Michigan's Fall Guide

Highly Recommended

• Tour 1: The most popular choice among visitors.
• Tour 4: Best choice for a memorable experience.
• Boardman Lake Loop Trail: Walkable option (more details under fall activities)
  

Tour 1: Out on a Mission
The Old Mission Peninsula, extending nearly 20 miles into Grand Traverse Bay, offers a scenic drive through orchards, vineyards, and charming villages, with beautiful fall colors and views of the bay. Follow M-37 north from Traverse City, exploring vineyards and the historic village of Old Mission, then return via Bowers Harbor Road and Peninsula Drive for stunning bay vistas.

Length: About 45 miles, or a two-hour drive.

Tour 2: Southern Exposure
South of Traverse City, explore a scenic drive through forested hills, lakes, and farm towns, including Long Lake, Interlochen, and Boardman Valley. Start on Front Street, follow North Long Lake Road, and visit Interlochen before heading through Kingsley and Mayfield. Continue on Garfield Road, cross the Boardman River, and take Hobbs Highway to Rennie Lake Road, then return via River Road and East Silver Lake Road.

Length: About 55 miles, or over a two-hour drive.

Tour 3: The Hills are Alive
Entering Benzie County, you'll find charming villages and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline amidst forested, hilly terrain, ideal for stunning fall views and fresh air. Start from Traverse City on West Front Street and North Long Lake Road, passing Long Lake and Lake Ann. Continue on M-22 to see Sleeping Bear Dunes and Point Betsie Lighthouse, then head to Frankfort. From there, take M-115 to Beulah and Benzonia, jog south on US-31 to Thompsonville, and return to Traverse City via Lindy Road and Karlin Road, passing Interlochen along the way.

Length: About 90 miles, or over a two-hour drive.

Tour 4: Michigan's Little Finger
Explore Michigan’s scenic beauty with this 30-mile tour, including an optional loop, showcasing stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. Start on M-22 from Traverse City, heading north along West Bay to Suttons Bay, then continue through Peshawbestown, Omena, Northport, and Leelanau State Park. From Leland, take County Road 204 to Lake Leelanau, follow County Road 643 to Cedar, and then south on County Road 651 and M-72 back to Traverse City. For an extended route, visit Glen Arbor and the Sleeping Bear Dunes, enjoy the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and pass through Maple City and Cedar before returning to Traverse City.

Length: About 75 miles, or over a three-hour drive.

Tour 5: A Secret Splendor
East of Traverse City, explore the scenic beauty of Elk Lake, Torch Lake, and the Rapid River Valley, known for its Appalachian-like forested slopes. Drive north on U.S. 31 past East Bay, turn onto Ames Street in Elk Rapids, and follow it along Elk Lake and Torch Lake. Cross the Torch River, then head into Rapid City and continue east on Valley Road through the Rapid River Valley, stopping at The Seven Bridges and Rugg Pond. Finish your tour by heading west on M-72 back to Traverse City, where you'll enjoy views of Elk Lake and Lake Skegemog.

Length: About 45 miles, or over a two-hour drive.

Northern Lower Peninsula Peak Color Prediction: October 9 - October 16

The 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop Trail circles Boardman Lake just south of downtown Traverse City, offering an urban setting in the north and a wooded, mixed-surface path on the east. The southern and western sections feature bridges, boardwalks, lookout piers, fishing decks, and kayak launches.

Walk: The Boardman Lake Loop Trail is less than a twenty-minute walk from our hotel.

More Information and History >>

Relax at Chateau Grand Traverse's 'House of Riesling' Happy Hour with special deals on wine, seltzer, and small bites, available every weekday two hours before closing. Enjoy your experience in the tasting room, on the covered patio, or on the scenic Southwest-facing patio overlooking the vineyards and West Bay.

Drive: Chateau Grand Traverse is less than a twenty-minute drive from our hotel.

Address: 12239 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 4968

Downtown Traverse City welcomes children in costumes and their parents to trick-or-treat at participating stores throughout the area. Little ghosts and goblins are invited to join the fun!

When: October 26, 2024

Drive or Walk: Downtown Traverse City is less than a two-minute drive or seven-minute walk from our hotel.

Address: Front Street, Downtown Traverse City, 49684

The Bell's Iceman Cometh events will take place on the first Saturday in November, with the Ice Cycle Expo occurring the previous Friday at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The main event, the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge by Trek, features a 30-mile cross-country mountain bike race from Kalkaska to Traverse City, with over 5,400 participants and 300 children in 77 age divisions.

When: November 2, 2024

Drive or Walk: The events are less than a three-minute drive or thirteen-minute walk from our hotel.

Address: 521 South Union Street, Traverse City, 49684

Traverse City Beer Week: Celebrate the craft, cherish moments with friends and family, and enjoy the rest. Discover Traverse City's lively brewing scene through a self-guided tour of local breweries and restaurants. Check in with your passport at each stop for a chance to win prizes!

When: November 8 - 16, 2024

Discover A Very Cherry Passport: your ultimate guide to Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World! Explore local cafés, orchards, and landmarks while enjoying cherry-themed treats like pies, jams, and beverages. Delve into the region's cherry farming heritage and, after visiting five or more locations, enjoy a free slice of pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company.