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:

 

The fall season is an ideal time for the Circle Tour. Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the natural wonders of the world in its full glory. The Lake Superior Circle Tour Fall Colors are waiting for you!