Autumn Awaits: Exploring Michigan’s Best Fall Destinations with Pure Michigan's Nick Nerbonne (10-12-25)

In this episode host Phil Tower welcomes Nick Nerbonne, the Media & Digital Director for Travel Michigan.

Autumn in the mitten state, means Michigan’s 19 million acres of forests begin their transition from the greens of summer to a diverse palette of multiple shades of reds, oranges and yellows of fall,

Nick noted that Michigan is a global destination for tourism year-round and that multiple Michigan destinations, from SE Michigan to the Upper Peninsula, continue to receive national accolades for fall color viewing and fall travel experiences
Mackinac Island and the U.P. both recently ranked No. 1 in a national readers poll for fall travel destinations

Michigan residents can receive updates on where the fall colors are peaking and learn about fall events and activities in destinations across the state by signing up for the weekly Pure Michigan Fall Color Report Newsletter at michigan.org/enews

**Follow the Fall Foliage Track the progress of the fall foliage with an interactive Fall Color Map
https://www.michigan.org/fallcolormap

Get updates on where the fall colors are peaking and learn about fall events and activities iacross the state by signing up for the weekly Pure Michigan Fall Color Report eNewsletter.


Fall travel adventures/roadtrip ideas:
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Agritourism - cider mills, corn mazes, pumpkin patches.
Culinary – farm to table dining, wine tasting, and seasonal menus.
Outdoor adventures – hiking, biking, and unique fall attractions.

**Five Michigan fall color tour drives-

• 1. M-22: This iconic route runs from Manistee to Glen Arbor, offering views of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, vineyards, and breweries.
• 2. M-119 Tunnel of Trees: From Harbor Springs to Cross Village, this winding road creates a beautiful tunnel effect with its surrounding trees, providing an immersive fall experience.
• 3. River Road National Scenic Byway: Follow this byway along the Au Sable River from Oscoda into the Huron-Manistee National Forest for a tranquil drive through vibrant fall foliage.
• 4. Brockway Mountain Drive: Located in Keweenaw County on the Keweenaw Peninsula, this drive offers stunning panoramic views from the top of Brockway Mountain.
• 5. Blue Star Memorial Highway: This stretch of highway along Lake Michigan, from Van Buren to M-63, provides beautiful lakeside colors with a charming West Michigan backdrop.
• Bonus Trip: Thumb Lake Road . Where? Charlevoix County, just east of BOYNE Falls, Michigan.

Nick raved about Jacob’s Farm Corn Maze just outside Traverse City. This year’s 10-acre maze takes its inspiration from the iconic Grateful Dead and the region’s world renowned cherry heritage, creating an unforgettable autumn adventure.



Topics Discussed: autumn tourism, Michigan color tours, culinary tourism, agritourism, economic impact of tourism for Michigan, Michigan trails and bike paths, and accessible travel in Michigan.