Keweenaw Fall Color Reports

Peak Foliage Timing & Weekly Updates

Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula is one of the United State’s best places to experience fall foliage, with hardwood forests glowing in shades of red, orange, and gold. Peak color usually occurs from the last week of September through mid-October, moving gradually from the southern interior north toward Copper Harbor. Weekly reports keep you up to date so you can plan your visit at just the right time.

🍁⚪⚪⚪⚪ – Just Starting (0–20%): Mostly green with a few early pops of color.
🍁🍁⚪⚪⚪ – Building (20–40%): Patches of color are spreading but green still dominates.
🍁🍁🍁⚪⚪​ – Mid-Season Mix (40–70%): A balanced quilt of greens and vibrant hues.
🍁🍁🍁🍁⚪​​ – Near Peak (70–90%): Bold, widespread color with just a touch of green left.
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁 – Peak (90–100%): Fully lit canopy at its brightest, leaves about to drop.

Out on the trail, driving the backroads, or cruising through town? You’re out there first — show us the fall conditions in Twin Lakes, Houghton/Hancock, Calumet, Lac La Belle, or Copper Harbor! 🍁 Be sure to include the date and how you’d like to be credited ⤵️

SöKē

South Keweenaw: Twin Lakes, Toivola, & South Range

Update: 9/1/2026

Location: Toivola, MI

Notes: Fall color definitely showing here. Twin Lakes and Toivola are typically the first and fastest changing leaves, but this year the pace seems moderate. 

Fall Color Rating: 🍁⚪⚪⚪⚪

Portage Canal Area

Houghton, Hancock, Chassell

Update: 9/1/2026

Location: Houghton, MI

Notes: Intermittent pops of color along the canal and roadways in the Houghton/Hancock area. Largely still green but there is an obvious shift in the leaf hues towards the warmer tones.

Fall Color Rating: 🍁⚪⚪⚪⚪

Middle Keweenaw

US-41 Corridor: Calumet, Mohawk, Ahmeek, Phoenix, Delaware

Update: August 26, 2026

Location: Central, MI

Notes: Primarily green with pops of early color.

Fall Color Rating: 🍁⚪⚪⚪⚪

Eastern Keweenaw 

Lac La Belle, Gay, Big (Grand) Traverse Bay

Update: August 23, 2026

Location: Lac la Belle, MI

Notes: Primarily green with faintest hint of change in trees.

Fall Color Rating: 🍁⚪⚪⚪⚪

The best fall color research is paired with a soak at the Nordic Spa!

Northern Keweenaw 

Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor

Update: 9/1/2026

Location: Copper Harbor, MI

Notes: Fall color spotted all along US 41. Copper Harbor proper is still green. 

Fall Color Rating: 🍁⚪⚪⚪⚪

Western Keweenaw 

McLain State Park, Eagle River, Great Sand Bay

Update: 9/2/2026

Location: Eagle River, MI

Notes: Autumn signs are there! 

Fall Color Rating: 🍁⚪⚪⚪⚪