U.P. Fall Color Tour

The best fall color drives in Iron County follow US-2, Forest Highway 16 and US-141. Along the way, you’ll see rolling hills, wooded stretches and long views across the valleys. Give yourself an afternoon and take your time. There is plenty of country to explore.

Fall color usually begins showing around the middle of September and lasts for roughly three weeks, although the timing changes from year to year.

Where are the best fall color drives in Iron County?

US-2 west is a good choice for rolling hills and wider views. The road moves through open country where the color spreads across entire hillsides. It gives you a chance to see the landscape rather than simply drive through the trees.

Forest Highway 16 and US-141 take you through some of the higher terrain in the county. The roads wind through wooded stretches with colorful valleys and ridges along the way. Slow down and watch for places where the trees open up to the landscape.

US-2 east, M-189 and M-73 offer something different. M-73 is a quieter drive and passes areas where you can catch views of the water. An early morning drive can be especially nice when the surface is calm and the trees reflect along the shoreline.

If you are staying in or around Iron River, take a look at our guide to where to see fall colors in Iron River.

When is the best time to take a fall color drive?

Fall color typically starts around the middle of September, with some of the best conditions extending into early October. The exact timing varies each year, so checking current conditions before your trip is a good idea.

Weekdays are generally quieter on the roads. They also give you more time to stop for a photo, take a short walk or turn down a road that catches your eye.

For more on timing, see when fall colors peak in Iron County.

What else can you do along the way?

A fall drive does not have to be the whole day. Stop in one of Iron County’s small communities, take a break near a lake or river, or get out and walk one of the area’s trails.

Cooler temperatures make fall a good time for hiking, and walking through the woods gives you a much closer look at the color than you get from behind the windshield.

Our fall hiking trails guide covers several places where you can get out of the car and into the color.

Where to stay for a fall color drive

Staying overnight gives you more time to explore Iron County without trying to fit everything into one afternoon. The last two weekends of September are typically among the busiest times of the fall, so checking lodging ahead of time is a good idea.

Iron County is about two hours north of the Green Bay and Fox Valley area and roughly three to four hours from Milwaukee or Chicago, making it an easy weekend destination for a fall drive.

Find a place to stay in Iron County.

For more ideas, start with the Iron County fall color guide or explore fall colors across Upper Michigan.