Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Provides a unique contrast between golden forests and massive sand dunes.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Peak fall color is predicted around October 27. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 22 to November 1.
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 Leelanau County and across Michigan.
That is 2 days later than usual (October 24): the six weeks to October 13 ran 1.9°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 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
2 to 3 hours
Over 3 hours
- Holland State Park175 mi · 3 hr 50 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan225 mi · 4 hr 41 minPeak: Oct 6Status: Peak color
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore264 mi · 5 hr 32 minPeak: Oct 9Status: Peak color
- Upper Peninsula (U.P.)309 mi · 6 hr 25 minPeak: Oct 12Status: Peak color