As summer comes to a close and fall ramps up, now is the perfect time to visit Northern Michigan.  The leaves begin to morph the already gorgeous landscape into something even more breathtaking.  And that is just the beginning, there are attractions for everyone in the family.  Read on for the top 10 fall attractions in Northern Michigan.

Traverse City is already famed as one of the most spectacular summer vacation spots in the Midwest. (This year, National Geographic named it one of the world’s Top Summer Trips.) Fortunately, those heart-stopping views of sky, water and shore don’t just disappear after Labor Day – and lower off-season rates make it even more attractive!

Cycling on Old Mission

Cycling on Old Mission
Cycling on Old Mission
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Cycling is one of the most popular fall activities in Traverse City. The Old Mission Peninsula (shown here) was just named Michigan’s best bike ride by Bicycling Magazine.


Fall Chain of Lakes

Fall Chain of lakes
Fall Chain of lakes
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Because of its higher altitude, the Chain of Lakes region just east of Traverse City often shows fall color by early September. This view is from the Summit Hotel at Shanty Creek Resorts.


Fall Kayaking

Fall Kayaking Traverse City
Fall Kayaking Traverse City
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Fall is the perfect time to explore the many lakes and rivers of the Traverse City area. This is Spider Lake (named for its shape) just south of the city limits.


Fall Shopping

Fall Shopping Traverse City
Fall Shopping Traverse City
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With over 150 cozy restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and shops, downtown Traverse City is a great destination for a fall shopping adventure.


October Days

October days
October days
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The crowds may have thinned out, but Traverse City’s beaches are every bit as romantic in fall as they are in summer. This is West End Beach, near downtown.


Old Mission Light Fall

Old Mission Light Fall
Old Mission Light Fall
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A favorite spot for autumn explorers is the Old Mission Point Lighthouse, one of a half dozen lighthouses in the Traverse City area.


Sleeping Bear Hikers

Sleeping Bear Hikers
Sleeping Bear Hikers
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The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, voted “most beautiful place in America” by Good Morning America viewers, offers great hiking and color touring in fall. Shown here: the Sleeping Bear Point trail.


Winery Picnic

Winery Picnic
Winery Picnic
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Fall is harvest time in the Traverse City wine country. Autumn visitors love to combine their color tours with frequent wine-tasting stops at some of the two dozen wineries of the Old Mission and leelanau peninsulas.


Bikers in Leelanau

Bikers in Leelanau
Bikers in Leelanau
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Motorcycle riding is becoming an increasingly popular way to enjoy the colorful backroads of the Traverse City area in fall.


Blue Tractor

Blue Tractor
Blue Tractor
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Famous for the variety and tastiness of its cuisine, Traverse City has dozens of wonderful restaurants. And what better time of year to enjoy a delicious meal and a pint of locally brewed beer?


Traverse City Fab Fall
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Traverse City
Traverse City
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