Our area of northern Michigan is nationally famous for fall color. To help you see it up close and personal, we’ve mapped out 5 color tours that take you through our most spectacular scenery. (Of course, you’re always welcome to hop in the car and explore on your own, too).

Tunnel of Trees Tour

This tour from Harbor Springs to Cross Village has earned nationwide acclaim and is an all-time favorite with our visitors. It takes you along Lake Michigan, through magnificent forests and right past the base of the Mackinac Bridge. For a map and written turn-by-turn directions, view our Fall Color Guide.

Circle Lake Charlevoix Tour

Maybe you’ve read that USA Today has rated Lake Charlevoix the #2 Most Beautiful Lake in the Country. Now imagine it surrounded by northern Michigan fall color. This tour lets you see it all. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore sand dunes, hiking trails and the beach. For a map and written turn-by-turn directions, view our Fall Color Guide.

Jordan River Valley Tour

This tour offers spectacular scenic overlooks that let you take in a kaleidoscope of brilliant color for as far as the eye can see. Rolling hills and towering hardwoods provide the perfect environment for enjoying fall color at its very best. For a map and written turn-by-turn directions, view our Fall Color Guide.

Surf and Turf Tour

You can cover this tour in about 45 minutes. But those 45 minutes are packed with views and vistas you’ll remember for a lifetime. This “can’t miss” drive will lead you past beautiful Lake Charlevoix and some of the most picturesque farms you could ever imagine. For a map and written turn-by-turn directions, view our Fall Color Guide.

Tri-County Tour

This tour starts off with amazing views then just keeps getting better and better. Soon after you make the final turn onto US 131 that takes you back to Petoskey, you’ll crest a hill and get a view of Little Traverse Bay that will blow you away. For a map and written turn-by-turn directions, view our Fall Color Guide.

After your tour

When your tour has ended and it’s time to stretch your legs, the Petoskey Area will continue to amaze you. You can visit a craft brewery or winery, browse through a farm market, take a chairlift ride or go on a zipline adventure. Click here to view our Fall Guide with all the info you’ll need.

Stay Awhile

Choose from quaint country inns, luxurious condominiums, and modern, full-service hotels. Click here for more information on area lodging.

{{cta('653c37e8-dba1-412b-b24f-a37155417f80','justifycenter')}}

About the author

Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.