Autumn anticipation accelerates
The wide canopy of a maple tree boasts leaves of vivid yellow, red and orange in a front yard on South Fifth Street in Escanaba on Monday, while the foliage of a nearby sawtooth aspen remains deep green. The contrasting colors caused by different species of tree reacting to weather changes at different times are what make the Upper Peninsula such an appealing destination for autumn leaf-peepers. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
A country road in the Upper Peninsula
Jacqueline Scott photographs a scenic tree-lined lane in Alger County in October 2024. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Motorcycles are seen parked just off a country road as their riders, two women residing in Delta County, walk to take in the colorful leaves during a past autumn. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Mount Bohemia and Mont Ripley both offer scenic chairlift rides for people looking to take in fall colors in the Keweenaw Peninsula. (Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw)
This map from Accuweather shows when peak fall colors tend to be seen acroos the country. This year, the U.P. will experience a slightly-later-than-average display of color. (Courtesy image)
The wide canopy of a maple tree boasts leaves of vivid yellow, red and orange in a front yard on South Fifth Street in Escanaba on Monday, while the foliage of a nearby sawtooth aspen remains deep green. The contrasting colors caused by different species of tree reacting to weather changes at different times are what make the Upper Peninsula such an appealing destination for autumn leaf-peepers. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
A country road in the Upper Peninsula
Jacqueline Scott photographs a scenic tree-lined lane in Alger County in October 2024. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Motorcycles are seen parked just off a country road as their riders, two women residing in Delta County, walk to take in the colorful leaves during a past autumn. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Mount Bohemia and Mont Ripley both offer scenic chairlift rides for people looking to take in fall colors in the Keweenaw Peninsula. (Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw)
This map from Accuweather shows when peak fall colors tend to be seen acroos the country. This year, the U.P. will experience a slightly-later-than-average display of color. (Courtesy image)
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UPPER PENINSULA -- “Patchy” color change of Upper Peninsula trees was reported for much of the region last week by the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association (UPTRA), a leading authority on tourism draws in the U.P.
Leaves begin to turn in the area toward the end of September and early October, so peak colors will be seen in the coming weeks.
A general rule of thumb is that the western end changes first, while the eastern U.P. sees transformation slightly later in the season. Early observations this September show that the pattern appears to be continuing. However, this year, the lack of much cold weather has pushed the autumnal displays back, meaning that 2026’s peak changes may happen later than average in the U.P.
UPTRA noted the following observations on Sept. 23:
– In the western U.P., partial and patchy color change was seen, with some reds and yellows emerging. Peak is expected the last week of September and the first week of October. “Some pops of color” were seen in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
– In the central U.P., Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette and Menominee Counties all had just “minimal to patchy” color change. Some maples are reflecting cooler weather by starting to turn. The best views are expected the first and second week of October.
– In the eastern U.P., peak isn’t expected to hit until the second week of October. Minimal color change was visible.
UPTRA updates their fall color report weekly, documenting the changing scenery throughout the season.
Surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior in a sort of micro-climate, the Keweenaw tends to see autumn colors first, and locals are preparing to welcome sightseers.
“Keweenaw Peninsula is beginning to show its autumn personality, with Copper Harbor throwing shades of yellow, sienna and red against a backdrop of evergreen forests and Lake Superior blues,” read a press release from Visit Keweenaw.
Houghton is gearing up for “Canal Colors Festival,” a new event planned for Oct. 1 through 4. Presented by Listen UP Radio, it is coordinated by Visit Keweenaw, Circle UP and The City of Houghton.
Specific locations may vary with Copper Harbor and Isle Royale peaking a bit later than areas farther south.
Several factors can affect the impressiveness of fall leaves. While temperature and sunlight are important determiners, leaves can also come down prematurely during rain and wind events, leading to disappointing views for people hoping to see trees full of colorful, chlorophyll-sapped leaves.
Often, the U.P. experiences a second tourist season during that period -- it can even be seen as an extension of the summer tourist season -- though some speculate that current high gas prices may keep some potential leaf-peepers from making long drives.