Michigan’s Autumn Mosaic: A Road Trip for the Soul

Every fall, Michigan transforms into a living mosaic—an artist’s masterpiece painted in golds, crimsons, and ambers. For many residents, it’s more than just a season; it’s a yearly ritual to hit the open road and chase the colors that define the Mitten State’s beauty.

From the gently rolling hills of the Irish Hills to the dramatic overlooks of the Upper Peninsula, every region tells its own story through color. The hardwood forests surrounding Traverse City and Petoskey burst into fiery hues, while the scenic M-22 drive along Lake Michigan becomes a painter’s palette stretching for miles. Closer to home, the Kalamazoo Nature Center and Fort Custer Recreation Area offer easy weekend escapes with plenty of wooded trails framed in orange and red brilliance.

For those who prefer a slower pace, there’s a special kind of peace found on the backroads—windows down, cider in hand, and the soft crunch of fallen leaves beneath the tires. Many Michiganders plan their routes around small-town stops: a roadside pumpkin stand in Paw Paw, fresh-pressed cider in Fennville, or a family-run orchard near Allegan. It’s part of what makes autumn in Michigan not just scenic, but deeply personal.

This year, peak color is expected to move from the Upper Peninsula in late September to southern Michigan by mid-October. That gives plenty of time to map out a “color tour” of your own. Whether you choose the Tunnel of Trees near Harbor Springs, the covered bridges of Eaton Rapids, or the familiar stretches along Portage Creek, the view never disappoints.

So, before the leaves fall and the first frost sets in, grab your favorite travel buddy, pack a thermos of coffee, and take a drive. Because in Michigan, fall isn’t just a season—it’s a journey through a masterpiece that changes with every mile.

If you’re based in the Kalamazoo/Portage area and want to soak in the fall colors without committing to an all-day drive, here are a few 30- to 60-minute scenic loops and corridors that deliver strong color views — plus timing tips for when they’ll be at their best:

Top Short Drives for Leaf Peeping Near 49002

These are approximate round-trip times; you can mix & match segments, pause for photos, or explore side roads.

Each of these loops gives you the flexibility to slow down, pull off, and savor the moment. Aim to drive mid-morning or late afternoon when light angles are flattering.

When to Go

Best Fall Color Timing for Southwest Michigan

According to the Visit Southwest Michigan Fall Color Report, peak colors in this region tend to arrive mid-October, often during the third week (October 15–25)  Some forecasts even suggest the October 20–26 window as the peak for southwestern Michigan areas.

In statewide maps and forecasts, most of Michigan is predicted to reach peak color around October 13,  but southern Lower Peninsula and shoreline zones tend to reach their peak a bit later.

So for your area (southern Lower Michigan), a safe bet is to plan your drives sometime between October 15 and October 25 (with the sweet spot probably closer to October 18-22). If the fall is cooler or wetter, colors may shift earlier or later, so keep an eye on local foliage updates in mid-to-late September onward.

What's New

Hot ’n Now Returns to Wayland, Michigan

Beloved burger brand reopens with a fresh start and familiar favorites

Hot ’n Now officially opened today at 1146 129th Avenue in Wayland, just behind Noonday Market and across from Gun Lake Casino. The revival is led by HNN Holdings, a partnership between Gun Lake Investments and entrepreneur Jeff Konczak, who acquired the brand in 2024.

The new drive-thru features Hot ’n Now’s classic red roof and compact design. It opens daily at 10:30 a.m., closing at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and staying open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Guests can enjoy nostalgic favorites like the Olive Burger and Cheesy Taters, all offered under a new “hyper-value” pricing strategy. The Wayland location marks the first step in Hot ’n Now’s comeback, aiming to reconnect with loyal fans and reestablish the brand’s roots in West Michigan.

Did You Know?

Hot ’n Now was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1984 and quickly became famous for its 39-cent burgers and lightning-fast service. At its peak, the chain had over 150 locations nationwide. The Wayland opening celebrates the return of an iconic Michigan-born brand that many locals remember from their childhood road trips.

For our reality TV show buffs, check this out

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is launching a new show designed to offer viewers an inside look at its daily operations. Titled Rolling Sixes, the program will chronicle the work of public safety professionals as they respond to incidents across the city. The goal is to foster greater transparency and improve community understanding of the challenges and decisions involved in protecting residents. Officials hope the show will highlight both routine duties and the more unpredictable, high-pressure responses handled by officers.

By inviting the public behind the scenes, the department aims to strengthen trust and showcase the humanity behind the uniforms.

Rolling Sixes is set to debut in the coming weeks, marking a novel approach for the department to engage with the community while demystifying the work that often goes unseen.

The show Rolling Sixes can be watched on the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety’s YouTube channel.

Pianist Sullivan Fortner has been awarded the inaugural 2026 Larry J.
Bell Jazz Artist Award by The Gilmore.

This award, named after Bell's Brewery founder Larry Bell, includes a $300,000 prize over the next four years.

The Gilmore started the Jazz Awards program in 2022 with an $8.8 million gift.

Fortner will perform at the 2026 Gilmore Piano Festival in Kalamazoo, which is scheduled to take place from April 30th to May 10th, 2026.

Tyler Bullock and Esteban Castro were also named as recipients of the Bell Young Artists Award, each receiving $25,000.

Happening This Week

Monster Mash & Ghostbusters (1984) Movie (Drive‑In / outdoor at Ramona Park)

• 📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

• 🕒 Time: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Ramona Park, Portage (49002) Portage MI

• 🎟️ Admission: (Check Portage Parks & Recreation) Portage MI

• 📄 Details: A drive‑in style showing of Ghostbusters paired with Halloween fun and ambiance. Great for families & fans of classic spooky films.

Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo

• 📅 Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025

• 🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Expo South, Kalamazoo County Expo Center Kalamazoo County

• 🎟️ Admission: (Check expo website for ticket prices) Kalamazoo County

• 📄 Details: Exhibition & sale of reptiles, exotic animals, and related vendors/demonstrations. Fun for animal lovers.

Access your files anywhere, and share with complete encrypted control. Access your files from your Windows, Mac as well as from iOS or Android smartphones or tablets. You can also login from any web browser securely.