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2024 Fall Colors

Midwest

2024 Top 10 Favorites for Fall Colors

Happy Fall Y'all! There is nothing better than watching all the chancing Fall colors. Take a look at our 2024 favorites for watching the colors change in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

 


 

1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, MI

33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon MI, 49953-9087 | (906) 885-5275 | Website
Fondly known as "the Porkies," Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park includes 60,000 park acres, 35,000 acres of old-growth forest, 1.6 miles of Lake Superior shoreline, miles of roaring rivers and waterfalls, 90 miles of trails, and loads of seasonal recreation activities. Being Michigan's largest state park, the scenic vistas make it a popular destination for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, and more. Some park attractions include the Lake of the Clouds, the Presque Isle River corridor, Summit Park observation tower, Porcupine Mountains Winter Sport Complex, fall chairlift rides, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

 


 

2. Rib Mountain State Park, WI

3080-3134 State Park Rd, Wausau, WI 54401 | (715) 842-2522 | Website
Rib Mountain State Park is one of the oldest geological formations on earth. This billion-year-old hill is one of the most popular day-use recreation parks in North Central Wisconsin. This park is popular for the 13 miles of hiking trails, picnicking, shelters, hunting, and winter activities, including groomed snowshoe trails, snowmobile trails, and adjacent Granite Peak Ski and Snowboard Area. Offering spectacular views of the Wausau area and Wisconsin River, Rib Mountain State Park is a must-do for your Fall color watch list.

 


 

3. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, IL

150 miles stretching from Ottawa, IL south of Havana, IL | Website
The 150 miles of the Illinois River Road corridor stretches from Ottawa, IL to Havana, IL. Including 100 natural and historic sites, each community is unique and includes activities such as birding, hiking, fishing, wineries, breweries, museums, and seasonal fun. Be sure to check out their specific "Fall Fun and Color" guide with specific stops along the byway for color watching.

 


 

4. Hocking Hills State Park, OH

19852 State Route 664, Logan, OH 43138 | (740) 385-6842 | Website
Stunning in every season, Hocking Hills State Park is a natural and internationally acclaimed State Park located in Southeastern Ohio. Some of the features include rocky towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, deep gorges shaded with hemlock trees, crystal-like ice formations in Winter, beautiful wildflowers in Spring, and colorful foliage in the Fall. Visitors will fall in love with the natural beauty of Hocking Hills. Check out their full lineup of Fall events!

 


 

5. Lake Bemidji State Park, MN

3401 State Park Road Northeast, Bemidji, MN 56601 | (218) 308-2300 | Website
The perfect playground for all seasons, Lake Bemidji State Park is conveniently located within the town of Bemidji, MN. Created 10,000 years ago by receding glaciers, the park is home to swamps, tamarack bogs, rock formations, unique native plants, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreations, including fishing, swimming, birdwatching, boating, hiking, picnicking, camping, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and seasonal events. Be sure to check out their Fall color gallery!

 


 

6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI

9922 Front Street Empire, MI 49630 | (231) 326-4700 | Website
A world-renowned destination from the Great Lakes region, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore, MI is easily the most impressive site along all of Lake Michigan! With extensive 217.9 miles of hiking, camping, climbing, water, and sightseeing opportunities both on the mainland and the two accompanying islands, there is plenty to see. Our favorite trail is the Shauger Hill Trail. Weaving from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the trail ascends to the 1,066' dune overlook with Westward views over Lake Michigan... the perfect sunset photo location in Sleeping Bear Dunes. This scenic park is just one of the many picturesque locations along M-22, so pack a bag and plan to explore the rest of Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan.

 


 

7. Shawnee National Forest, IL

50 Hwy 145 South Harrisburg, IL 62946 | (800) 699-6637 | Website
In the southern tip of Illinois lies 289,000 acres of the Shawnee National Forest. Here you will find vast forests, wetlands, canyons, bluffs, and unique geological features nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Camping, hiking, water activities, nature viewing, horseback riding, and outdoor learning are just some of the popular activities. Take a fall color drive through the park, which is intersected by the Ohio River National Scenic Byway and Great River Road. Be sure to plan stops at area highlights such as the Pomona Natural Bridge Trail, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, and Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area.

 


 

8. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

15610 Vaughn Road Brecksville, OH 44141 | (440) 717-3890 | Website
Just outside of Cleveland and Akron, sits Cyuahoga Valley National Park. The meandering Cuyahoga River is a lifeline to the lush forests, green hills, farmlands, native plants, and wildlife that call this area home. Features of the park include striking Fall colors, rushing waterfalls, 125 miles of hiking trails, scenic train ride, outdoor recreation, and seasonal events. Check out their trip planner guide and start planning today.

 


 

9. Cook County - North Shore, MN

116 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604 | (218) 387-2524 | Website
Encompassing the Minnesota towns of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Protage, the North Shore along Lake Superior is a premier destination to view fall colors in Minnesota. Starting in September, the leaves begin to change in the Superior National Forest. Hit the trails and enjoy the show of reds, yellows, and oranges combined with the crisp air of Northern Minnesota. Your Fall planning guide awaits! 

 


 

10. Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN, 46304 | (219) 395-1882 | Website
The Indiana Dunes National Park is the most extensive geological record in the entire world! Over time, the wind and waves have shaped the land, and left a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana Lake Michigan coastline. Throughout the park's 15,000 acres, visitors will find over 50 miles of trails leading through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny praries, and lush wetlands. Plant and wildlife diversity provides interest all year long, coupled with a wide range of activities - beaches, biking, bird watching, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, historical sites, horseback riding, picnicking, and stargazing.

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