The best fall road trips in the Midwest don’t need mountain peaks or ocean views to take your breath away. After spending the last decade chasing fall colors from Minnesota’s North Shore to the bluffs of southern Illinois, I’ve discovered that the midwest has some really incredible fall foliage that make for stunning fall scenic drives.
Where is the most scenic fall foliage in the Midwest?
Based on current fall foliage reports and expert recommendations, the most scenic fall foliage in the Midwest is found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
But there is always room to explore and look elsewhere.
Here is the list of the best fall road trips in the Midwest! I’m not sure what it is about fall in the midwest, but you have to see for yourself, with these 10 destinations, that will show you why fall road trips in the midwest adventures have become the ultimate autumn escape.
Best Fall Road Trips in the Midwest
1.) Porcupine Mountains, Michigan
If you’re craving a true wilderness experience, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula delivers in spades. The Porcupine Mountains, affectionately called “The Porkies” by locals, offer 60,000 acres of old-growth forest that explodes with color each fall.
I came here last October, and I can honestly say it was one of the most peaceful, soul-recharging places I’ve ever visited in fall.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Milwaukee, WI: ~300 miles
- Minneapolis, MN: ~300 miles
- Chicago, IL: ~420 miles
Things to Do
- Lake of the Clouds Overlook is an iconic view you’ve seen in all the photos. A short, accessible path leads to a panoramic view of the lake nestled in a valley of fiery trees
- Take a short hike to the top of the Summit Peak observation tower for a 360-degree view of the park, including distant Lake Superior and on a clear day, even Isle Royale.
- Explore the stunning series of Presque Isle River waterfalls—Manabezho, Manido, and Nawadaha Falls—along the Presque Isle River, framed by dramatic autumn colors
- The Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex offers a scenic chairlift ride in the fall, providing a unique, effortless way to see the colors from above.
- You’re in the Upper Peninsula, so sampling local whitefish and a hearty pasty (a meat pie) is a must. You’ll find great options in the nearby towns of Ontonagon and Silver City.
Places to Stay
- The park offers a variety of rustic lodging options for a truly immersive wilderness experience.
- Airbnbs’s
- Hotels in nearby towns like Ontonagon or Silver City
2.) Great River Road
The Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN: The starting point of the Upper Mississippi River section.
- Milwaukee, WI: ~250 miles to a key point like La Crosse, WI.
- Chicago, IL: ~200 miles to a key point like Galena, IL.
This scenic byway winds through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, offering breathtaking views of towering limestone bluffs draped in autumn colors.
Things to Do
- Scenic Overlooks & Hikes: This is what the Great River Road is all about!
- Minnesota: Explore Frontenac State Park or take the scenic drive from Red Wing south for stunning views
- Wisconsin: Stop at Grandad Bluff in La Crosse for a panoramic view of three states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa!). The bluffs in Perrot State Park near Trempealeau are also spectacular
- Iowa: Pikes Peak State Park offers incredible views from its 500-foot bluffs.
- Illinois: Drive the stretch between Alton and Grafton for some of the best bluff views in the state
- River Cruises: The La Crosse Queen Cruises in La Crosse, WI, offer everything from sightseeing tours to dinner cruises, providing a unique perspective on the fall colors from the water. You’ll also find river cruises in other towns like Dubuque, IA, and along the Illinois stretch.
- Explore Charming Towns: The joy of the Great River Road is exploring the historic towns along the way.
- Red Wing, MN: Known for its iconic pottery and famous shoes.
- La Crosse, WI: A vibrant city with a fantastic brewery scene and beautiful downtown.
- Galena, IL: A historic gem with a walkable main street, Civil War history, and fantastic shopping.
- Apple Cider Donuts: This is a quest I take very seriously!
- Pepin Heights Orchard in Lake City, MN, is a must-stop for their cider.
- In Wisconsin, Eckers Apple Farm in Trempealeau is a local favorite.
- On the Illinois side, look for local farms and stands like Orchard Landing near Hanover for fresh donuts and apples.
Places to Stay
- Treat yourself to a stay at the iconic St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN, or Hotel Julien Dubuque in Dubuque, IA.
- You’ll find countless charming bed and breakfasts in the small towns along the route.
- State parks along the byway offer fantastic camping options with a view
✨ Pro Tip: If you can, time your road trip for early October when the colors are at peak brilliance along the bluffs.
3.) Door County, Wisconsin
Why I love a road trip in the fall in Door County- those fall colors along the Lake Michigan shoreline are phenomenal. Crisp mornings, quaint towns, lighthouses, orchards, cider donuts—this is the kind of place that reminds me why I started blogging about travel.
Related Reads: The Best Things to Do in Door County
Mileage from Major Cities
- Milwaukee, WI: ~150 miles
- Chicago, IL: ~250 miles
- Minneapolis, MN: ~350 miles
Things to Do
- Hike miles of trails at Peninsula State Park offer breathtaking views of Green Bay and colorful forests. Eagle Trail is a fun one
- Explore Whitefish Dunes State Park
- Take a ferry ride to Washington Island, where you’ll find fewer crowds and some of the most pristine fall scenery in the Midwest.
- Eat Fish Boils- A Door County tradition! Try it at the Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim for an authentic experience.
- Cherries, Cherries, Everywhere- Even in fall, you’ll find delicious cherry pies and applie ciders. Stop by Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market
Places to Stay
- Check out the historic The Whistling Swan Inn in Fish Creek or Hillside Waterfront Hotel in Ephraim
- Cozy Airbnb Cabins
One tip- Start in Sturgeon Bay and cruise all the way up to Gills Rock at the peninsula’s tip. Stop at Peninsula State Park for trails and sweeping lake views.
4.) Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
Starved Rock is an Illinois gem, especially during autumn. The canyons and waterfalls are stunning, framed by a spectacular display of fall foliage. This geological wonder features 18 canyons carved by ancient glacial waters, creating intimate hiking experiences where waterfalls cascade through walls of autumn color.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Chicago, IL: ~90 miles
- St. Louis, MO: ~280 miles
- Indianapolis, IN: ~240 miles
Things to Do
- Explore Kaskaskia, French, and Wildcat Canyons. The waterfalls might be less active in fall, but the colors more than make up for it!
- The River Trail offers great views of the Illinois River and the bluffs.
- While there may not be a dedicated apple cider donut shop right in the park, nearby orchards like Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove or Woody’s Orchard in Plano are worth the drive for fresh cider and donuts.
Places to Stay
- Starved Rock Lodge– Stay right inside the park for ultimate convenience and rustic charm.
- Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort– Family-friendly option nearby with water park access.
5.) Hocking Hills, Ohio
Famous for waterfalls and caves, Hocking Hills is ideal for a road trip in the fall. Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave trails are surrounded by vivid fall color, and cozy cabins abound.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Columbus, OH: ~60 miles
- Cincinnati, OH: ~140 miles
- Cleveland, OH: ~200 miles
Things to Do
- Hike Cedar Falls & Ash Cave, the sheer scale of Ash Cave in fall is incredible.
- Hike Old Man’s Cave, the most famous trail, with stunning rock formations, bridges, and waterfalls
- Rent a canoe, kayak, or tube for a peaceful float down the scenic Hocking River Adventure Pro River Trips offers rentals and transport
- Get a bird’s-eye view of the fall colors with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Places to Stay
- Airbnb– Hocking Hills is famous for its cabin rentals
- Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Cabins– Offers convenient access to the park’s attractions.
6.) The Ozarks, Missouri
The Missouri Ozarks burst into a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall. This region offers a rugged beauty with stunning lakes, rivers, and rolling hills perfect for exploration.
Mileage from Major Cities
- St. Louis, MO: ~150-200 miles (depending on destination within the Ozarks)
- Kansas City, MO: ~180-250 miles
- Little Rock, AR: ~200 miles
Things to Do
- hike Ha Ha Tonka State Park– Explore castle ruins, natural bridges, and sinkholes, all surrounded by incredible fall colors.
- visit Lake of the Ozarks State Park, trails wind through forests with views of the lake
- The Lake of the Ozarks is a boater’s paradise. Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to enjoy the stunning fall scenery from the water.
- The lakes and rivers are great for fishing
Places to Stay
🍂When to Go : Mid to late October is usually peak color season here, and the crisp fall air makes paddling and hiking extra refreshing.
7.) Brown County, Indiana
If you love the idea of a cozy weekend getaway, Brown County, Indiana, will steal your heart. Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” thanks to its rolling, forested hills, this region is basically built for fall escapes.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Indianapolis, IN: ~50 miles
- Louisville, KY: ~100 miles
- Cincinnati, OH: ~120 miles
Things to Do
- Indiana’s largest state park, Brown County State Park, offers numerous trails, scenic drives, and incredible overlooks. Check out the fire tower for panoramic views
- The charming town of Nashville is known for its art galleries, antique shops, and unique boutiques
- The charming town of Nashville (yes, Indiana not Tennessee) is filled with quaint restaurants and cafes. Try the famous fried biscuits and apple butter at The Ordinary
- Head to Stuckey Farm Orchard and Cider Mill for some of the best apple cider donuts around, along with a corn maze and other family-friendly activities.
Places to Stay
- Cute and Cozy Airbnbs
- Rustic Cabins & Cottages
8.) Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Tucked away on the northern edge of Wisconsin on Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a stunning, rugged destination that truly comes alive with color in the fall.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Minneapolis, MN: ~230 miles
- Milwaukee, WI: ~380 miles
- Chicago, IL: ~470 miles
Things to Do
- Take a narrated Grand Tour boat cruise to see the famous sea caves and historic lighthouses, all framed by an explosion of autumn leaves on the mainland and islands.
- For a more intimate experience, rent a sea kayak or book a guided tour to paddle along the mainland sea caves at Meyers Beach. Outfitters operate well into the fall, but be sure to check the weather and water conditions on Lake Superior!
- Explore Madeline Island, the largest and most accessible of the Apostles, for hikes and small-town charm
- Eat fresh Lake Superior Fish, yummmm. Need I Say more?
Places to Stay
- The Old Rittenhouse Inn is a fantastic option for a romantic and historic stay.
- Other great choices include The Bayfield Inn and Pier Plaza Hotel
Just an FYI: If your trip lines up with the first weekend in October, you’re in for a treat! This festival in the charming town of Bayfield is an incredible celebration of the harvest, with food vendors, craft fairs, and live music.
9.) Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin
Perched high above the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, Wyalusing State Park offers some of the most jaw-dropping overlooks in the entire Midwest. In the fall, the view from the bluffs looks like a patchwork quilt of reds, oranges, and yellows stretching as far as you can see.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Madison, WI: ~2 hours
- Milwaukee, WI: ~3 hours
- Chicago, IL: ~4.5 hours
Things to Do
- Hike Sentinel Ridge Trail stunning, elevated views of the river valleys below. Point Lookout, is a front-row seat to all the fall colors
- Bluff Trail, just under a mile, is a popular choice for exceptional views of the rivers and the bluffs
Places to Stay
- The park has both family and group campsites, some with stunning bluff-top views, for a true outdoor experience.
- Look for accommodations in nearby Prairie du Chien or local Airbnbs
Pro Tip: Pair a stop here with a cruise along the Great River Road—it’s one of the most scenic stretches of highway for a fall road trip in the Midwest.
10.) Amana Colonies, Iowa
If you love history, hearty food, and a dash of Oktoberfest energy, the Amana Colonies in eastern Iowa are a must for your fall road trip. Founded by German settlers in the 1850s, the seven villages feel like you’ve stepped back in time—with traditional craft shops, breweries, and family-style restaurants serving up comfort food perfect for chilly October days.
Mileage from Major Cities
- Des Moines, IA: ~100 miles
- Cedar Rapids, IA: ~20 miles
- Chicago, IL: ~240 miles
Things to Do
- Explore the villages and wander through craft shops, wineries, and bakeries. The Amana Colonies are a National Historic Landmark.
- Learn about the fascinating history of the colonies at Amana Heritage
- Enjoy hearty, Authentic German Cuisine and eat traditional meals at restaurants like the Ox Yoke Inn or Ronneburg Restaurant
- Don’t leave without trying their delicious breads and pastries at Amana Colonies Baker
Places to Stay
- Hotel Millwright– A beautifully restored historic hotel in Amana.
- Amana Colonies Guest House– Cozy B&B style accommodations.
When to Go on a Fall Road Trip in the Midwest
The sweet spot for fall road trips midwest adventures is mid to late October, when temperatures hover in the comfortable 60-70°F range and foliage reaches peak intensity. Northern destinations like the Apostle Islands peak first (early October), while southern locations like Brown County hit their stride in late October.
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