There’s something about the Great Lakes in autumn that makes every drive feel unforgettable. Golden forests, sparkling shorelines, and crisp air turn familiar roads into journeys worth repeating.
Each route offers a mix of small towns, scenic overlooks, and lakeside charm that only gets better when fall arrives. These are the drives I return to year after year, and they never lose their magic.
Lake Superior Circle Tour
Imagine tracing the shoreline of the world’s largest freshwater lake. The Lake Superior Circle Tour offers this thrilling experience, where each bend reveals rugged cliffs and expansive waters. As the leaves turn, the landscape bursts into a symphony of reds and golds.
Travelers often find themselves pulled over at various scenic overlooks, captivated by the lake’s vastness. This route, stretching across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario, is not just a drive but an adventure through history and nature. Don’t be surprised if you encounter stories of shipwrecks or ancient indigenous legends along the way.
M-22 along Lake Michigan
M-22 is like a painter’s palette in the fall, with colors splashed across the landscape. This iconic Michigan route hugs the shore of Lake Michigan, offering a picturesque journey dotted with charming towns and vineyards.
As you meander through this route, each village tells a tale of its own. The gentle breeze carries the scent of ripe apples and crisp leaves, perfect for a leisurely stop at a local cider mill. The magic of M-22 lies in its ability to blend the tranquility of nature with the vibrancy of autumn’s colors.
Door County Coastal Byway
Door County, Wisconsin, is often dubbed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” and for good reason. The Coastal Byway provides a feast for the senses as you wind through charming villages and past dramatic shorelines.
In autumn, the region becomes a canvas painted with fiery hues, and the local orchards burst with apples ready for picking. The serene waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan provide a stunning contrast to the vibrant foliage, making every moment feel like a postcard. It’s a place where memories are crafted with every mile.
North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61)
Highway 61, also known as the North Shore Scenic Drive, is a journey through Minnesota’s dramatic landscapes. The route is famous for its cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
In fall, this drive transforms into an explosion of color, with the trees painting the horizon in shades of orange and gold. As you travel, you’ll pass through quaint towns offering delightful local goodies, perfect for a quick stop. This road is not just a path but a storyteller of the North’s rugged beauty and seasonal charm.
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
The Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail invites travelers to explore its 293 miles of scenic splendor. This route is a tapestry of sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and vibrant vineyards.
Autumn enhances the journey as the vineyards ripen, and the air fills with the scent of harvest. Each turn offers a glimpse of the lake’s shimmering surface, reflecting the fiery fall foliage. It’s a voyage through history and nature, where every stop reveals a new chapter of the region’s rich maritime heritage and agricultural bounty.
Niagara Parkway
Often described as ‘the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world,’ the Niagara Parkway in Ontario mesmerizes with its beauty. The drive offers glimpses of the iconic falls, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall.
Cyclists and walkers share the picturesque path, enjoying the blend of nature and history. As you meander along, the whisper of the river accompanies you, and each stop reveals another stunning view. This route is a testament to nature’s grandeur, where every glance offers a breathtaking view of the season’s splendor.