Fall means football in my book, but the season also brings vibrant colors. If you drive around Michigan during the fall months, chances are you’ll see shades of reds, oranges and yellows as far as the eye can see. It’s truly a beautiful time, even if you get distracted by all the great football on TV. So, what are some Michigan areas with gorgeous fall colors?

Chances are, no matter where you are in the state, a spectacular color show is close to you. As a lifelong Michigander (okay, I lived in Ohio for a summer, but other than that, all Michigan), I’ve put together a list of some Michigan areas with the most vibrant fall colors. View the tally below.

Michigan Areas with Gorgeous Fall Colors

Mackinac Island

It’s a no-brainer that Mackinac Island is one of the best tourist areas during the summer months, but the fall is a spectacular time to visit, too. This small island is very nostalgic and old-fashioned. In fact, you can’t even have motorized vehicles on the streets here. So, go back in time and view the wild colors this fall at this special spot. Oh, and it helps that you won’t run up against as many tourists in the fall, verses the summer months. That’s a bonus.

Holland

Each spring, thousands flock to Holland as a popular tourist spot, because of the city’s annual Tulip Festival. While Holland may be associated with spring and tulips, it’s also a lovely area to take in fall colors. The city is filled with colorful leaves and foliage during the autumn months. Moreover, Mt. Pisgah is a great Holland area with a special view of Lake Macatawa with its vast forests. It’s you’re an outdoorsy person, this is likely a good day trip for you.

Marquette

Let’s not leave the Upper Peninsula out of the fall fun. The U.P. actually has some of the most beautiful fall colors in all of Michigan. What’s more, if you want to see autumn foliage early, you’re best to head north, as their leaves change colors much earlier than in other areas of Michigan and the country. Marquette, located on the Lake Superior shores, is a great tourist area, offering lots of opportunities for leaf peepers.

Lansing

Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It’s a bit off the radar when it comes to fall colors, but if you’re in the area, driving around the capital and viewing the fall colors is a must-do activity. Another great area in Michigan to view fall colors is around the Michigan State University campus, which has glorious agriculture and, hence, fall landscapes.

Ann Arbor

If you’re more towards the east side of the state, then areas are Ann Arbor can be stunning during the fall months. While the University of Michigan’s campus doesn’t offer as much landscape as its rival, the Michigan State University campus, it’s still breathtaking in the fall. Moreover, if you had just outside the city of Ann Arbor, you’ll find plenty of fall foliage to take in.

If going to a football game to see the NFL in action is more your thing, find pricing trends here.