The Lake Superior Circle Tour is a year-round destination, but it is especially stunning in the fall, when the leaves change color and create a contrast with the blue water and the rocky cliffs. The fall foliage season varies depending on the location and elevation, but generally it starts in mid-September and lasts until late October. Here are some of the best places to see fall colors along the Lake Superior Circle Tour, as well as some websites that can help you plan your trip and track the peak color times.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains State Park, MI – Gregory Buss

The western part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes around Lake Superior. The fall color season here is usually earlier than other areas, peaking around late September or early October. You can expect to see a variety of trees, such as maples, birches, aspens, oaks, and tamaracks, displaying hues of yellow, orange, red, and gold.

Keweenaw Peninsula, MI – Barbara Treaster

Some of the highlights of this region are:

  • The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, where you can hike to scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and lakes, or take a chairlift ride to the top of a ski hill for panoramic views.
  • The Black River Scenic Byway, a 14-mile road that follows the Black River and its five waterfalls, each with its own trail and viewing platform.
  • The Keweenaw Peninsula, the northernmost tip of Michigan that juts into Lake Superior. Here you can visit historic copper mining towns, lighthouses, and museums, or drive up to Brockway Mountain for a spectacular vista of the lake and the surrounding forests.

Websites to plan your trip to this region:

Wisconsin

Autumn Bayfield, WI – Kathleen Pine

The fall color season in Wisconsin usually peaks in early or mid-October, depending on the location and weather conditions. You can see a variety of trees, such as maples, birches, aspens, oaks, and pines, displaying hues of yellow, orange, red, and gold.

Saxon Harbor, WI – Jodie Brucker Hanson

Some of the highlights of this region are:

  • Pattison State Park, where you can see the highest waterfall in Wisconsin, Big Manitou Falls, which drops 165 feet (50 m) into the Black River. You can also hike to Little Manitou Falls, which is 31 feet (9 m) high, or enjoy camping, swimming, fishing, and picnicking at the park.
  • Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where you can explore 21 islands and 12 miles (19 km) of mainland coast that feature stunning rock formations, sea caves, lighthouses, shipwrecks, wildlife, and cultural heritage. You can take a cruise, kayak, sail, or scuba dive to see the islands from different perspectives, or hike, bike, or camp on some of the islands.
  • Bayfield, a charming town that is known as the gateway to the Apostle Islands and the berry capital of Wisconsin. You can visit orchards and farms that offer fresh fruits and products, or enjoy festivals and events that celebrate the local culture and cuisine.
  • Ashland, a historic town that is located on the shore of Chequamegon Bay. You can see murals that depict the history and culture of the town on its downtown buildings, or visit museums and galleries that showcase local art and artifacts.
  • Copper Falls State Park, where you can see two impressive waterfalls, Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, that are carved by the Bad River and its tributaries. You can also hike along the Doughboys’ Nature Trail that follows the river gorge and offers scenic views of the falls and the forest.

Websites to plan your trip to this region:

  • Superior Trails Travel Planner, which offers detailed information on scenic drives, waterfalls, hiking trails, lodging options, and more along Lake Superior and other parts of the Upper Midwest.
  • Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report, shows the current percentage of peak color for each county in Wisconsin, as well as the projected peak color dates.

North Shore, Minnesota

Split Rock Lighthouse, MN Fall – Ruby Anderson

The North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota stretches from Duluth to Grand Portage, passing through charming towns, state parks, historic sites, and scenic overlooks. The fall color season here usually peaks in early or mid-October, depending on the elevation and weather conditions. You can see a mix of hardwoods and conifers changing color along the shore and inland hills.

Two Harbors Lighthouse, MN – Vicki Banning

Some of the highlights of this region are:

  • Gooseberry Falls State Park, where you can see the cascading waterfalls and the colorful river gorge.
  • Tettegouche State Park, where you can hike to the highest waterfall in Minnesota, the Shovel Point cliffs, and the historic Baptism River Bridge.
  • Grand Portage State Park, where you can view the Pigeon River Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, and learn about the Ojibwe culture and history at the Grand Portage National Monument.
  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is a scenic and historic place on Lake Superior. You can hike, camp, bike, picnic, and see the lighthouse that was built in 1910. The park has events and programs all year, but the lighthouse is only open from mid-May to mid-October.

Websites to plan your trip to this region:

Northern Ontario

Agawa Canyon Tour Train - Lake Superior Train Rides
Agawa Canyon Train Tour

The northern part of Ontario along Lake Superior is a wild and rugged area, with vast forests, rocky islands, and remote communities. The fall color season here usually peaks in late September or early October, depending on the latitude and weather conditions. You can see a range of trees, such as maples, birches, poplars, aspens, and pines, changing color along the lake and inland hills.

Kakabeka Falls, ON – Michelle Key

Some of the highlights of this region are:

Websites to plan your trip to this region:

Lake Superior Fall Colors Q&A

When is the best time to see fall colors around Lake Superior?

The best time to see fall colors around Lake Superior is generally from mid-September through late October, although peak color varies by location, elevation and weather conditions. Because the Lake Superior Circle Tour covers such a large area, excellent fall colors can usually be found somewhere along the route for several weeks.

When do fall colors peak on the Lake Superior Circle Tour?

There is no single peak date for the entire Lake Superior Circle Tour. The western Upper Peninsula of Michigan can peak in late September or early October, while Wisconsin, Minnesota’s North Shore and Northern Ontario may reach peak color at different times. Check current regional fall color reports when planning your trip.

Where are the best places to see fall colors around Lake Superior?

Some of the best places to see Lake Superior fall colors include the Porcupine Mountains and Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan, Bayfield and Copper Falls State Park in Wisconsin, Minnesota’s North Shore, and Lake Superior Provincial Park and the Thunder Bay area in Northern Ontario. Scenic roads, waterfalls, hiking trails and overlooks provide spectacular views throughout the region.

Which part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour gets fall colors first?

The western Upper Peninsula of Michigan is generally one of the first areas around Lake Superior to experience significant fall color. The Porcupine Mountains and Keweenaw Peninsula can begin changing in mid-September, with peak color often occurring around late September or early October.

Where can I see fall colors in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers some of the most spectacular fall scenery on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Popular destinations include Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Black River Scenic Byway, the Keweenaw Peninsula and Brockway Mountain. The combination of colorful forests, waterfalls and Lake Superior views makes this an excellent fall road-trip destination.

Where can I see fall colors in Wisconsin?

Some of the best places to experience fall colors in Wisconsin along Lake Superior include Pattison State Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield, Ashland and Copper Falls State Park. Visitors can combine fall foliage with scenic drives, waterfalls, hiking, shoreline views and charming communities.

Where can I see fall colors on Minnesota’s North Shore?

Minnesota’s North Shore is one of the most scenic places to experience fall colors around Lake Superior. Popular destinations include Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Grand Portage State Park, where colorful forests meet rugged cliffs, waterfalls and Lake Superior shoreline.

Where can I see fall colors in Northern Ontario?

Northern Ontario offers spectacular fall colors along the Lake Superior shoreline, particularly around Lake Superior Provincial Park, Sault Ste. Marie and the Thunder Bay area. Lake Superior Provincial Park is especially scenic, with colorful hardwood forests, rocky landscapes and views of Lake Superior.

How long does fall color last around Lake Superior?

Fall color can last for several weeks across the Lake Superior region, although peak color at an individual location may last only a short time. Different areas reach peak color at different times, making the Lake Superior Circle Tour a great destination for an extended fall road trip.

Where can I check current Lake Superior fall color conditions?

Fall color conditions are reported by tourism organizations, state agencies and provincial parks throughout the Lake Superior region. Helpful resources include the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report, Minnesota DNR Fall Color Report and Ontario fall colour resources. Checking current reports before your trip can help you find areas approaching or experiencing peak color.

Plan Your Lake Superior Fall Adventure

Fall is an ideal time to experience the Lake Superior Circle Tour, with colorful forests, scenic roads, waterfalls, rugged shorelines and breathtaking views around the lake. Whether you explore one region or make the full Circle Tour, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of autumn.

Ready to plan your fall adventure? Use the Lake Superior Online Trip Planner and the Lake Superior Circle Tour Adventure Guide to choose your destinations and start planning your trip around Lake Superior. The colors are waiting!