Where Are the Best Places to See Fall Colors in Midland, Bay City, Frankenmuth, and Saginaw, MI?

Where are some unique & relaxing places to see fall color in Michigan?

There are plenty of one-of-a-kind ways to take a fall color tour in Michigan when you Go Great Lakes Bay, including: wandering through the colorful treetops on the United States' longest canopy walk at Dow Gardens in Midland or relaxing on a boat ride through the fall foliage with Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips, Frankenmuth FunShips, Bavarian Belle Riverboat, or Bay City Boat Lines.

Where are some of the best places to enjoy the fall foliage in Midland, Michigan?

Dow Gardens With meandering streams, winding paths, and architectural bridges, slow down to savor the sights, sounds, and scents of fall. Get a bird's-eye view of autumn beauty from the nation's longest canopy walk, hovering as high as four stories in the forest treetops, drenched in color.
Chippewa Nature Center Venture out to an arboretum with over 100 species of Michigan-native trees & shrubs, all in full fall color! With 19 miles of leaf-lined trails, drop in at the kayak launch or climb the observation tower for marsh views.
Midland City Forest Find gorgeous fall color at this 520-acre hardwood & pine forest. Bring your mountain bike or hiking shoes and join bikers, runners, equestrians — and anyone who enjoys fresh air & leaf-peeping!
- Insider tip: stop into Ray’s Bike Shop on-site to try out (Salsa, Surly, Trek...) bikes on the trails.
Dahlia Hill Wander through picturesque terraces and row-upon-row of bursting blooms. Experience a kaleidoscope of color from 340 dahlia varieties across 3,000 tubers!
Pere Marquette Rail Trail Listen to twigs snap and colorful leaves crunch while exploring this scenic, 30-mile paved trail that winds through autumn's beauty.
The Tridge Discover autumn hues from a three-legged pedestrian bridge at the confluence of two rivers! Walk or bike across, and savor the scenery with a picnic on the river bank.
Nor'East Outdoors Float through picturesque fall landscapes on a pre-set paddling trip along the calm waters of the Chippewa River.

Where are some of the best places to enjoy the fall foliage in Frankenmuth, Michigan?

Frankenmuth FunShips Enjoy a one-of-a-kind boat ride through the autumn foliage. Unwind aboard a 12-passenger tour boat and relish in the hues, or experience fall colors — and flavors — while on a Wine & Chocolate River Tour!
Bavarian Belle Riverboat Float in tranquility down the tree-lined Cass River. See a spectacular fall color show from the water, and learn about the history & architecture of Michigan's Little Bavaria aboard this 150-passenger vessel.
Frankenmuth Aerial Park Take your color tour to new heights with six unique ropes courses for ziplining & climbing! Pause at each platform to take in the brilliant hues all around you, and feel the rush as you zipline through the fall-tinted trees.
Fantasy Carriage Company & H&H Acres and Carriage Service Climb in, cover up with a cozy blanket, and let the clip-clop of horses’ hooves rhythmically lead you along leaf-lined streets. Travel through Michigan's Little Bavaria, and enjoy views of abundant seasonal decor.
Frankenmuth Kayak Adventures Reserve your single or double kayaks in advance to paddle along the Cass River's calm waters, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves.
Bavarian Inn Holz Brücke Soak up fall scenery from a covered bridge made entirely out of wood! Marvel at the beautiful craftsmanship and the world of autumnal beauty on either side of the picturesque Cass River.
Grandpa Tiny's Farm Get lost and find your way back to the farm, through towering stalks that line a puzzling corn maze! Sip cider & enjoy sweet donuts, pick a pumpkin from the patch, pet & feed farm animals, and experience rural heritage in the heart of Frankenmuth.

Where are some of the best places to enjoy the fall foliage in Bay City, Michigan?

Bay City State Park Stoke the campfire and relax into autumn. See wildlife play under the canopy of color, or take your kayak or paddleboard for a spin on Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay. Watch waves roll up on the beach, and wrap up in cozy blankets with unforgettable views all around.
Tobico Marsh Climb two observation towers inside Bay City State Park, each overlooking 2,000 acres awash with autumnal colors! Spot wildlife amidst marsh foliage while wandering the scenic trails.
Bay City Boat Lines Board the Princess Wenonah to experience autumn glory! Watch the hues change along the bank as you float your way through fall on a relaxing Saginaw River Guided Tour.
Bay City Boat Rental Rent single or tandem kayaks, available self-serve, and spend a peaceful afternoon floating along the Saginaw River, wrapped in fall splendor.
Bay City Area Riverwalk/Railtrail With downtown cityscapes to waterfront boardwalks, enjoy this 21-mile, multi-use path that circles around the city and stretches north to Bay City State Park.

Where are some of the best places to enjoy the fall foliage in Saginaw, Michigan?

Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips Soak up the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge on a fall color ecotour! See deer drinking from streams, bald eagles diving & fishing, and egrets at leisure as you boat through the "Everglades of Michigan,” alive with fall color, alongside your expert guide.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Discover radiant hues & wildlife sightings! Enjoy fall scenery along the Woodland and Ferguson Bayou trails, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles & migratory birds — but watch for special trail closures during hunting season.
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail Walk, bike, or wonderfully wander this 11-mile stretch of smooth, flat, scenic paved trail — and enjoy relaxing beneath the colorful canopy.

Things To Do

Favorite Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Farms in the Great Lakes Bay

Enjoy a leisurely hayride, get lost in corn fields, find future jack-o-lanterns, and indulge in the quintessential combo of fall — cider & donuts — when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan!

Navigation Options

Best Places to See Fall Color in the Great Lakes Bay