Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Old Mission Peninsula
Peak fall color is predicted around November 2. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 28 to November 7.
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Grand Traverse County and across Michigan.
That is 2 days later than usual (October 31): the six weeks to October 13 ran 1.8°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Old Mission Peninsula
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
Over 3 hours
- Holland State Park182 mi · 3 hr 34 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan209 mi · 4 hr 18 minPeak: Oct 6Status: Peak color
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore248 mi · 5 hr 9 minPeak: Oct 9Status: Peak color
- Upper Peninsula (U.P.)293 mi · 6 hr 1 minPeak: Oct 12Status: Peak color