall color routes you can take for optimal viewing experience. Photo via Instagram user, Imagesbycandis

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Lewiston
Located in the northeast area of Lower Michigan is Lewiston. The town is surrounded by 40 other lakes, most of which, can be nice areas to sit and enjoy nature. After enjoying the sights at the lakes, one can find nice eateries in town. Photo via Facebook

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Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor offers a lot more than just peace and quiet. It provides great spots for camping and excellent viewing pleasures from the shoreline of Lake Superior. Which is sure to make watching the coming of autumn all the more memorable. Photo via Instagram user, Crewser32

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Port Austin
If going to a city doesn’t sound ideal to you for foliage watching. You can always travel to Port Austin. Port Austin is a village in Huron County and can prove to be a great spot for leaf gazing. In addition to that, there is also a quaint village of shops and restaurants one can enjoy. Photo via Portaustinarea.com

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Rogers City
The scenic parks, lighthouses and shorelines make Rogers City a must visit destination. It’s a city to get away from the worries of everyday life and relax. Photo via Facebook

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Boyne City
Boyne City has outdoor activities year around, no matter the season. It’s a great place to golf in the summer, a fun place to snowmobile in the winter, and an exceptional city to visit in the fall. Photo via Facebook

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