Savor this fleeting season with a road trip to take in all the colors of nature.
Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature
– FriedricNeitzsche
On a misty early morning in October, the forest looks like a watercolor painting: all the reds and golds and greens running together through the rain-dotted car window. The relatively flat topography of the upper midwest allows for long views, distant stands of forest seen over vast fields of light brown late-season corn stalks. Each October I wish I could just sit and watch the leaves change. Autumn is a season that can never be long enough. To savor each fleeting moment, let’s check the peak color schedule and plan a fall road trip.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive beckons with a promise of 115 miles of stunning fall color and local flavor. The trail runs between the two branches of Kettle Moraine State Forest. The northern tip begins near Elkhart Lake and the scenic road takes you through six Wisconsin counties passing numerous historical points of interest. Ending near Whitewater Lake at the southern end, this road offers plenty of opportunities to stop for a short hike, a great meal, or a photo opportunity. Just follow the green acorn-shaped signs from point to point along the road.
Don’t miss Holy Hill National Shrine located near Huberts. This incredible basilica, worth the visit in its own right, sits atop one of the highest points in southeastern Wisconsin. Climb the 178 steps to the observation tower and you’ll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the color-drenched treetops surrounding the site for miles. You’ll quickly understand why this destination is one of the most photographed spots in the state. (Share your photos on Instagram using #LakeshoreMag!)
Stay for the weekend in nearby Kohler and spoil yourself with a full schedule of pampering at The American Club, or head south to Lake Geneva and spend some time on Wisconsin’s most opulent shoreline.
Michigan
Michigan’s M-22 may be the best-known stretch of road in the Midwest. Perhaps you’ve seen the car magnets that devotees proudly display and wondered what’s so special that someone would voluntarily advertise a highway. Not since Route 66 has a stretch of highway been so celebrated. Let’s find out why.
Well, for one thing, there’s wine. The Leelanau Peninsula, a 30-mile-long finger of land bordered by Lake Michigan to the west and Grand Traverse Bay to the east, is home to 25 of northwestern Michigan’s finest wineries. That oughta keep us happy for several hours, no? Plan your visit at LP Wines by selecting one of three itineraries for a day of casual wine tasting and leaf peeping.
Stop by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a hike along the grassy trails at the top of the dunes then down to the beach followed by a challenging climb back to the top. Nice way to earn your wine, eh?
Eat and Stay on the Leelanau Peninsula
Don’t miss Fish Town where you’ll find a historic fishing village transformed into a collection of charming shops and galleries. Be sure to visit Leland Gal where Maggie
Refuel with a signature sandwich from the Vintage Cheese Shanty where their mantra is “Eat More Cheese”. More? Why yes I will, thanks.
Rest in comfort in the very heart of Fishtown at Falling Waters Lodge where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the gentle rush of water through the Fishtown spillway.
To fully embrace the wine and culinary tradition of the area, book at stay at Black Star Farms in Sutton’s Bay. Classically decorated guest rooms offer a peaceful respite after a gourmet meal expertly paired with local wine.
Central Illinois
With the advantage of having a later date for peak color, Central Illinois is where the procrastinators among us may catch the season before it fades into winter. From Chicago, travel west toward Aurora before turning southwest across the vast expanses of Illinois farmland.
On the way west, stop and visit the Morton Arboretum where six giant trolls are making a temporary appearance among the 1700 acres of colorful trees. Oaks of every description, maples in full autumn glory, birch, ginkgo, elm, sycamore and any variety you can name line every hiking and biking trail throughout this museum of trees.
Starved Rock State Park
Located just 100 miles from Chicago, Starved Rock is a world apart from its urban neighbor. This state park was voted the most popular destination in Illinois and it’s easy to see why. Explore 13 miles of trails through 18 canyons along the Illinois River and enjoy scenic vistas from atop the sandstone cliffs. Find 14 waterfalls hidden in plain sight throughout the park. At their best in the spring when water rushes, the waterfalls are more peaceful, almost meditative in the fall.
Don’t miss a chance to stay overnight in the historic Starved Rock Lodge and Cabins. The lodge features four restaurants and cafes to feed your post-hike cravings. Or, stop by Duffy’s Tavern in nearby Utica for an evening of traditional Irish hospitality and music.
