906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
2-Day Fall Colors Itinerary
Day 1
Scenic Drive & Small-Town Charm
Morning
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Grab coffee & a pastry at a local café in Iron River.
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Hit the Paint River Scenic Drive — stop for photos of the glowing riverbanks.
Afternoon
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Picnic at Pentoga Park with views of Chicaugon Lake.
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Explore downtown Crystal Falls for boutique shopping & a pasty lunch.
Evening
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Dinner at a local supper club (don’t skip the fish fry if it’s Friday!).
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Cozy up at your cabin or resort and enjoy the starry U.P. night sky.
Day 2
Trails & Adventure
Morning
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Hike Bewabic State Park or stroll the Apple Blossom Trail.
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Crisp air, colorful canopies, and peaceful lake views.
Afternoon
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Rent an ATV/UTV and ride through the hardwood forests.
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Or kayak the Paint River to see fall colors reflected on the water.
Evening
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Enjoy comfort food at a local tavern.
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Wrap up your trip with a sunset drive down U.S. Hwy 2 before heading home.
Insider Tip:
Peak colors typically arrive late September to early October, but Iron County’s forests are beautiful well into the season. Don’t forget your camera, a cozy flannel, and your sense of adventure!
3-Day Fall Colors Itinerary
Day 1
Scenic Drives & Small-Town Strolls
Morning
-
Kick off with coffee & breakfast at a cozy café in Iron River.
-
Take the Paint River Scenic Drive — one of the most stunning fall color routes in the U.P.
Afternoon
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Picnic or stretch your legs at Pentoga Park on Chicaugon Lake.
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Explore downtown Crystal Falls for boutique shops, a local brewery, and Michigan’s famous pasties.
Evening
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Dinner at a classic U.P. supper club (Friday fish fry if you can).
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Settle in at your cabin, lodge, or resort for a quiet star-filled night.
Day 2
Outdoor Adventure & Lake Views
Morning
-
Hike Bewabic State Park or bike the Apple Blossom Trail.
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Crisp leaves crunching underfoot, golden canopies overhead.
Afternoon
-
Rent an ATV/UTV to hit the trails through hardwood forests.
-
Or paddle the Paint River for a mirror-like reflection of the fall colors.
Evening
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Dinner at a local tavern or pizza spot.
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If you’re up for it, head to a fall festival, local music night, or bonfire event (check the Iron County events calendar).
Day 3
Day Trips & Hidden Gems
Morning
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Tee off at George Young Recreational Complex — a top-rated U.P. golf course framed by fall color.
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Not a golfer? Try a leisurely morning fishing trip on Chicaugon Lake or Lake Ottawa.
Afternoon
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Take a short day trip:
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Bond Falls Scenic Site (about an hour away, but worth it for the waterfall surrounded by color).
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Or head toward Stambaugh and discover roadside farm stands, cider mills, or pumpkin patches.
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Evening
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Close out your trip with dinner at a family-owned diner or supper club.
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Take one last sunset drive along U.S. Hwy 2 or up a backroad to watch the woods glow gold and crimson.
Insider Tip:
Stay flexible — Iron County’s fall color season is breathtaking from late September through early October, but timing shifts year to year. Locals say the first cool nights bring the brightest leaves, so pack a sweater and a camera and get ready for unforgettable views.
Distances to Attractions
- Bond Falls – from Iron River – 43 (miles) or 45 minutes’ drive time
- Paulding Light from Iron River – 36 (miles) or 40 minutes’ drive time
- Lake of the Clouds from Iron River – 94 (miles) or 1 hour and 35 minutes’ drive time
- Porcupine Mountains – 97 (miles) or 1 hour and 40 minutes’ drive time
- Brockway Mountain Drive – 118 (miles) or 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive time
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore– 115 (miles) or 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive time
- Canyon Falls – 50 (miles) and 50 minutes’ drive time
Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.