Manistee Fall Color
The ULTIMATE fall color guide to Northern Michigan fall color! See the Inland LoopSee the Coastal LoopLoops
Communities
Lighthouses
Miles
Explore our 2 Manistee Area Fall Color Loops
As summer begins to fade away, the days become a little shorter, hints of fall hues begin to adorn the trees, and Manistee transforms to the perfect destination for an up north fall getaway. Imagining the perfect way to spend the day exploring our shoreline locale, we have curated a guide encompassing the best fall experiences in our region.
Coastal Loop
225 Miles of Fall ColorThis year, we will be bringing your LIVE updates each week along the coastal loop. Here is the latest coastal fall color update!
Color Status Along The Route
October 19, 2024 Update: We are officially PAST PEAK along the coastal route. We had a wonderful fall color season and although you’ll still see color here and there, the leaves are beginning to fall. We hope to see you this winter!
Duration: 1-2 Days
Start Location: Manistee
Scenic Overlooks: 6
Miles Travelled: 225
Enjoy fall color along the Lake Michigan coastline as you meander your way through numerous coastal communities that are the picture perfect definition of Pure Michigan. Beginning at the gateway to M-22 in Manistee, you will traverse through markets, trails and historic sites as you make your way north through Onekama, Arcadia and Frankfort. Continuing north, you will reach the outdoor recreation playground – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, voted the ‘Most Beautiful Place in America’ by Good Morning America.
Here you fill find stunning overlooks and ideal landscapes before continuing further north to historic Fishtown (Leland), Northport and Suttons Bay. As you swing back south through wine country, you can sample all that the 20+ wineries in the Leelanau Peninsula have to offer before returning back to Manistee.
Foodie & Drink Stops
1. TJ’s Pub
Nestled in the Garden Level of the TJ Ramsdell Building, TJ’s Pub is a Downtown landmark and home to a massive Michigan Craft Beer selection, but also an excellent dining establishment. With many craft beer selections rotating seasonally, the occasional tap takeover, and various flight boards ready to quench your thirst, this is an ideal spot to enjoy a local craft beer any day of the year, along with tasty food. MAP IT!
2. North Channel Brewing Company
Located along the Manistee River, Manistee North Channel Brewing, is the perfect setting to enjoy craft brews and great food, while just steps away from Manistee’s downtown shops. North Channel Brewing weaves a little of Manistee’s history into everything they do in their hip, industrial-style factory setting. You may even catch a freighter moving through the channel as you take in views of the historic downtown. MAP IT!
3. Ketch 22 Kafe
Located in Arcadia Mich., Ketch 22 Kafe is a delightful gourmet food truck that creates authentic American cuisine with a creative culinary twist. It serves just the right bite, and worthy of its amazingly scenic location on picturesque Route M22. MAP IT!
Coastal Loop Fall Favorites
Scenic Air Tours
Orchard Beach Aviation provides breathtaking views of the fall foliage surrounding Lake Michigan beaches (Manistee and Portage Lake), over the Manistee National Forest, and surrounding areas. Two routes are available: Downtown Manistee and the Lake Michigan shoreline or the M-22/Portage Lake area. Choose either one for $40 per person. These tours are available all October from the Manistee County Blacker Airport. Call (231) 723-8095 to book your trip and learn more here!
The Ghost Ship
Come aboard the haunted S.S. City of Milwaukee (aka the Ghost Ship), if you dare! Perfect for ship lovers and Halloween enthusiasts, this historic car ferry transforms into the most epic and thrilling haunted house. Docked on Manistee Lake, this attraction consists of 5 decks and takes about 25-45 minutes to complete. The Ghost Ship is open Friday and Saturday nights in October, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Cost is $12 per person and kids 6 and under are free. Learn more about the famous Ghost Ship!
Purple Paintbrush
Who doesn’t love customizable fall decor? At the Purple Paintbrush, select your favorite fall pottery pieces and let your creativity do the rest! This is an activity that is perfect for all ages and skill levels. Drop-in pottery painting is open Wednesdays-Saturdays or schedule a private painting party for larger groups. Be on the lookout for fall themed painting parties! See more to do at the Purple Paintbrush here.
Inland Loop
180 Miles of Fall ColorThis year, we will be bringing your LIVE updates each week along the inland loop. Here is the latest inland fall color update!
Color Status Along The Route
October 19, 2024 Update: We are PAST PEAK along the inland route! Thank you for joining us this fall and we hope you continue to visit Manistee County throughout late fall and winter!
Duration: 1-2 Days
Start Location: Manistee
Scenic River Crossings: 4
Miles Travelled: 185
Make your way inland and enjoy the fall color through the dense hardwoods of the Manistee National Forest. Mother Nature puts on a show every fall as the inland loop peaks about a week to 10 days prior to the coastal loop giving Manistee two fall color seasons.
Stop and visit some of the most scenic bridges, dams and historic sites in the region as you cross 4 stunning river basins. Along the inland loop, there are plenty of opportunities for day-hikes at the Weir, Big-M, Cooley Bridge, the Manistee River Trail and many more. No trip along the inland loop is complete without a visit to Iron Fish Distillery and Northern Natural Cider House and Winery, where you will sip and taste the true palette of fall in Pure Michigan.
Foodie & Drink Stops
1. Iron Fish Distillery
For a one-of-a-kind experience, Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, Mich., in northern Manistee County, is Michigan’s first farm distillery growing its own grains and distilling spirits on 120 acres in a rural, agricultural setting. This stop is truly not to be missed and a prefect way to enjoy all kinds of bourbons, gin, vodka, maple syrup and great food and hospitality. MAP IT!
2. Northern Natural Cider House & Winery
Off the beaten path in Kaleva, Northern Natural’s tasting room offers several premium hard ciders made from several varieties of Manistee and Leelanau County-certified organic heirloom apples that provide clean, crisp, apple flavors with a dash of sweet. By the pour or by the glass, bottles and growlers are available, along with a nice selection of award-winning wines. Open year-round, a gourmet food truck will delight your palette and ease your appetite. MAP IT!
3. Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar
Stay close to Manistee’s historic Downtown and you will find several fantastic dining stops, all within walking distance. Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar is a great spot to end your inland fall color trip as it offers new American dining in a relaxed, lakeshore atmosphere. They feature an extensive wine list, craft beer and artisan cocktails, hand-cut steaks, farm-to-table and artisan fare, and a large selection of Great Lakes fish artfully prepared by its team of chefs. MAP IT!
Inland Loop Fall Favorites
G&D Alpaca Boutique
The G&D Alpaca Farm is a treasure for many reasons. Maybe it’s the reading hut, fairy garden, boutique, knowledgeable owners, playground, or…the alpacas! This experience is sure to add a unique twist to your fall bucket list. New this year is their fall gourd tunnel (great for fall family photos) and u-pick gourd garden! The G&D Alpaca Farm is open Thursdays-Mondays from 10am-4pm through October 31. Learn More! photo by: @ryker616
Guided Rafting Trips
Pine River Paddlesports has wonderful Looking for a guided fall rafting trip? Pine River Paddlesports offers families a unique fall experience from the water Each raft can hold 3-5 people, including the guide and takes about 1-1.5 hours. The navigation (and most of the paddling) is done by the guide so be prepared to take in all the beautiful colors along the Pine River. Bring your camera, hot chocolate and favorite people. Kids 5 and under are free! Call the office at 231-862-3471 to reserve and learn more!
Who-Ville Corn Maze & More
Located in Kaleva, Michigan, Calvin Lutz Farms is one of the largest farms in Manistee County. They are known for their fresh produce in the spring and summer but come fall, their u-pick pumpkin patch thrives! Pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, and squash are at the market daily. Opening early October, browse their large pumpkin selection and enjoy the Who-Ville Corn Maze, perfect for the entire family. Activities include tractor rides (last one leaves at 5:45pm), kids games, cider and donuts! Hours are Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-6pm. Stay tuned for night maze events via the Lutz Farm Facebook page!