If you’re a fall fanatic, you know there’s nothing better than heading out to appreciate the wonders of autumn foliage. As leaves change color and the air gains that familiar crispness, the magic of the season is on full display. Here in the Motor City, we’ve got a front-row seat to some of the prettiest fall colors imaginable. When you’re ready to take a little tour, check out these nine places to see foliage in and around Detroit.
- Belle Isle
Flickr/SJ Carey We’ll kick off our list with an obvious choice: beautiful Belle Isle. This wonderful island park within the city of Detroit is a great place to explore in every season, and fall is no exception. Appreciate the vibrant leaves as you stroll along the banks of the Detroit River, gaze at the skyline, make your way through Whitcomb Conservatory, or simply settle in for a picnic lunch. Is there anything more wonderful? Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
- Stony Creek Metropark
Google Reviews/Shane Osnoe Make the short jaunt to Shelby Township for a day of brilliant fall adventure at Stony Creek Metropark, which boasts more than 4,400 acres and truly offers excitement for every member of the family. During the autumn months, you could easily spend all day here, whether you opt to stroll along the park’s exceptional hiking trails or take to the waters of Stony Creek Lake. Foliage is just the icing on the cake. Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316, USA
- Nichols Arboretum
Google Reviews/Ken Chadwick Head to Ann Arbor when you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors. It’s no secret that Nichols Arboretum, often referred to as The Arb, is a popular spot among locals and out-of-towners alike. In the fall, it’s even more magical than usual. Take time to stroll along over three miles of hiking trails, which wind alongside the Huron River and pass under endless autumn colors. You might never want to head back home. Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
- Kensington Metropark
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng You’ve likely spent time at Kensington Metropark in years past, whether you’ve visited for a day of cross-country skiing or a summertime splash at the on-site waterpark. During the fall, this 4,500-acre wonderland comes to life with scenery and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Check out the nature center, walk along foliage-dotted trails, or try your hand at a bit of fishing. You’ll be enamored in no time. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
- Palmer Park
Google Reviews/Beth Joy Situated on Merrill Plaisance Street, this wonderful Motor City park is home to 296 sprawling acres and plenty of greenery. When autumn arrives, its trees change color and drop thousands of vivid leaves onto the ground, seemingly just begging for visitors to stop and marvel. Whether you live nearby or you drop in from another neighborhood, Palmer Park will help you immerse yourself in seasonal delights. Palmer Park, Detroit, MI 48203, USA
- O’Hair Park
Google Reviews/Andrew Erickson This 78-acre community park on Pembroke Avenue is something of an underrated destination for those who want to appreciate nature, particularly during the fall months. While it houses playground space and sporting fields, it’s also home to a 20-acre section called Pitcher Woods that’s fantastic for a short and sweet day trip. Bring along your camera as you admire the colorful surroundings here. O’hair Park, Detroit, MI, USA
- TreeRunner West Bloomfield Adventure Park
Facebook/TreeRunner West Bloomfield Adventure Park Want to experience the wonders of autumn from a whole new vantage point? Make your way to TreeRunner West Bloomfield Adventure Park, a fascinating aerial course that takes visitors on a series of obstacles, zip lines, and more - all suspended high above the ground. During the fall, the experience is extra spectacular, as you’ll feel like you’ve made a home among the foliage. There’s no better way to step outside your comfort zone while taking in the beauty of the season. TreeRunner Adventure Park West Bloomfield, 6200 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322, USA
- Addison Oaks County Park
Google Reviews/EixAndrews Many guests choose to explore Addison Oaks for its golf courses, campground, and disc golf options. While these attractions are certainly worth seeing, we’re delighted by the park’s gorgeous fall colors and natural splendor. Take to the trails within this 1,140-acre dreamland and walk alongside breathtaking lakes surrounded by falling leaves. You might just forget you’re in Metro Detroit as you unwind here. Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W Romeo Rd, Leonard, MI 48367, USA
- Elizabeth Park
Google Reviews/Cindy Neely Head to Trenton for a day trip to Elizabeth Park, which offers marvelous Detroit River frontage and seemingly endless space for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re taking a bike ride along the riverwalk, throwing your line in to try some fishing, or snapping photos of the park’s historic bridges, you’ll be overcome with the spirit of fall when you visit during the autumn months. It’s easy to see why locals call this park a hidden jewel. Elizabeth Park Drive, Elizabeth Park Dr, Trenton, MI 48183, USA
Have you explored any of these awesome places in Metro Detroit during previous fall foliage seasons? What are some of your favorites? Share your photos and memories with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend yet another spot to catch autumn colors near the Motor City by filling out our nomination form here.
Flickr/SJ Carey
We’ll kick off our list with an obvious choice: beautiful Belle Isle. This wonderful island park within the city of Detroit is a great place to explore in every season, and fall is no exception. Appreciate the vibrant leaves as you stroll along the banks of the Detroit River, gaze at the skyline, make your way through Whitcomb Conservatory, or simply settle in for a picnic lunch. Is there anything more wonderful?
Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
Google Reviews/Shane Osnoe
Make the short jaunt to Shelby Township for a day of brilliant fall adventure at Stony Creek Metropark, which boasts more than 4,400 acres and truly offers excitement for every member of the family. During the autumn months, you could easily spend all day here, whether you opt to stroll along the park’s exceptional hiking trails or take to the waters of Stony Creek Lake. Foliage is just the icing on the cake.
Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316, USA
Google Reviews/Ken Chadwick
Head to Ann Arbor when you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors. It’s no secret that Nichols Arboretum, often referred to as The Arb, is a popular spot among locals and out-of-towners alike. In the fall, it’s even more magical than usual. Take time to stroll along over three miles of hiking trails, which wind alongside the Huron River and pass under endless autumn colors. You might never want to head back home.
Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng
You’ve likely spent time at Kensington Metropark in years past, whether you’ve visited for a day of cross-country skiing or a summertime splash at the on-site waterpark. During the fall, this 4,500-acre wonderland comes to life with scenery and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Check out the nature center, walk along foliage-dotted trails, or try your hand at a bit of fishing. You’ll be enamored in no time.
Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
Google Reviews/Beth Joy
Situated on Merrill Plaisance Street, this wonderful Motor City park is home to 296 sprawling acres and plenty of greenery. When autumn arrives, its trees change color and drop thousands of vivid leaves onto the ground, seemingly just begging for visitors to stop and marvel. Whether you live nearby or you drop in from another neighborhood, Palmer Park will help you immerse yourself in seasonal delights.
Palmer Park, Detroit, MI 48203, USA
Google Reviews/Andrew Erickson
This 78-acre community park on Pembroke Avenue is something of an underrated destination for those who want to appreciate nature, particularly during the fall months. While it houses playground space and sporting fields, it’s also home to a 20-acre section called Pitcher Woods that’s fantastic for a short and sweet day trip. Bring along your camera as you admire the colorful surroundings here.
O’hair Park, Detroit, MI, USA
Facebook/TreeRunner West Bloomfield Adventure Park
Want to experience the wonders of autumn from a whole new vantage point? Make your way to TreeRunner West Bloomfield Adventure Park, a fascinating aerial course that takes visitors on a series of obstacles, zip lines, and more - all suspended high above the ground. During the fall, the experience is extra spectacular, as you’ll feel like you’ve made a home among the foliage. There’s no better way to step outside your comfort zone while taking in the beauty of the season.
TreeRunner Adventure Park West Bloomfield, 6200 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322, USA
Google Reviews/EixAndrews
Many guests choose to explore Addison Oaks for its golf courses, campground, and disc golf options. While these attractions are certainly worth seeing, we’re delighted by the park’s gorgeous fall colors and natural splendor. Take to the trails within this 1,140-acre dreamland and walk alongside breathtaking lakes surrounded by falling leaves. You might just forget you’re in Metro Detroit as you unwind here.
Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W Romeo Rd, Leonard, MI 48367, USA
Google Reviews/Cindy Neely
Head to Trenton for a day trip to Elizabeth Park, which offers marvelous Detroit River frontage and seemingly endless space for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re taking a bike ride along the riverwalk, throwing your line in to try some fishing, or snapping photos of the park’s historic bridges, you’ll be overcome with the spirit of fall when you visit during the autumn months. It’s easy to see why locals call this park a hidden jewel.
Elizabeth Park Drive, Elizabeth Park Dr, Trenton, MI 48183, USA
Ready for even more outdoor fun with the family? Read about this underrated zoo near Detroit.
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