A Midwestern Fall Foliage Guide

When thinking of fall foliage, one tends to let their thoughts drift east. But the Midwest region offers their own variety and splashes of color, often against a cobalt blue sky and crisp waters. From a walk through the park to a scenic drive to canoeing and hiking and golf, there are many ways to enjoy the fall pleasures in these states.

Full of scenic byways, Minnesota has much to offer.

The North Shore Scenic Drive offers spectacular views of untamed wilderness unrivaled in the US. Coupled with breathtaking views of Lake Superior, this particular drive remains a favorite.

Hike along the 200 mile Superior Hiking Trail and enjoy the foliage and other spectacular surprises. Go onto the water for charter fishing, canoeing, and kayaking for a more unique perspective as you look back to shore. Or, take one of many biking trails and relish the serenity of the wilderness as you sit quietly beside the lake. Several of these trails are paved and make for a pleasant ride.

Go to Gooseberry Falls State Park and enjoy the popular cascading falls before striking out on your journey. With this "inland sea", mountains, and wilderness, Minnesota's fall colors heighten any outdoor experience.

Door County, Wisconsin. Money Magazine calls it "One of the top ten vacation destinations in North America". Named for the dangerous strait that runs between the Door Peninsula and Washington Island, this area is tucked into the extreme northeast corner of the state, yet offers everything. Golf, sailing, hiking, biking, fishing, terrific dining, arts and culture, you would be very hard pressed not to find a winner here. Fall foliage? You bet. Door County offers over one-hundred miles of back roads hiking and biking. For the more adventurous, bush-crash through the ecological hot spots and see what treasures lurk.

Newport State Park is ideal for backpackers. Wisconsin's only wilderness-designated state park, Newport is riddled with trails for both hiking and off-road biking, and has sixteen backpacking campsites.

Whitefish Dunes State Park - from wetlands to trails to walks along the shore, this area combines color with blue waters and white sand dunes. Check out the reconstructed village and naturalists programs.

The Ridges Sanctuary is a natural wildlife preserve. They host self-guided and naturalists-guided tours, children's activities, and is an Important Bird Area declared by the National Audubon Society. This 1600 acre preserve hosts "the largest concentration of rare plants in the Midwest".

Ahnapee Trail is a thirty-mile, flat stretch of road ideal for walking, biking, or horseback riding. In this area, failing to appreciate nature in all its glory is not an option.

Michigan is probably the best Midwestern state for color. Imagine standing beside a crystal clear lake underneath a brilliant blue sky, staring at a mirrored reflection of orange, russets, greens, yellows, and reds. With hundreds of harvest festivals, apple orchards, cider mills, wine tasting, and 30,000 miles of forest, autumn not only arrives in Michigan; it runs smack into it.

Lake Charlevoix - animals and birds hide in the morning mist, then emerge as the sun illuminates the fall colors and dazzling waters. This hour-long drive is best in the early hours. Climb sand dunes, explore the numerous hiking trails, and wade along the shore.

From early to late October, you can enjoy several other motor tours. Flint-Brighton-Bloomfield Hills is a 150 mile circle that takes you past museums, lakes, nature centers, and cider mills. The Au Sable River offers a unique view as you paddle down the waterway. Or travel down the lower peninsula to the Hillsdale-Homer-Sturgis communities, a 155 mile loop that takes you though the Amish country.

For a more unique way to enjoy the foliage, how about a round of golf? Many courses line the woodland areas, and the contrast of color with the greens and sand traps and waterways make for a view that just might distract you from your game.

There are many, many other places to visit. This list doesn't begin to scratch the surface. For more information, please check the links below.

www.minnesota.org
www.wisconsin.org
www.michigan.org
http://www.doorcounty.com/do/sightseeing-tours.aspx