Experience Fall Color Tours in Michigan's Paradise

Yes, as I write these thoughts,  it is only June.  Snow has been gone in the Paradise area only since May 10.  At least that is the case in my yard.  I know it hung around in the woods north of us for a few more days.  So, why am I  already talking about Fall Color Tours?  Because some of you are already making plans to experience Fall Color Tours in Michigan's Paradise.  
 

Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, October 2017

That's right, reservation requests for September and October are already coming in across the wires. I wanted to give the rest of you a head's to be thinking about the cooler weather of fall; plan to experience the colors of that season.  Why not?  Paradise is located in an ideal location for some of the best colors in the Upper Peninsula, voted one of the top locations in the country by one or more surveys.  The Hiawatha National Forest is located south of Paradise and the Tahquamenon Falls State Park has Paradise hemmed in to the West, then of course there is the incredible Lake Superior to the north and east of Paradise.

Crossing the Mighty Mac Bridge gets a fall color drive started out right.  You will catch state road M-123 north of St. Ignace, Michigan, exit 352 on I-75.  Follow M-123 north of Trout Lake to Paradise; there is abrupt turn just past the railroad.  You will be amazed at the colors that are splashed across the trees throughout your trip.  Probably the best colors are from September 28 through October 22.  Weather is a factor, you can play it safe and follow the weather predictors, but then you might miss scheduling your favorite place for a couple of nights in Paradise.  At M-28, M-123 becomes the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. 

Tahquamenon Scenic Byway at Graham's Hill

Traveling north of M-28 you'll connect with the Curley Lewis Scenic Byway or the National Whitefish Scenic Byway.  Some resources had said at one time or another that the Curley Lewis or Lake Shore Drive just south of Whitefish Bay that meanders among the hard wood trees of the Hiawatha National Forest and M-123 north of that intersection all the way to Whitefish Point was all a part of the National Whitefish Scenic Byway.  For us locals, we can see the connection.  After all, it hugs Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay shoreline.

While you are in Paradise there are several points of interest to put on your agenda:  Tahquamenon Falls State Park both the Upper and Lower Falls.  Hike the North Country Scenic Trail along the Tahqua Road and follow the wilderness river, Taquamenon for breath taking, photo opportunities. Just in case you would like to see some of the activities in the Paradise area this fall to supplement your visit: The Tahquamenon Wilderness Canoe Race is Saturday, September 15.  This race is sponsored by the Michigan Canoe Racing Association.  Oswald's Bear Ranch is open until October 1 but the Shipwreck Museum is open through October 31.  (The Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Service is November 10.)     The Haunted Trail is October  12 and 13, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers a Harvest Festival, October 13 and the Shipwreck Museum offers a Run for the Light (10k Run and 5k Run/Fun Walk) the 13th as well. 

Whitefish Point Light Station

There are three lighthouses in the immediate area:  Whitefish Point Light Station, Crisp Point Lighthouse, and Point Iroquois Lighthouse.  The colors of the trees, the blue skies and the blue waters are breathtaking.  Exploring the history of these treasures seems well suited to a fall trip.  In your dining options, you must stop for a Black Bear Stout brew at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub, often known locally as Camp 33.  This is a micro brewery that captures the essence of each season; you might even want to try a Harvest Wheat Ale while enjoying grilled Whitefish.  The Inn, Gastropub & Smokehouse offers a UP north rustic Cuisine with a slow, southern drawl. The Berry Patch puts up a great Lumberjack breakfast and pasty, while the Silver Creek Grill & Pub just south of Paradise on M-123 offers a Friday night fish fry that is a local favorite.

Have you made plans to Experience Fall Colors in Michigan's Paradise?  If you haven't, we invite you to look over your schedule and plan a couple of days in September or October to get unplugged, and reconnect with the rhythm of the planet.  Once you have your schedule in mind, reach out to one or our finest accommodations and schedule a comfortable place to relax and unwind! You won't regret making those plans today.