5 breathtaking autumn road trips in the Midwest

From the fiery hues of birch, elm, and sugar maple in the Great Lakes to the sunset shades of beech and oak in the southern Appalachians, and the radiant sumac and cottonwoods along the Mississippi, the Midwest's forests showcase some of the most vibrant fall colors in the nation.

This guide highlights five Midwest road trips through regions celebrated for their stunning fall foliage and seasonal activities such as cider tasting and pumpkin picking.

The shoreline of West Michigan

The historic West Michigan Pike route, now part of 1-196 and U.S. 31, links a series of beach towns stretching from the southern state line to Mackinaw City near the Canadian border. Begin your adventure in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, where vineyards rise in shades of burgundy and Champagne gold, and beaches like Jean Klock Park and Silver Beach provide idyllic picnic spots. In South Haven, explore the Michigan Maritime Museum and enjoy the last rays of autumn at one of the town's 12 beaches.

Take in views of hills draped in red and gold from the summit of Mount Baldhead, accessible via a climb of 320 stairs. Watch the sunset from Oval Beach or wander through Saugatuck Dunes State Park. During apple season, don’t miss a tour of Virtue Cider Works, just 15 minutes southeast of town, or enjoy a guided tasting in their garden filled with flowers. While Saugatuck is renowned for its historic hotels, budget-conscious travelers will find value at the Best Western Plaza Hotel Saugatuck (rates starting at $107 or 20,000 Best Western Rewards points per night).

After stopping in aptly named Holland to see its authentic Dutch windmill, make your way to Grand Haven, where the harbor boasts a 300-year history and a long waterfront promenade that leads to a picturesque lighthouse.

The headwaters of Minnesota's Mississippi River

A fantastic way to kick off a road trip is to visit the headwaters of the Mississippi, found in Itasca State Park. After carefully hopping across the surprisingly narrow river, climb the park's fire tower for breathtaking views of the vibrant canopy in shades of crimson, tangerine, and ochre. Alternatively, take a nature cruise on Lake Itasca to admire the colorful shoreline. You’ll discover stunning lakeside hues at Lake Bemidji State Park, then head to Lake Bemidji town for a photo op beneath the iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.

Delve deeper into the region's logging heritage by biking or hiking along the Paul Bunyan State Trail, a rails-to-trails project that follows the historic railroad route that once transported timber to local lumber mills.

Conclude your journey in St. Cloud, where former granite quarries—many now transformed into serene lakes—have become lushly wooded parks. In Quarry Park & Nature Preserve, trails wind around 20 ponds surrounded by massive boulders of prized flecked granite from the quarry. A floating boardwalk over wetlands and a dock reaching into one pond offer ideal spots to capture the russet and amber hues mirrored in the still water. If the weather warms up, you might spot adventurous rock-jumpers enjoying the swimming quarries. As you come and go, be sure to admire the polished rock column showcasing the exceptional quality of the reddish granite that distinguishes this stone-cutting town.

During apple season, the local farms welcome visitors for harvest festivities. Hidden Cove Orchard, Collegeville Orchards, and other venues present a variety of apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds, and other autumn delights.

Ohio's Hocking Hills

Connecting six distinct parks within the sprawling 2,356-acre Hocking Hills State Park, the Hocking Hills Scenic Byway is heralded as one of the Midwest's top destinations for fall colors. As you navigate along State Route 374, you'll encounter stunning vistas featuring waterfalls, caves, and rugged bluffs that captivate the eye.

Beginning your adventure in Rockbridge, you'll pass by the enchanting Cantwell Cliffs, Whispering Cave, Cedar Falls, and Old Man's Cave—each spot as intriguing as its name. Don’t miss the impressive Ash Cave, which boasts a central waterfall, and the Gorge Trail in Conkle's Hollow, winding past a series of breathtaking cascades. For a unique experience, consider staying at the Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins, where six distinct structures offer multiple decks and windows to enjoy the vibrant foliage (rates start at $450 per night).

A complimentary weekend shuttle connects you to all the park's attractions, inviting you to leave your car behind and fully embrace nature. For a thrilling perspective, try soaring above the treetops with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours or XTreme Canopy Tours. Additionally, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway provides a relaxing journey through the landscape from the comfort of a vintage train car, weather permitting.

Another compelling reason to stay overnight in the vicinity: the exceptionally dark skies that led to the establishment of the John Glenn Astronomy Park, where powerful telescopes explore the cosmos.

Iowa's Great River Road

This journey begins 15 miles north of Iowa City at Lake Macbride State Park, where rich hues of cinnamon, copper, and gold from black walnut and hickory trees shimmer along the shoreline. From there, head east along the historic Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway to join the Great River Road, following the mighty Mississippi as it flows north. In Clinton, discover the significance of the river's locks while watching riverboats and barges navigate the changing waters. Eagle Point Park provides a perfect vantage point for autumn foliage, overlooking the river at its widest, especially stunning from the stone lookout tower. Every shade from lemon to maroon glows against the limestone cliffs of Bellevue State Park.

Next, travel to Dubuque, where you can see alligators and pythons while learning about the vital ecosystem of the river at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, which operates in partnership with the Smithsonian Museum.

As you travel further north, the expansive Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and Pikes Peak State Park showcase even more breathtaking colors, with viewing decks perched on the cliffs offering stunning vistas of vibrant oaks.

Discover the Swiss-German hospitality that has earned this region the moniker Little Switzerland by visiting the towns of St. Donatus and Guttenberg, settled by immigrants in the 1700s. Enjoy the roast pork Schweinbraten at Guttenberg's Picket Fence Cafe, then drop by the Rathskeller, a traditional beer hall, for a refreshing Pinkus, Ayinger, or Weihenstephaner, all accompanied by live music.

Brown County, Indiana

The crown jewel of this road trip is Brown County State Park, featuring a picturesque route through lush groves of colorful sycamores, oaks, and maples. Located just over an hour south of Nashville, Indiana, and about an hour and a half north of Louisville, Kentucky, Brown County is perfect for a day trip from either city, though it truly deserves a full weekend. Don't miss the stunning vistas at Bean Blossom Overlook and Hesitation Point, which is renowned for its spectacular sunsets due to its west-facing position. Alternatively, climb the West Lookout Tower and North Lookout Tower for panoramic views of the treetops. Experience the vibrant autumn hues reflected in the tranquil waters of Ogle and Strahl lakes, both surrounded by hiking trails.

In this idyllic landscape of fields and forests, all paths lead to Nashville, where you can indulge in culinary delights and boutique shopping. Much like its namesake city, this locale thrives on culture, hosting a continuous array of shows, concerts, and films at the Brown County Music Center and the Brown County Playhouse and Performing Arts Center. Autumn is the exclusive season to savor the potato bacon soup at Hobnob Corner Restaurant, situated in the oldest building in downtown.

Equally charming, the town of Bean Blossom is a must-visit, featuring the Brownes Bean Blossom Family Restaurant, perched on a picturesque viewpoint, along with a historic covered bridge from 1838 that draws many photographers. Alternatively, find fresh-from-the-garden dishes at the Farmhouse Cafe and Tea Room located in a 19th-century farmhouse just outside Bean Blossom.

Just ten minutes from Nashville, the quaint village of Belmont hosts the Goat Conspiracy, a farm and sanctuary for 150 goats where visitors can enjoy petting and goat yoga. Additionally, you can experience the bounty of Brown County's harvest at Kelp's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, which offers a host of autumn activities ranging from hayrides to corn mazes.

Antique enthusiasts will love the expansive 7,000-square-foot Brown County Antique Mall, located just east of the state park, while music fans should not miss Mike's Music & Dance Barn on the route to Bloomington. For those considering an extended stay, Bloomington offers a vibrant college atmosphere with numerous loyalty program hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington (rates starting at $93 or 28,000 Hilton Honors points per night) and the Hyatt Place Bloomington (rates starting at $117 or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night).