There’s nothing more magical than venturing out to explore the fall colors near Detroit. While the season is chock full of fun adventures, including pumpkin patches and corn mazes, we’re total suckers for an autumn road trip. When you’re ready to hop in the car and explore some of the prettiest scenery Metro Detroit has to offer, follow this short and sweet route through some of the most vibrant spots in the area. This road trip should take approximately two hours. To get you on your way, we created a convenient adjustable map of our proposed route. Happy leaf-peeping, fellow Detroiters!

Google Maps
1. Belle Isle
Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
Flickr/Maia C.
To kick off your Detroit fall foliage journey we're starting at Belle Isle, which can be explored by car or on foot. It’s easy to understand why this destination is beloved among locals and out-of-town visitors alike. As you make your way through, you’ll appreciate bright, colorful trees set against the skyline of the Motor City. To extend your stay, take a walk at Whitcomb Conservatory or settle in for a quick picnic along the Detroit River.
2. Elmwood Cemetery
Elmwood Cemetery, 1200 Elmwood St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Google Reviews/Erica Alliss
Who says cemeteries have to be spooky? We’re firm believers that there’s beauty to be found in historical resting places, and Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit certainly fits the bill. This spot was established in 1846 and features 86 peaceful acres to appreciate. During the fall months, foliage abounds among the graves of Civil War veterans, former Michigan politicians, artistic personalities, and everyday Detroiters alike. Take a drive or walk through the cemetery for a truly serene experience.

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3. Quickstad Park
Quickstad Park, Normandy Rd & Lexington Blvd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
Google Reviews/Will Haapaniemi
As your fall color drive through Metro Detroit continues, head to Quickstad Park in Royal Oak. This small but charming site is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after a bit of time in the car, featuring 2.54 acres and a gorgeous trail through a section of foliage known as Tenhave Woods. Be sure to bring along your camera when you head out for a stroll here, as the fall foliage is nothing short of spectacular. It’s no surprise that Quickstad Park has remained a community fixture in Royal Oak since its establishment in the mid-1950s.
4. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, 27101-27215 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48033, USA
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng
Next on the list of where to see fall colors near Detroit is Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, a brilliant gem in Southfield that brings together an impressive assortment of natural habitats among some of the prettiest surroundings in the area. Meadows, wetlands, forested swaths, and access to Carpenter Lake make this spot utterly unique -- particularly when fall colors appear. With nearly a mile of trail space and access to everything from fishing to a rock park, it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with this nature-rich haven.
5. Maybury State Park
Maybury State Park, 49601 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167, USA
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng
As you circle around and begin to wrap up your tour of fall foliage in Metro Detroit, make a final stop at Maybury State Park in Northville. Whether you simply stop in for a quick glimpse from the car or fully immerse yourself in the stunning terrain that sets this park apart, you’ll be enamored. Many guests opt to hike and bike among the area’s 944 spectacular acres, which simply explode with fall colors each year. We can’t imagine a more magical place to round out your Detroit in the fall adventure.

As you head back to Detroit, you’ll feel like you’ve entered an entirely new world — but you’ll only have spent two hours driving. Whether you choose to exit the vehicle at every destination is entirely up to you, but we recommend fully exploring each spot on our list for the richest, most memorable experience. If you’d like to recommend another wonderful place to spot fall colors near Detroit, fill out our nomination form.

If you’re looking for a more extended adventure, read about our longer fall foliage road trip through Metro Detroit.

If you’d like to explore hikes around any of these beautiful spots, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

And last but not least, if you’re still in the mood for more Michigan adventures, take a look at this video about the Haunted Felt Mansion:

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More to Explore

More Fun In and Around Detroit

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | August 02, 2023

What are some other day trip ideas near Detroit?

  • Located within the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village is a great place for both history and car buffs.
  • The Bavarian-style town of Frankenmuth is a popular place for its European feel, great restaurants, and wealth of things to do.
  • Kensington Metropark in the town of Milford spans more than 4,500 acres, offering ample opportunities to hike, boat, swim, cross-country ski, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other day trip ideas near Detroit.

Where can we find romantic things to do in Detroit?

  • La Dolce Vita by Alex’s is a well-known Italian spot that has a romantic patio.
  • Giovanni's Ristorante is one of the best Italian restaurants in Detroit and a great place to take a date for a romantic dinner and evening.
  • The Royce Detroit is an awesome wine shop and tasting bar where you can shop for over 300 bottles of wine and enjoy tasting flights and charcuterie.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other romantic things to do in Detroit.

What are some fun facts about Detroit?

  • The first mile of concrete in America was made in Detroit on Woodward Avenue.
  • The first radio news program was broadcasted in the city in the 1920s.
  • The first Van Gogh painting to be shown and entered into a U.S. museum was here at The Detroit Institute of Arts.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about Detroit.

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