Calendar of Events and event list for the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan.
FALL COLORS
For many travelers, autumn is their favorite time to visit the Keweenaw. As the summer temperatures wane, the Keweenaw’s landscape experiences a vibrant change from a sea of green to waves of orange, red and gold. The dramatic change happens a little earlier up here than in many parts of the country because of our cooler climate, so pack your best flannel(s) and come experience the Keweenaw in its full fall glory.
Because of the micro-climate created by Lake Superior and the peninsula’s northern location, the Keweenaw’s fall colors usually peak between the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. Specific Keweenaw locations may vary with Copper Harbor and Isle Royale peaking a bit later than areas farther south.
TIPS FOR YOUR KEWEENAW FALL COLORS TOUR
TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE
The Keweenaw is filled with beautiful scenic sites, so this suggestion isn’t all that creative. But there are some scenic drives along our highways that will take your breath away. You’ll be rewarded with soul-stirring views of Lake Superior and plenty of opportunities to hop out of the car and explore.
Be sure not to pass on Brockway Mountain Drive between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor. This little road off M-26 winds up 720 feet to the top of Brockway Mountain. On a clear day you can see for miles. The view is one of the best in the Upper Peninsula.
The Covered Drive is an 18-mile segment of US-41 where the colorful canopy creates a “tunnel of trees.”
HIT THE TRAILS
Whether its by foot, bike, ATV, or paddle, the Keweenaw’s hundred of miles of recreation trails are a great way to experience fall colors. Choose your preferred form of transportation and grab a map to explore the area.
CHASE WATERFALLS
Waterfalls are rejuvenated in the fall months thanks to the extra precipitation in September and October. The rushing waters are framed by the beautiful fall colors minus those pesky mosquito that are a nuisance in the spring.
Oak and maples surrounding Hungarian Falls make this a perfect fall hiking destination.
TAKE IN A LAKE SUPERIOR SUNSET
Autumn offers all the amazing sunsets of summer, so a lot earlier! While the cooler temperatures may prevent you from sticking your toes in Lake Superior, you can still enjoy a s’more or two along the beach as you watch the sun slip below the horizon. You’ll be amazed as the blue sky changes to deep shades of orange, red, pinks and purples. For the best views, head to the western side of the peninsula. Find a beach here.
GO STAR GAZING
Visit the Keweenaw’s International Dark Sky Park! With earlier sunsets, come more stargazing opportunities. Thanks to the Keweenaw’s incredibly low level of light pollution, the night’s sky is much clearer than in many other parts of the Midwest. Combine that with our northern location, you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Make sure to check out our top tips for experiencing the Keweenaw’s dark skies.
Earlier sunsets mean longer nights and more stargazing opportunities in the Keweenaw.
Fall Itineraries & Guides
Fall 2 months ago
360-Degrees of Fall Colors
Embrace the natural beauty of Saint Paul by visiting these top spots for leaf peeping.
There’s no need to drive north for hours to see beautiful trees ablaze with oranges and reds. Saint Paul is central to exciting destinations where the leaves are on full display—and they do not disappoint. Try these local spots for a day of outdoor fun, good food, and other fall activities.
Explore Como
Credit: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Head north of Saint Paul to Como Regional Park for a day of fun, exploration, and even some learning. Start the day with breakfast at Colossal Café and energize with the Greek Frittatas, Sage Pork and Bison Biscuits and Gravy, or a classic breakfast sandwich. Take your coffee to go and walk the 1.67-mile path surrounding Como Lake for a beautiful autumn scene on the water. Stop for lunch at Cozy’s Pub at Como Golf Course, where you can look over the rolling greens and surrounding fall color while sitting on the patio or with a seat next to the towering windows.
Next, continue your walk on the trails through the park, or make your way to the Como Zoo & Conservatory, where leaves aren’t the only plants on display. The Fall Flower Show dazzles in the Sunken Garden at Como Zoo, where visitors can gaze at perfectly cultivated chrysanthemums. Dinner is served on the water at Dock & Paddle in the Como Lakeside Pavilion, featuring daily happy hours and mouthwatering house specials.
Experience Fort Snelling
Experience a piece of Minnesota history at Fort Snelling State Park. Located between Minneapolis and Saint Paul where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers converge, visitors have the opportunity to see a plethora of changing leaves along the hiking trails. When you get hungry, Agra Culture Kitchen in Highland Park is ready to welcome you with elevated breakfast bowls and burritos along with raw juices and smoothies.
Start your day of leaf peeping by exploring the loop around Snelling Lake, or taking in river views on a 1-, 2-, or 3-mile loop around Pike Island on the Big Rivers Regional Trail. Cyclists also enjoy hitting the trails that start at Fort Snelling and connect with the 51-mile long Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. Historic Fort Snelling is a sight to see in the fall, particularly because of its storied location near the rivers. Continue to learn about Saint Paul’s history with dinner at DeGidio’s, a cozy, Italian restaurant and bar founded by Joe “Kid Bullets” DeGidio—a bootlegger who at one point operated 12 stills in the Saint Paul area.
Fall Color in the Garden
Foliage color starts in mid to late September with such notable plants as dogwood, maple and katsura tree. Color increases in early October with golden hues from hickories, ashes and beech and red from black gum.
Late October to early November is traditionally the height of our fall color with vivid yellows from tulip-poplar and hickories, russet tones from beech and oak and reds from black gum and dogwood. Color is echoed on the woodland floor by spicebush, fern and other wildflowers.
Follow us on Instagram @winterthurgarden for frequently updated blooming information.
| Location | Color | Time of Interest |
| March Bank, Glade | ||
| Aster divaricatus (White Wood Aster) | White | September |
| Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) | Yellow | October |
| Tricyrtis cvs. (Toad-lily) | White, Lavender | September-November |
| Viburnum dilatatum (Linden Viburnum) | Red Fruit | September-winter |
| Magnolia Bend | ||
| Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) | Lavender, Silver Stems | July-October |
| Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (Plumbago) | Blue, Foliage Color | July-October |
| Symplocas paniculata (Sapphire Berry) | Blue Fruit | September, October |
| Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ | Foliage Color | November |
| Enkianthus perulatus | Foliage Color | November |
| Winterhazel Walk | ||
| Corylopsis spp. (Winterhazel) | Foliage color | October-November |
| Rhododendron mucronulatum (Korean R.) | Lavender | October-November |
| Pinetum, Sundial | ||
| Viburnum spp. and cvs. | Foliage color | October |
| Spiraea prunifolia (Bridal Wreath Spirea) | Foliage color | October |
| Chaenomeles spp. and cvs. (Flowering Quince) | Yellow fruit | October |
| Malus sargentii (Sargent Crabapple) | Red fruit | October |
| Fothergilla spp. and cvs. | Foliage color | October-November |
| Sycamore Hill | ||
| Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed) | Foliage Color | August – winter |
| Schizachyrium scoparum (Little Blue Stem) | Foliage Color | August – winter |
| Aster spp. and cvs. | White, Blue | September, October |
| Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood) | Red Fruit, Foliage Color | September- November |
| Viburnum nudum ‘Winterthur’ (Smooth Witherod) | Fruit and Foliage Color | September-November |
| Cotoneaster salicifolius | Red Fruit, Foliage Color | September-winter |
| Stewartia spp. | Foliage Color | October, November |
| Amsonia hubrectii (Bluestar) | Foliage Color | October, November |
| Oak Hill | ||
| Colchicum spp. and cvs. (Autumn Crocus) | Lavender | September, October |
| Callicarpa spp. and cvs. (Beauty Berry) | Lavender Fruit | September- December |
| Viburnum spp. and cvs. | Red and Yellow Fruit, Foliage Color | September- December |
| Poncirus trifoliata (Hardy Orange) | Yellow Fruit | September- November |
| Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood) | Red Fruit, Foliage Color | September- November |
| Sternbergia lutea (Fall Daffodil) | Yellow | October |
| Euonymus bungeana (Winterberry Euonymus) (corner of the research building) | Foliage Color | October |
| Enchanted Woods | ||
| Aster divaricatus (White Wood Aster) | White | September |
| Cimicifuga acerina (Bugbane) | White | September |
| Callicarpa spp. and cvs. (Beauty Berry) | White, Lavender Fruit | September- December |
| Viburnum dilatatum cvs. (Linden Viburnum) | Yellow, Red Fruit | September- winter |
| Hamamelis virginiana (Witchhazel) | Yellow, Foliage Color | October, November |
| Tricyrtis cvs. (Toad-lily) | Lavender | October, November |
For further information, see The Winterthur Garden: Henry Francis du Pont’s Romance with the Land, by Denise Magnani (New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1995).
