Michigan U.P. Wins Best Fall Colors in America Again

Michigan's incredible fall colors will soon be on full display! While our state is packed with incredible autumn views, one region just proved once again that it dominates the national stage.

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In the latest USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll, 20 destinations across the nation were chosen by an expert panel as ideal spots for leaf peeping in the U.S. After a public vote, the results are in—and the crown stays in the Mitten State!

U.P. Pulls Off the Three-Peat as Best Fall Colors in America

Since 2020, Michigan's Upper Peninsula has consistently ranked in either first or second place nationwide. It took the #1 spot in 2024 and in 2025... and now it's pulled off a three-peat!

America has spoken and once again crowned the U.P. as the best for fall colors.

With 7 million acres of dense forest framing the shores of three Great Lakes, it’s easy to see why the U.P. is widely considered the best spot for fall foliage in the country.

👇BELOW: 8 UNFORGETTABLE CHAIRLIFT RIDES YOU CAN TAKE THIS FALL IN MICHIGAN FOR PRIME LEAF PEEPING👇

USA Today highlights that the Upper Peninsula boasts 10 designated fall color routes covering roughly 1,500 miles, making it prime territory for scenic autumn drives and leaf-peeping road trips.

Peak Leaf-Peeping Dates and Top Scenic Stops in the U.P.

According to uptravel.com, peak fall color season in the U.P. is usually the last week of September and the first two weeks of October.

Pure Michigan lists these six scenic stops in particular to check out fall colors:

Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise
Fayette Historic State Park in Garden
Threefold Vine Winery in Stephenson
Kitch-iti-kipi in Manistique
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon
Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor

8 Unforgettable Michigan Fall Chairlift Rides to Take in 2026

Taking a scenic chairlift ride is one of the best ways to experience peak leaf-peeping season in Pure Michigan. Ski resorts across the Lower and Upper Peninsulas open their lifts throughout September and October (some start as early as May) offering breathtaking, bird's-eye vistas of red, orange, and gold foliage, sweeping lake views, and unique autumn events.

Whether you're planning a northern Michigan weekend getaway or a UP road trip, here are 8 incredible chairlift rides to add to your 2026 fall bucket list.

Gallery Credit: Janna