How to View Fall Foliage in the Midwest

A wave of leaf color splashes over the Midwest each fall, moving from the north in Minnesota to as far south as the Missouri Ozarks, and east from the Mississippi River through Ohio. Take a simple drive in the country to enjoy the stunning seasonal colors throughout most of these states.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hiking Boots
• Sweaters
• Maps Of The Midwest
• Picnic Basket
• Picnic Blankets
• Scrapbooks
• Wine Bottles
• Travel Services
• Cameras
• Film
• Day Packs

1. Check on the latest fall color predictions by calling state hotlines. The best times range from late September in the upper reaches of Minnesota and Michigan to late October in Missouri and early November in parts of Arkansas. For most of the Midwest, though, fall color peaks in mid-October.

2. Explore routes along waterways to see fall color against a backdrop of blue. In Minnesota, travel Route 61 along Lake Superior north of Duluth and along the Mississippi River from Red Wing to LaCrescent.

3. Spend a weekend in Door County, a popular Wisconsin destination.

4. Make a pilgrimage to the Ozarks, further south in Missouri.

Tips & Warnings

• For prime visiting times in Michigan, call [phone]. For Minnesota, call [phone]. For Missouri and Arkansas, call [phone]. For Ohio, call (800) BUCK-EYE. For Wisconsin, call (800) 432-TRIP.

• Make reservations in advance if you're planning to visit a popular destination on a peak color weekend. Otherwise, this is not prime tourist season, so lodgings usually should be available.

• Try a circle tour, or choose one destination and plan day trips for a weekend or longer.

• Although fall, with its clear, crisp days, is a beautiful season throughout the Midwest, expect occasional rain and low night temperatures. Bring a jacket or sweater.