Looking for the best fall color in the Midwest? From the northern trails of Minnesota and Michigan to Illinois here are the best Midwest destinations for fall color from hiking trails to cozy towns:

why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’ve lived all over the Midwest working as an outdoor guide and travel writer. Helping folks get outside and explore the Midwest is my favorite thing to do, and I’m stoked to show you some of my favorite places for fall color in the region!

Oh hey there! This blog uses affiliate links. That means if you chose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Best Fall Color in the Midwest: Hiking, Cabins & Harbor Towns

When chasing fall color in the Midwest there are a few important things to keep in mind! Different trees peak at different times, and even different peaks and valleys will peak differently. For example near the Great Lakes, you’ll notice that trees near large bodies of water like Lake Superior or Lake Michigan will peak later than trees farther inland; this is important when planning your route. For example, the Sleeping Bear Dunes area will peak about a whole week later than the neighboring Manistee National Forest.

This is all good to keep in mind when planning your Great Lakes fall color getaway!

1) Lutsen Highlands, Minnesota

For the earliest fall colors in the Midwest start over on the North Shore of Minnesota. In the cozy town of Lutsen, a ridge runs along the Superior Hiking Trail over Lake Superior, and the maples along the trails here reliably change as early as the last week of September.

Here, you can hike Oberg Mountain, Lutsen Mountains and the Poplar River Valley and Caribou Lake Overlook and catch the earliest fall color show. Whether you’re looking to cruise the backgrounds, ride the gondola above the ski hill, or hike high up above picturesque lakes, the Lutsen Highlands are the perfect place to spend your fall color trip.

This area can be super crowded as fall colors peak! Consider having a backup plan for most hikes in case trailheads are full; most areas ask that visitors avoid parking on the sides of roads. Another common problem in this area as fall color rush comes in is hikers leaving trash, including used toilet paper, on trail. Remember that all trash including toilet paper needs to be packed out. Toilet paper takes years to biodegrade, and apple cores and orange peels can attract bears to trails, leading to trail closures.

READ: Best Things to do on the North Shore, Minnesota

2) The Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

If you’re looking for rolling hills, waterfalls, and unique geology head over to the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois. Typically fall color in southern Illinois is best in late October and early November.

Personally, I think the best place to visit in Hocking Hills is the Garden of the Gods, which is an overlook of the forest with unique geology sticking out above the forest. The nearby campground is first-come, first-serve and makes for a great basecamp for a fall color trip in the Shawnee, but keep in mind the campground fills early.

I also recommend visiting Rim Rock trail, Jackson Falls and High Knob Overlook.

READ: Weekend Guide to the Shawnee National Forest

3) Apostle Islands National Lakeshore & Bayfield, Wisconsin

While Bayfield and the Apostle Islands are best known as a kayaking destination, Bayfield also has several beautiful hiking trails for fall colors and the harbor town itself makes for a very cozy, Gilmore Girls-esque fall color destination.

I recommend hiking the Lakeshore Trail followed by Lost Creek Falls . The Lakeshore Trail is most dramatic during windy days, when you can watch waves crash up the cliffs and experience sea spray. Luckily, there are plenty of windy dramatic days in the fall!

Kayaking tours will be shut down for the season by the time the colors begin to pop in the Apostle Islands due to cold water temperatures and rough lake conditions. But not to worry! There are plenty of other great hiking trails for fall color in the Bayfield Peninsula. For adorable cabins, check out the South Shore A-Frame, Bayfield Fruit Loop Retreat, or Seagull Bay Motel.

READ: Ultimate Guide to the Apostle Islands

4) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is another excellent Midwest fall color destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and ranges in peak from early October to mid October. Remember that different tree species peak at different times, so no matter when you go you’re unlikely to find every tree ablaze.

Similar to the Apostle Islands, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will not be open for kayaking by the time the colors peak. Instead, hit the trails! I recommend the easy walk to Munising Falls, the Grand Sable Dunes, and hiking around Beaver Basin out to Spray Falls.

READ: 30 Things to do in the Pictured Rocks

5) Charlevoix, Michigan

By mid-October you can find some beautiful fall color in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and one of the best under-the-radar harbor town destinations is Charlevoix. In this adorable harbor town you can find a lighthouse, cute coffee shops, and beautiful scenic fall color views.

For the ultimate midwest fall cabin getaway, check out Retreat North tiny cabins. For the best fall color views near Charlevoix, head over to Avalanche Mountain. Also worth checking out is the area around the Mackinaw State Forest and Torch Lake, where you can find a lot of shorter hiking trails along with the Jordan River Pathway. Find out more in the Ultimate Guide to visiting Torch Lake, Michigan.

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6) Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Hocking Hills is on my Midwest fall color bucket list still! So far, I haven’t been able to pull off a trip, but when I do here are the hikes and places I want to hit:

• Cedar Falls
• Ash Cave
• Old Man’s Cave
• Conkle’s Hollow

READ: Best Things to do in Hocking Hills

7) Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

The Sleeping Bear Dunes are one of the best places in the Midwest for fall color. Here, you can expect the fall color to change a little later than other regions, near the end of October with the last reaches of color sometimes lingering as late as Halloween.

There are so many great things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, whether you choose to cruise the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive, hike the Alligator Hill Trail, or head south to Inspiration Point and the Arcadia Dunes you’re sure to find gorgeous fall color. Keep in mind you will need a national park pass to access many of these trails, and remember that it is extremely important to stay on trail in fragile dune environments.

READ: Best Things to do Sleeping Bear Dunes

8) Grand Marais, Minnesota

If you’re looking for a sleepy harbor town way up north, check out Grand Marais, Minnesota. Here you can find a cornucopia of cozy cabin stays, fall color hikes with big pay offs, great restaurants, unique experiences and more.

I recommend around the first week of October for visiting Grand Marais at peak fall color. Some areas will skew earlier and some later, but that will give you roughly the best of both worlds. While visiting, check out Sisu and Loyly Nordic Sauna, Pincushion Mountain Hiking Trail, and Cascade River State Park.

READ: Best Things to do Grand Marais, Minnesota

9) Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

One of the coolest places to see fall color in the Midwest in the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. Here, you can find both short hikes to overlooks and waterfalls as well as longer hikes and backpacking routes.

Personally, my favorite fall color spots in the Porcupine Mountains are Lake of the Clouds overlook, Escarpment Ridge, Mirror Lake and Summit Peak. Check out a map of the Porcupine Mountains here. I visited the Porkies in mid-October 2024 and was genuinely overwhelmed by how incredible the fall color here was. For a nearby off-grid basecamp, check out Dreamwood Wildness Refuge.

READ: Best Things to do in the Porcupine Mountains

10) The Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

Another great place in Michigan for early fall color is the Keweenaw Peninsula. This is as far north as you can go in Michigan before you reach the heart of Lake Superior, surrounded by water on most sides, and it’s a beautiful place for fall color.

I recommend visiting Takka Saunas, Mount Baldy, driving and hiking Brockway Mountain and grabbing drinks at Cliff View Bar. Personally, my favorite thing about visiting the Keweenaw Peninsula is all of the wonderful picnic spots and roadside pull-offs. While there are most definietly good hiking trails, it’s a really great spot for folks looking for beautiful spots to visit without necessarily having to hike for it.

READ: Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula

11) Duluth, Minnesota

If you’re looking for an urban adventure meets outdoor fall color haven, check out Duluth, Minnesota. There are hotels of all price ranges in Duluth, all sorts of breweries, restaurants and shops, and great hiking, waterfalls and more not far outside of town making Duluth a really great place to basecamp.

In Duluth, check out Duluth Gear Exchange, Dovetail Cafe, Hungry Hippie Taco and Bent Paddle Brewing. Walk down to the Lift Bridge and if you’re lucky, watch ships coming in and out of Duluth Harbor. For another great Duluth experience check out Cedar and Stone Sauna.

For great fall hiking, check out Lester Park near by, or head up the North Shore to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Other great fall hikes near Duluth include Jay Cooke State Park and Ely’s Peak. If you have more time and are ready for a day trip, I highly recommend Tettegouche State Park for some of the best fall color in the Great Lakes.

READ: Best Hiking near Duluth, Minnesota

12) The Wisconsin Northwoods

For a less crowded but equally beautiful fall color getaway in the Great Lakes, check out the Wisconsin Northwoods. Here you can visit spots like Pattison State Park, Amnicon Falls State Park and Copper Falls State Park.

Beyond the excellent Northwoods State Parks, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and North Country National Scenic Trail also offer a lot to explore! My fall color hiking recommendations for the Wisconsin Northwoods include Morgan Falls and St. Peter’s Dome, Juniper Rock Overlook and Corrigan’s Lookout.

READ: Wisconsin Northwoods Waterfall Road Trip

13) The Great River Road

Wisconsin’s Great River Road is a gorgeous destination for fall color in the Midwest! The Great River road is a scenic drive that you can start along the St. Croix River on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and the entire route is within a few hours drive of Minneapolis.

My favorite scenic stops for fall color along the Great River Road and placed I’d recommend stopping are, from north to south are Interstate State Park on the St. Croix River, Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls, Willow River State Park, Maiden Rock Bluff, Five-Mile Bluff, Perrot State Park, Great River Bluffs State Park and Grand Dad Bluff Park.

READ: Best Hiking on Wisconsin’s Great River Road

14) The Driftless Region, Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Driftless Region is a beautiful network of river bluff and valleys that were untouched by the most recent glacial period leading to stunning rock rolling hills and interesting geology throughout the region. Typically the Driftless will see peak fall color around the last week of October.

My favorite destinations in the Driftless Region are Blue Mounds State Park, Devil’s Lake State Park and Ferry Bluff State Natural Area. The Driftless Region is a short drive from Madison, Wisconsin, and stretches into northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota as well, but the area around Devil’s Lake tends to be the most popular for fall color visitors.

READ: Best Hiking in the Driftless Region

15) Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for a unique and hidden gem fall color destination in the Midwest, consider heading to Wyalusing State Park in southwestern Wisconsin. Wyalusing State Park is located on the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers and is full of great hiking, a few caves, and some stellar car camping spots on the Wisconsin Ridge.

Just across the Mississippi, check out Pike’s Peak State Park for more scenic views along the Mississippi. To the south, check out Nelson Dewey State Park.

READ: Best Fall Color in Wisconsin

What to pack for fall hiking in the Midwest:

Great Lakes fall days can be hot while evenings can be quite cold, even with frost especially the farther north you travel. Consider packing…

• Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
• Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature 
• Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt  and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
• If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie
• A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
• Leggings with pockets!!! 
• A solid day hiking pack
• On rugged trails, trekking poles
• Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
• A solid raincoat
• Binoculars for watching wildlife
• If camping, a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
• State and national park passes! Often times these can be purchased at visitor’s centers in person.

READ: What to Wear Hiking for Beginners

Love planning your perfect fall Midwest fall getaway? Add to your route with these hiking guides!

• Find the five best places for fall color on the North Shore
• Check out seven spots for fall color in Northern Michigan
• Flesh out your perfect road trip with the best Great Lakes travel destinations

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