Best Time for Michigan Lower Penninsula Fall Colors

I will be visiting my two sons who live in southwestern Michigan in the fall and want to time it for the fall colors. I realize that optimum conditions are variable as they are here in North Carolina but what would be a likely time to plan for? I will be able to travel anywhere in the Lower Penninsula. Thanks!

Bill,

Peak color here in southwest MI is normally around mid October. Farther north, in the Traverse City area, it comes about a week earlier. If you have the time, you can enjoy quite a show between here and there. Hopefully this year will be better than last!

Hey Bill - as a follow up to Toni's message, I caught peak fall color in the extreme northern part of the LP in the first full week of October last year. There was a substantial difference between the Petoskey/Mackinaw City area I was in versus the color further south. I'd say that a visit in the time frame Toni mentions will almost certainly give you color somewhere in the LP, assuming you are OK with some driving!

CJ

Thanks Toni and Christoper. I live in Kalamzoo for twenty years but just couldn't remember the best time frame. I'll probably plan on the sencond week of October and plan to drive to wherever it is best. Thanks so much.

Bill,

Kalamazoo used to be my stomping grounds too until I moved about 1.5 hours north to the Grand Haven area. If you happen to be in my neck of the woods this fall, let me know.

Bill:

There are 2 covered bridges just east of Grand Rapids over the Flat River which are always beautiful in early/mid October.

Toni, David and Cindy, Thanks for your input. David thanks for the tip about the covered bridges. Toni and Cindy, I'll post here again when I get nearer the time and have my plans firmed up. I really appreciate all your help.