If you’re searching for the best fall color tours in Michigan, Manistee is an ideal place to start. Located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Northwest Michigan, Manistee gives fall travelers access to two very different kinds of scenic drives: a coastal route along M-22 and an inland route through the forests and river country of the Manistee National Forest.

That means you can spend one day following Lake Michigan through colorful coastal towns and another surrounded by hardwood forests, rivers, trails, and scenic back roads.

Instead of trying to fit everything into one long day, make Manistee your home base for a fall weekend or extended getaway. Boardwalk Vacation Rentals offers more than 70 homes and condos throughout the area, making it easy to settle in and explore at your own pace.

You can also browse available Manistee vacation rentals here.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ROUTES IN MICHIGAN FOR A FALL COLOR TOUR?

For travelers exploring Northwest Michigan, two of the best fall color routes begin and end in Manistee:

The Manistee County Coastal Fall Color Loop follows the Lake Michigan shoreline north from Manistee through Onekama, Arcadia, Frankfort, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the Leelanau Peninsula before returning to Manistee. The complete route is approximately 225 miles.

TAKE THE MANISTEE COUNTY COASTAL FALL COLOR TOUR

The Manistee County Coastal Fall Color Tour begins in Manistee at the gateway to M-22 and heads north along the Lake Michigan coastline.

According to the official Manistee County Coastal Loop guide, the route travels through Onekama, Arcadia, Frankfort, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor, Leland, Northport, and Suttons Bay before looping back toward Manistee.

At approximately 225 miles, you can tackle the entire drive in a day, but we think it is even better when you slow down and make plenty of stops along the way.

START YOUR FALL COLOR TOUR IN MANISTEE

Manistee is the recommended starting point for the Coastal Loop and offers plenty to enjoy before you even head north.

Spend some time along the Lake Michigan shoreline, visit the lighthouse, stroll downtown, stop for lunch, or browse local shops before beginning your drive.

Both the Coastal and Inland Fall Color Loops begin and end in Manistee, making it a convenient home base for travelers who want to explore several parts of Northwest Michigan during one trip.

STOP IN ONEKAMA

Just north of Manistee, Onekama offers a beautiful introduction to the coastal route.

The official color tour guide recommends stopping for local food and boutique shopping and visiting Glen Park Mineral Springs. The short walk to the springs is surrounded by colorful fall scenery, making it an easy addition to your drive.

ENJOY THE VIEWS IN ARCADIA

Arcadia is one of the standout stops for fall scenery and photos.

The Coastal Loop recommends several places to explore, including:

• Arcadia Marsh Trail
• Arcadia Overlook
• Old Baldy Trail

These areas offer beautiful combinations of wooded trails, changing leaves, elevated views, and Lake Michigan scenery.

EXPLORE FRANKFORT AND POINT BETSIE

Continue north toward Frankfort, where downtown leads right toward the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Spend some time exploring local shops and restaurants before heading toward Point Betsie Lighthouse, one of the most recognizable landmarks along this stretch of coast. The official route highlights both Frankfort and Point Betsie as popular stops during fall color season.

EXPERIENCE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES IN THE FALL

From Frankfort, continue north toward Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

This section of the trip combines colorful hardwood forests with dunes, inland lakes, and dramatic Lake Michigan overlooks.

The Coastal Loop includes several hiking and photo opportunities throughout Sleeping Bear Dunes, including Empire Bluff Trail, Sleeping Bear Point Trail, Pyramid Point, and scenic overlooks along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.

Even a short stop can add incredible scenery to your Michigan fall road trip.

CONTINUE THROUGH GLEN ARBOR, LELAND, AND SUTTONS BAY

Farther north, the route leads into some of Leelanau County’s best-known communities.

Glen Arbor sits in the heart of Sleeping Bear country, while Leland is home to historic Fishtown, where boutiques, galleries, specialty food shops, and the area’s commercial fishing heritage come together.

Suttons Bay adds even more shopping, galleries, dining, and opportunities to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a Northern Michigan fall trip.

The broader Coastal Loop also features more than 20 wineries and tasting stops, giving couples and groups another reason to slow down and make the drive part of a multi-day getaway.

DON’T MISS THE INLAND FALL COLOR ROUTE

The coastline may get much of the attention, but Manistee County’s inland forests create an entirely different fall experience.

The Inland Loop travels approximately 180 miles through the heart of the Manistee National Forest and across four river systems.

This route is a great option for travelers who prefer quiet forest roads, rivers, hiking, and a more secluded Northern Michigan experience.

It is also helpful to know about both loops because fall colors do not always peak at the same time along the shoreline and inland.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE FALL COLORS IN MANISTEE?

October is typically the month to watch for peak fall color in Northwest Michigan, but exact timing varies from year to year depending on temperatures, rainfall, and other weather conditions.

The inland forests generally begin changing before the Lake Michigan shoreline, so travelers visiting earlier in the season may find stronger color farther inland, while later visitors may have better luck closer to the coast.

Because peak color can shift from year to year, we recommend checking current fall color reports as your trip gets closer rather than planning around one exact weekend.

The advantage of staying in Manistee is that you have access to both the inland and coastal routes, giving you more flexibility to follow the best color during your visit.

STAY IN MANISTEE AND EXPLORE THE BEST FALL COLOR ROUTES

A fall road trip is much more enjoyable when you do not have to rush.

Instead of driving the entire route and heading straight home, stay a few nights in Manistee and explore the area at a more relaxed pace.

Boardwalk Vacation Rentals offers vacation homes and condos throughout the Manistee area, including waterfront properties, cottages, condos, and larger homes for families and groups.

Boardwalk Vacation Rentals is also included among the recommended places to stay in the official Manistee County Coastal Fall Color Loop guide.

Spend the morning exploring M-22, stop for lunch and shopping along the way, take a hike, watch a Lake Michigan sunset, and then return to a comfortable place to relax.

SEARCH AVAILABLE MANISTEE VACATION RENTALS

FALL IN MANISTEE IS ABOUT MORE THAN THE COLORS

Fall is one of the best times to slow down and experience a different side of Manistee.

Beyond scenic drives, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, shopping, seasonal dining, local farms and markets, golf, and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy the quieter pace along Lake Michigan.

The official Coastal Loop guide even highlights fall activities including hayrides, cider, corn mazes, golf, dining, and other seasonal experiences throughout the region.

TAKE A FALL HIKE

Some of the best fall views happen after you park the car.

The Coastal Loop provides access to a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes.

The official guide highlights trails including:

• Arcadia Marsh Trail
• Old Baldy Trail
• Empire Bluff Trail
• Sleeping Bear Point Trail
• Pyramid Point
• Good Harbor Trail

Whether you want a quick scenic walk or a longer hike, there are plenty of ways to surround yourself with fall color instead of simply viewing it through the windshield.

STOP AT FARMS AND FALL MARKETS

No Michigan fall road trip is complete without a few seasonal stops.

The Coastal Loop identifies a number of farms and markets around the Pierport area between Manistee and Arcadia, giving travelers opportunities to add fresh produce, local products, and classic fall flavors to their trip.

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN MANISTEE

Save time to enjoy Manistee itself.

Walk downtown, explore local shops, enjoy lunch or dinner, stroll along the waterfront, or head toward Lake Michigan for an evening sunset.

Fall brings a quieter pace to the area, making it a great season for couples, friends, and families who enjoy exploring without the peak summer crowds.

ENJOY FALL FOOD, WINE, AND LOCAL FLAVORS

Food and drink can easily become part of your fall color tour.

The Coastal Loop includes restaurants, markets, bakeries, breweries, and more than 20 winery and tasting opportunities along the broader route.

Instead of viewing the drive as simply a route from Point A to Point B, plan time for the stops in between.

Those often end up being the best part of the trip.

IS MANISTEE WORTH VISITING IN THE FALL?

Yes — especially if you are looking for a Michigan fall getaway that combines Lake Michigan, scenic drives, forests, hiking, small towns, dining, and comfortable vacation rentals.

Manistee’s location gives you access to both the M-22 Coastal Loop and the forests and river country of the Inland Loop.

You do not have to choose between a Lake Michigan fall road trip and a Northern Michigan forest getaway.

You can experience both.

PLAN YOUR FALL COLOR GETAWAY TO MANISTEE

If you are wondering what the best routes in Michigan are for a fall color tour, start in Manistee.

Explore the Coastal Fall Color Loop along Lake Michigan and M-22, head inland through the Manistee National Forest, and give yourself enough time to stop for trails, overlooks, small towns, shopping, food, and those unexpected roadside views that make fall road trips memorable.

Then return to Manistee, relax, and decide where tomorrow’s drive will take you.

Explore Boardwalk Vacation Rentals or browse available Manistee vacation homes and condos to begin planning your fall getaway.

For additional trip planning, visit the Manistee County Fall Guide and the Manistee County Coastal Fall Color Tour.