Fall Foliage Road Trips: The Best Scenic Drives Near Traverse City

If you’re visiting Northern Michigan in the fall, you’re in for stunning seasonal views. The rolling hills, scenic highways, and lakeside towns around Traverse City come alive with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. Whether you’re staying at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa or exploring the region for the day, these nearby scenic drives highlight the very best of Michigan’s fall colors.

Peak color typically appears from mid to late October, depending on the weather, so plan your trip accordingly for the most vivid scenery.

^{Old Mission Peninsula}

^{Just a 15-minute drive from the Resort, Old Mission Peninsula offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region. The 19-mile drive along M-37 leads you north through rolling vineyards, orchards, and forests bursting with fall color. Plus, it’s all bordered by the shimmering waters of Grand Traverse Bay. Stop by local wineries such as Brys Estate, Chateau Chantal, or Mari Vineyards to sip local wines while overlooking the foliage-covered hills. If the weather’s mild, relax on a patio and soak up the crisp fall air before continuing north to the Mission Point Lighthouse for a quiet lakeside walk.}

^{M-22 Coastal Drive}

A trip to Northern Michigan isn’t complete without a drive on M-22. This 116-mile loop winds along Lake Michigan’s shoreline through charming small towns and wooded stretches full of color in the fall.  Stop in the charming towns of Suttons Bay, Northport, and Glen Arbor to shop local boutiques, enjoy a cozy lunch, or simply experience the charm of each spot. In the fall, this drive is arguably the best place to see fall colors in Michigan. 

^{If you’re interested in making the full trip along M-22, learn more about the route here.}

^{Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore}

^{Located right on the M-22 route, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore combines dune landscapes with incredible fall foliage and lake views. Less than an hour from the Resort, it’s an easy day trip packed with beauty. Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.5-mile loop featuring forested roads and panoramic overlooks. Stop at Overlook 9 and 10 for sweeping views of the dunes cascading into Lake Michigan.}

^{Leelanau Peninsula}

Also along M22, the Leelanau Peninsula is a beautiful drive of cute towns and scenic wineries. Stop through Suttons Bay, explore the Leelanau wine trail, or just enjoy the drive up the peninsula. 

^{One can’t-miss stop is Leland’s Fishtown, a historic fishing village tucked along the Leland River where it meets Lake Michigan. Known for its wooden shanties, fishing tugs, and smokehouses that line the docks, Fishtown is the perfect place for a day trip. Browse local shops, enjoy a sandwich from The Village Cheese Shanty, and walk to Van’s Beach for beautiful lake views before heading back.}

^{Surround Yourself in the Fall Foliage at the Resort}

^{No matter which route you explore, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa makes the perfect home base for a cozy fall getaway. Enjoy on-site dining, relaxing spa treatments, or a round of golf surrounded by color-changing trees. There’s no shortage of things to do in Traverse City in the fall when you stay at the Resort.}

^{Stay at the Resort}