Michigan lakeshore drives to take in September

September in Michigan feels like nature’s soft exhale. The heat of summer has slipped away, and the crisp touch of fall begins to stir along the lakeshores. Trees shift from deep green to rich shades of amber, crimson, and gold, painting the edges of the water in glowing light.

Driving the state’s lakeshore routes in September is an experience unlike any other. The roads bend past wide open waters, sleepy harbor towns, and endless forests ready to burst into fall color. With fewer crowds than summer, it feels like the perfect moment to take the long way home.

There’s also a sense of tradition to these drives. Families return year after year to catch the first wave of color, stopping at farm stands, apple orchards, and lighthouse overlooks. Each route feels familiar yet new, a reminder of how Michigan reinvents itself with every season.

Let’s hit the road and see where Michigan’s September beauty takes us.

The timeless pull of M-22 along Lake Michigan

M-22 is Michigan’s crown jewel when it comes to fall drives. Winding around the Leelanau Peninsula, this stretch follows Lake Michigan’s shoreline with sweeping views of sandy bluffs and gentle waves. September makes the route even better as cooler air sharpens the lake’s color while maples and oaks start glowing red and gold.

The road leads past quiet towns like Glen Arbor and Leland, where apple orchards and wineries sit just off the roadside. These spots are perfect for a quick stop, a glass of cider, or a basket of fresh fruit to bring along. Travelers also find hidden beaches tucked behind dune paths, where the horizon feels endless.

What makes M-22 so special is how the landscape constantly shifts. One moment you’re cruising past tall dunes, the next through a canopy of trees starting to show their fiery change. It feels like Michigan’s lakeshore magic concentrated into a single drive.

The Tunnel of Trees north of Harbor Springs

Few roads feel as enchanting as the Tunnel of Trees, officially known as M-119. Stretching from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, this narrow, winding road hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline beneath an arch of hardwoods. In September, the leaves turn just enough to cast warm light across the pavement, creating a storybook effect.

The drive itself is slow, partly because of its tight curves but also because you want it to be. Along the way are small overlooks that open suddenly to lake views. There are also roadside shops and cafes where travelers can pause and soak in the peaceful setting.

By the time you reach Cross Village, you feel like you’ve stepped into another time. This drive is less about speed and more about savoring the closeness of nature. The way the lake peeks between the trees makes September here unforgettable.

US-2 along the Upper Peninsula shoreline

For those who want wide open skies and endless water views, US-2 along the Upper Peninsula delivers. Running from St. Ignace toward Manistique, this highway follows the northern shore of Lake Michigan. In September, the air is brisk, the beaches are quiet, and the early color change in the forested edges gives the drive a wild beauty.

Many travelers pull over at the sandy turnouts along US-2. You can park just steps away from the lake, walk the shoreline, and feel the cool water against your feet. It’s a stretch that balances open water with deep forest, showing off the Upper Peninsula’s untouched charm.

The best part is how uncrowded it feels compared to summer. As you drive west, the land feels more remote, the towns smaller, and the sky wider. September light makes the lake sparkle, giving this route a sense of calm that lingers long after you’ve moved on.

The quiet beauty of Lake Huron’s Sunrise Side

While Lake Michigan often takes the spotlight, Lake Huron’s shoreline holds its own quiet treasures. The Sunrise Side, as locals call it, stretches from Oscoda through Alpena and beyond. Driving this route in September means watching the first colors arrive earlier than the west side, thanks to the cooler nights.

Highways like US-23 follow the lakeshore closely, offering wide views of the water. Small lighthouses mark the way, including Tawas Point and Sturgeon Point, where you can climb the towers and see the patchwork of colors spread across the forest. These stops add a sense of discovery to the journey.

What makes Lake Huron special is its calm pace. The towns are smaller, the beaches quieter, and the drives less crowded. September mornings bring soft pink sunrises over the lake that stay with you long after you’ve left.

Inland escape through the Huron-Manistee National Forests

Not every scenic drive hugs the water. For travelers wanting to see Michigan’s inland colors at their peak, the Huron-Manistee National Forests offer winding routes that cut through miles of hardwoods. In September, the trees here shift quickly, turning entire stretches into tunnels of glowing gold and orange.

Roads like M-37 and county backroads make this region a favorite for color drives. The air smells of pine, and the quiet feels different from the lakeshore bustle. Every bend brings another canvas of color, making it a photographer’s dream.

Camping and hiking are also options here, with trails leading off the main routes. Even if you just stay in the car, the rolling hills and endless trees remind you how vast Michigan’s forests really are.

The rugged wonder of the Porcupine Mountains

At the far western edge of the Upper Peninsula lies the Porcupine Mountains, or the Porkies as locals call them. The drive into this region alone feels like stepping into another world. September is the beginning of fall here, with maples and birches showing off earlier than the rest of the state.

Routes within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park wind past rivers, waterfalls, and overlooks that open to Lake Superior. The Lake of the Clouds overlook is a must, especially in late September when the trees below start their fiery show. From above, it looks like a living painting stretching for miles.

Driving through the Porkies is a reminder of Michigan’s raw, untamed side. The roads are slower, the distances longer, but the sense of wonder is unmatched. September is when the crowds thin, and the wilderness feels like it belongs only to you.

TL;DR

• September in Michigan offers both lakeshore drives and inland escapes, blending water views with vibrant early fall colors.
• M-22 delivers the perfect mix of dunes, forests, and charming small towns along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
• The Tunnel of Trees near Harbor Springs creates a magical canopy where lake views peek through golden leaves.
• US-2 in the Upper Peninsula balances remote beaches and deep forest, offering a calm September journey.
• Lake Huron’s Sunrise Side charms with lighthouses, quiet towns, and glowing September sunrises.
• Huron-Manistee forests turn into glowing tunnels of color that showcase Michigan’s inland beauty.
• The Porcupine Mountains give rugged wilderness drives where waterfalls and Lake Superior views meet early autumn brilliance.

If you liked this, you might also like:

Visiting Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula for a true summer wilderness escape

Why Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is trending with adventure seekers in 2025

This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.