The predicted color stage on the selected date, modelled from years of fall color records. A forecast, not a live observation.When each area's color is predicted to peak this season. The date doesn't change this view.
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Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at The Ridges Sanctuary
Peak fall color is predicted around October 17. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 12 to October 22.
Predicted peakOctober 17
Best windowOctober 12 – October 22
Confidence range±5 days
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 Town of Baileys Harbor and across Wisconsin.
That is 3 days later than usual (October 15): the six weeks to October 8 ran 2.2°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near The Ridges Sanctuary
30 to 60 minutes
Over 3 hours
- Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve155 mi · 3 hr 12 minPeak: Oct 26Status: Moderate color
- Milwaukee Area (Seven Bridges Trail, Lake Park)170 mi · 3 hr 26 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Early color
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center170 mi · 3 hr 26 minPeak: Oct 27Status: Moderate color
- Upper Peninsula (U.P.)242 mi · 5 hr 19 minMichiganPeak: Oct 12Status: Peak color
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore262 mi · 5 hr 49 minMichiganPeak: Oct 9Status: Peak color
- Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan312 mi · 6 hr 42 minMichiganPeak: Oct 6Status: Peak color
- Petoskey Area358 mi · 7 hr 37 minMichiganPeak: Oct 18Status: Moderate color