One of the reasons to love fall, besides the cooling temperatures, is the transformation of leaves into a magnificent display of orange, red, yellow, and brown hues, lighting up the Midwest.
Among the many places to experience the fall transition, one destination stands out: Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island is unlike anywhere else in the U.S. Life moves at a slow pace—literally. Instead of cars, you’ll find horse-drawn carriages. For this reason, there’s no better time to visit than in the autumn, when the tourist season winds down after the busy summer months.

Mackinac Island in the fall
The island features 70 miles of trails across its 3.8 square miles. According to Travel + Leisure, one of the best routes, the Tranquil Bluff Trail, takes you through the forest and along the cliffs overlooking Lake Huron.
If you’d prefer a bike to a stroll, you can rent a bike and ride through the Mackinac Island State Park forest or bike around the island, which offers stunning views of fall foliage and the water.