Part One of Three, Michigan

One of the great things about Apartment Living happens in the fall.  While home owners are out raking leaves every weekend, you’re free to take a short trip and actually enjoy the fall leaves in all of the glory.

The Midwest gets a a hard knock for scenery.  Sure, we don’t have oceans or mountains, but we do have trees, if you know where to find them.

If you’re up for a serious road trip, there are several world class fall foliage viewing areas within five or six hours of Willow Creek Crossing Apartments.  Some of the best color viewing occurs in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  The UP is about five hours due north, and it’s pretty much Interstates all the way.  You’ll know when you get there because you’ll have to go over one of the world’s longest suspension bridges.

Before you cross the bridge, you might want to stop and visit Mackinac Island.  The local joke here is when a tourist stops to ask “Where’s the bridge to Mackinac Island?”  There is not bridge.  You’ll have to park your vehicle and take a boat.  When you get there, you can rent a bicycle or a horse driven taxi.  There are no motor vehicles on the island.  There’s plenty to see and do, and great fall color you can view best from the bike trail that rims the island.

Shave about an hour off the trip, and head to Traverse City instead.  Take Michigan State Road 72 West to Michigan 22, and turn right.  You’ll head up along Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear State Park.  M22 draws hard core foliage fans from all over the country.

Come back for Part 2, Indiana Foliage trips