Experience a Virtual Fall Color Tour in Leelanau County [PHOTOS]
Fall in the Mitten can mean many things: apple cider and donuts, seasonal Michigan craft beers, college football and tailgating, corn mazes and haunted houses, and of course, fall color tours.
Fall in Northern Michigan
For many of us who live in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, fall is a favorite time of year. After Labor Day, the air begins to cool and the days grow shorter. Hiking trails, favorite beaches, and scenic drives become quieter as summer residents and visitors return home.
As September gives way to October, the northern woods come alive with color, and it’s time to explore.
If you’re in Traverse City, your options for northern Michigan fall color tours are virtually limitless. Drive in any direction from downtown and within minutes you’ll find yourself winding through rolling hills and wooded valleys ablaze in yellow, orange, and red.
Northern Michigan Fall Color Tour in Leelanau County
For me, neighboring Leelanau County is a personal favorite. From M-22’s coastal splendor to overlooked back roads that lead to hidden vistas, the Leelanau Peninsula offers plenty of room to roam.
The plentiful sunshine and mild temperatures of the fall offer ideal conditions for capturing Leelanau’s beauty.
Heading west on M-72 from downtown Traverse City one sunny September day, I didn’t have to go far before spotting this stand of trees displaying a full spectrum of blazing color.
Virtual Fall Color Tour in Leelanau County [with photos]
Turning north toward Cedar, I stopped to photograph this ridge-line, which seems to deliver year after year. From there, I headed north with no particular destination in mind, and as usual, Leelanau did not disappoint.
This weathered farmhouse has certainly seen better days but is still standing strong against the elements.
The setting sun sets the fall foliage on fire at Boathouse Vineyards.
A Leelanau cherry orchard aglow in warm evening light.
Reflecting on the colors of fall at the Lake Leelanau Narrows.
Take your time and don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view.
A cemetery south of the Village of Lake Leelanau.
Turning down an unassuming dirt road can reap colorful rewards, like this scene in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
This Lake Michigan overlook is well off the beaten path but is definitely worth the trip.
Colorful hardwoods mixed with junipers and pines along Lake Michigan.
Brilliant colors at a historic farm in Port Oneida.
The red barn of the Olson Farm blends with the colors of fall along M-22.
This sturdy barn at the Dechow Farm in Port Oneida has seen more than a few fall seasons come and go.
The D.H. Day Farm along M-109 near Glen Haven is a favorite subject of photographers all year long but contrasts nicely with the warm hues of fall.
While a map and an itinerary can be great for a fall color tour in Leelanau County – or any Michigan locale – the best places are often those that are discovered on the way to no particular place at all. Get out and explore Michigan this fall – and don’t forget your camera!
More Fall Things to Do in Northern Michigan
While enjoying a fall color drive in Leelanau County is a great way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon, perhaps you’re looking for stops along the way or other fall fun in Northern Michigan? Be sure to check out the best Northern Michigan pumpkin patches, take a fall drive in the Tunnel of Trees, enjoy a scenic fall tour of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, or attend a local Northern Michigan fall festival!
Article and photos contributed by Nick Nerbonne in 2011
Just beautiful. We use to vacation there and your pictures bring a longing to be there again.