Michigan U.P. Nominated for Best Fall Colors in USA Today Poll

Michigan's incredible fall colors will soon be on full display! While there are plenty of amazing spots to check out the changing leaves in the Mitten State, one region is once again competing for national recognition for its spectacular autumn scenery.

In a new USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice poll, 20 destinations across the nation were chosen by an expert panel as ideal spots for leaf peeping in the U.S. Now, it’s up to a public vote to determine the top ten.

U.P Once Again Competing For Best Fall Colors in America

Since 2020, Michigan's Upper Peninsula has consistently ranked in either first or second place nationwide—and it took the #1 spot in both 2024 and 2025. Now, the question is: can the U.P. pull off a three-peat?

👇BELOW: 30+ PHOTOS THAT SHOW FALL IN MICHIGAN IS UNMATCHED👇

With 7 million acres of dense forest framing the shores of three Great Lakes, it’s easy to see why the U.P. is widely considered the best spot for fall foliage in the country.

How and When to Cast Your Vote For the Upper Peninsula

USA Today highlights that the Upper Peninsula boasts 10 designated fall color routes covering roughly 1,500 miles, making it prime territory for scenic autumn drives and leaf-peeping road trips.

You can vote for the U.P. once per day through Sept. 7 at noon here.

Peak Leaf-Peeping Dates and Top Scenic Stops in the U.P.

According to uptravel.com, peak fall color season in the U.P. is usually the last week of September and the first two weeks of October.

Pure Michigan lists these six scenic stops in particular to check out fall colors:

Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise
Fayette Historic State Park in Garden
Threefold Vine Winery in Stephenson
Kitch-iti-kipi in Manistique
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon
Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor

30+ Photos That Show Why Fall in Michigan is Unmatched

Fall in the Mitten State is glorious time. There's apple picking, pumpkin carving, hayrides, all the animals you'll spot like deer and migratory birds—and of course the stunning fall colors.

The Upper Peninsula is often mentioned in national rankings as one of the most beautiful spots for fall foliage in the country, but truly, Autumn beauty abounds across the entire state.

Sure, we'd all love take a few hours and go on a scenic drive (or head to a fall chairlift ride) but sometimes you just can't getaway. Here are more than 30 photos of fall around Michigan for those times when you're stuck inside. Spot anywhere you've been?

Gallery Credit: Janna

Source: Can Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Go for the Three-Peat? Vote to Keep the U.P. at #1 for Best Fall Foliage

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