11 Michigan Small Towns That Look Even Better In September
Michigan’s small towns transform into magical destinations when September arrives. The summer crowds thin out, temperatures cool to perfect sweater weather, and the trees begin their spectacular color show.
Whether you’re looking for lakeside charm, historic districts, or scenic drives through tunnels of crimson and gold, these 11 Michigan small towns offer unforgettable autumn experiences.
1. Harbor Springs: Nature’s Red Carpet
Locals call the M-119 “Tunnel of Trees,” Michigan’s most breathtaking drive, and September proves why.
The 20-mile canopy road to Cross Village erupts with early autumn colors, creating a natural cathedral of red and gold overhead.
Weekends bring the beloved Pond Hill Farm’s Fall Festival, where hayrides, fresh-pressed cider, and live music celebrate harvest season.
I still remember my first trip down this road, windows down, the scent of fall filling the car as maple leaves danced across the pavement.
2. Charlevoix: Fairy Tale Architecture Meets Fall Foliage
Earl Young’s whimsical “Mushroom Houses” look straight from a storybook, but when framed by September’s changing leaves, they become truly magical.
The shoulder-season tours run without summer crowds, letting you appreciate these stone wonders at your own pace.
The town sits between Lake Michigan and inland Round Lake, creating stunning color contrasts as trees reflect in calm waters.
Sunset strolls along the lighthouse path reveal golden hour magic you simply won’t find in busier months.
3. Leland: Fishing Village Charm With Autumn Drama
Fishtown’s weathered wooden shanties and docks along the Leland River gain extra character when framed by September’s turning leaves. The historic fishing village buzzes with a different energy as summer tourists depart.
September brings the annual salmon run, with fish often stacking up dramatically at the dam.
My grandfather used to bring me here every fall, pointing out the determined salmon fighting their way upstream, their silver bodies flashing against the backdrop of russet and amber leaves.
4. Empire: Gateway to Golden Dune Vistas
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive transforms in September when the 7.4-mile route offers sweeping views of sand dunes draped in autumn hues.
The contrast of golden sand against blue water and fiery maples creates postcard-worthy vistas without summer crowds.
For hikers, the Empire Bluff Trail rewards a short 1.5-mile round trip with one of Michigan’s most spectacular overlooks.
The moderate climb leads to panoramic views of Lake Michigan framed by the beginning blush of fall colors.
5. Glen Arbor: M-22’s Most Colorful Corner
September turns the famous M-22 drive into a photographer’s dream, with Glen Arbor perfectly positioned at the heart of this scenic route.
Morning fog often settles between hills splashed with early color, creating mystical scenes as the sun burns through.
The town strikes the perfect balance in September. Summer’s rush fades, yet shops and wineries remain open, allowing for unhurried exploration.
When I visited last fall, a local recommended stopping at roadside farm stands where baskets of apples and pumpkins marked the season’s transition.
6. Saugatuck: Artsy Dune Town Without the Crowds
Saugatuck’s famous Oval Beach becomes a peaceful haven once September arrives. The massive dunes and surrounding forests begin their color shift while summer crowds disappear, leaving miles of shoreline for contemplative walks.
The town’s artistic spirit shines in the fall as galleries showcase harvest-inspired works.
Just south in Fennville, Crane Orchards offers U-Pick apples amid rolling hills splashed with color, making for a perfect side trip after exploring Saugatuck Dunes State Park’s quiet trails.
7. Port Austin: Thumb Coast Adventures
September brings glass-calm mornings perfect for kayaking to the famous Turnip Rock formation.
Without summer’s boat traffic, paddlers often have this natural wonder to themselves, with early fall colors reflecting in Lake Huron’s crystal waters.
The M-25 shoreline drive showcases the Thumb’s unique coastal beauty with colorful farmland meeting blue water. Farm stands dot the route, offering fresh apples and squash.
One longtime kayak guide told me September brings the year’s most stable weather for exploring the limestone formations.
8. Frankenmuth: Bavaria Meets Michigan Autumn
Michigan’s Little Bavaria transforms when September arrives. The Cass River riverwalk glows with early fall colors while the town’s Bavarian architecture takes on a storybook quality against autumn’s palette.
Covered bridges framed by golden trees create scenes worthy of European postcards.
The annual Oktoberfest, officially licensed by Munich’s famous Hofbräuhaus, typically runs in late September. This celebration brings authentic German music, food, and dancing to streets already decorated in fall splendor.
My German grandmother always said Frankenmuth in the fall reminded her of home.
9. Munising: Painted Rocks, Painted Forests
September might be Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s most photogenic month. The famous sandstone cliffs, already spectacular with their mineral-stained patterns, gain a new dimension as the hardwood forests above them begin turning brilliant shades of orange and red.
Boat cruises run throughout the month, offering the best vantage point to see this unique collision of geology and autumn glory.
Nearby waterfall hikes along H-58 become even more rewarding with fewer hikers and the contrast of white water against the colorful forest canopy.
10. Copper Harbor: Top-of-the-Peninsula Panoramas
Perched at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula on Michigan’s northernmost mainland, Copper Harbor offers September visitors something special: Brockway Mountain Drive.
This ridgeline road serves up jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior and miles of maple forest beginning their autumn transformation.
The Keweenaw Peninsula typically sees color starting in late September, earlier than southern regions.
I’ll never forget reaching the summit one September morning as fog lifted off the lake, revealing islands floating in mist while the surrounding forest glowed with early orange and gold.
11. Mackinac Island: Car-Free Fall Paradise
Locals call September the island’s “Perfect Season” for good reason. After Labor Day, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop along quieter streets while the island’s famous maples begin their spectacular show.
The Grand Hotel’s grounds look even grander framed by autumn’s first blush.
Bike rides around the 8-mile perimeter reveal stunning lake views against colorful forests. Hiking the island’s interior trails becomes a journey through vibrant woodlands.
The ferries still run regular schedules, but you’ll share them with fewer tourists and more residents enjoying their favorite time of year.