See Fall Color in Southeast Michigan: 5 Amazing Places to Catch the Changing Fall Foliage

Finding Michigan fall Color

Peak fall color usually comes a little later to southeast Michigan compared to the rest of the state, and this year is no different. That means that southeast Michigan gets to enjoy the changing fall foliage a little bit longer than other parts of the state.

Here are some of my favorite places in the area for leaf peeping and fall color tour.

Best spots to See fall Color in Southeast Michigan

Edward Hines Drive between Five Mile and Seven Mile Rd.

Edward Hines Drive stretches 17 miles between Dearborn and Northville, and the whole route is a beautiful drive any time of the year. You’ll pass small lakes, the meandering Rouge River and wooded areas with hiking trails. There is a paved walking trail alongside the road, too, making Hines Drive a great spot for walkers and bikers alike. You can choose to simply drive and the view the color from the comfort of your car, or park in one of the many parking lots and do some hiking to see the color up close.

In the fall, though, my favorite part of Hines Drive is the area between Five Mile and Seven Mile Rds. which includes Cass Benton Park (parking off Six Mile) and the Bennett Arboretum, home to towering Beech Trees. The road is hilly here, and you’ll see stunning colors from a variety of maples, oak and beech trees. There are some large maples that turn a glowing red during their peak color change, so you’ll want to be sure to have your camera. 

Cost: FREE

Kensington Metropark in Milford

Address: 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380
The sprawling park surrounds spring-fed Kent Lake, making it another perfect spot to catch the changing fall leaves against a backdrop of water. Part of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks system, this Oakland County Park encompasses almost 5,000 acres of wooded land, filled with hiking trails; a lake for swimming fishing and boating; a golf course; a petting farm; and much more.

The gentle, rolling hills at Kensington Metropark come alive with color in autumn, and whether you walk, drive or bike through the park, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing display of fall foliage.

COST: Daily passes from $10

EXPERT TIP: Bring the kids and be sure to stop at the sprawling playground near Martindale Beach. It is ADA- accessible and will keep the kids happy all day long.

Huron River Water Trail

The Huron River Water trails meanders 104 miles from Commerce Township to Lake Erie, but it is the stretch of the river near Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti that I like best, especially in the fall. Grab your kayak and paddle (or rent one from one of the canoe liveries) and head to Argo Park or Gallup Park. Both parks offer inclusive universal access launches for everyone, including paddlers with disabilities. 

Please note that the Argo livery is closed for the season, but you can still rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at the Gallup livery (3000 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI).

In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of the fall color change is from the water. As you paddle along the Huron River, you’ll be rewarded with colorful, towering oaks and maples, weeping willows and other assorted flora that live along the riverbanks.

COST: Kayak rentals start at $25

Wolcott Mill Metropark

Address: 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray, MI 48096
This sprawling Metropark in Macomb County is the only one of our southeast Michigan on the National Register of Historic Places, mainly because of the almost-200 year-old Grist Mill, which was built in 1847.

In addition to the Mill, you’ll find around 3000 acres of rolling terrain with an extensive trail system for hiking and biking, along with picnic shelters and pavilions. There’s a farmhouse with three barns, and a chicken coop which provide an amazing backdrop for the changing foliage.

COST: Daily passes start at $10

Palmer Park and Boardwalk in St. Clair

Address: 200 N Riverside Ave, St Clair, MI 48079
One of my favorite ways to experience Michigan’s fall colors is to see them with sparkling blue water as a backdrop. That’s why I always head to Palmer Park, where I can see trees lining the boardwalk of the bright blue St. Clair River along Michigan’s “Blue Thumbcoast.”

Located in downtown St. Clair, Palmer Park is almost six acres of wide, grassy park gently sloping down to the boardwalk. This is the world’s largest freshwater boardwalk, lined with shady trees that turn vibrant shades of red, yellow and gold in autumn.  You’ll find comfortable benches for watching the freighters pass by and a wide, paved path for ADA accessibility.

Cost: FREE

Mor Spots for Fall Color in Michigan

Looking for places for fall leaf peeping? Here are some of our favorite spots:

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Where is Your favorite spot to catch the fall color in southeast Michigan? Use the comments beow to let us know!