Imagine floating above the fiery fall colors most people only ever see from the ground. Across the Upper Peninsula, ski hills and mountain resorts fire up their chairlifts long before the snow flies. From Lake Superior panoramas to a ride nearly to the top of a massive ski jump, these six fall color experiences offer a completely different perspective on autumn. Pair this experience with one of our scenic fall drives for an unforgettable fall experience.
Copper Peak Adventure Ride, Ironwood
The adventure begins with a chairlift ride up an 800-foot hill at Copper Peak, the iconic ski flying hill near Ironwood. From there, step into an elevator for an 18-story climb to the main observation deck. Still want to go higher? Climb another eight stories to the starting gate.
On a clear day, the view encompasses more than 2,500 square miles across three states and Canada…and in fall, much of the landscape below is covered in color.
Because of ongoing construction at Copper Peak, the Adventure Ride is operating Sundays only in 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Weather can affect operations, so check current conditions before making the trip.
Snowriver Mountain Resort, Wakefield
For a classic chairlift ride over the Western U.P.'s rolling terrain, head to Snowriver Mountain Resort near Wakefield.
The Voyageur Express is the U.P.'s only high-speed chairlift, carrying passengers above the forests and rugged ridgelines surrounding the resort. Fall rides run Friday through Sunday from Sept. 11 through Oct. 18, giving leaf peepers a generous window to catch the changing landscape. The lift operates from noon to 6 p.m. Eastern time.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon
The Porkies are spectacular from the ground. They're even better 670 feet above it.
On select fall weekends, the chairlift at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex carries passengers up the ski hill for a bird's-eye view of one of Michigan's wildest landscapes. Below, vibrant forest rolls endlessly toward the blue expanse of Lake Superior.
Fall color rides are scheduled for Sept. 26–27, Oct. 3–4 and Oct. 10–11 in 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for park entry in addition to the lift ticket.
Once you're back on solid ground, make a day of it. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers miles of hiking trails, waterfalls and overlooks for seeing the season from a few more angles.
Mount Bohemia, Lac La Belle
In the Keweenaw Peninsula you’ll find one of the U.P.'s most expansive fall color experiences. Mount Bohemia's chairlift carries visitors up the mountain for views stretching across the surrounding forest and waters of Lake Superior, Lac La Belle, Manitou Island, Deer Lake and Gratiot Lake. At the summit, take your time exploring the overlooks before hopping aboard the lift again for the trip down. With a combo pass, you can also enjoy the Nordic Spa with its 30-person hot tub, heated outdoor pool, cold pool, saunas and eucalyptus steam room.
Fall rides run Wednesday through Sunday from Sept. 23 through Oct. 18, noon to 6 p.m. Eastern.
Mont Ripley, Hancock
From Mont Ripley, the changing leaves provide the frame for one of the U.P.'s most distinctive urban landscapes. Ride the historic Husky Chair to the summit for panoramic views across the Portage Waterway toward Houghton and the Michigan Tech campus.
Scenic rides are offered on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 18 through Oct. 25 in 2026. That extended schedule also makes Mont Ripley one of the best bets for travelers hoping to catch later color in the Keweenaw.
Marquette Mountain, Marquette
Take a chairlift to Marquette Mountain’s summit for sweeping views across the autumn landscape toward Marquette and Lake Superior. Then lace up your hiking shoes, because there's no chairlift ride back down. Scenic tour tickets include a one-way trip to the summit followed by a hike back down.
For 2026, scenic lift access is limited to several special-event dates: Sept. 12 and Oct. 2, 3 and 11. Check the resort's schedule before planning your visit.
Time Your Ride With the Colors
There isn't one single "peak weekend" across the Upper Peninsula. Color generally begins in mid-to late September, with peak conditions often arriving during the first three weeks of October. Check the U.P. Fall Color Report before heading out and remember that lift operations can change due to weather conditions.
Book Your Stay
Fall color season is one of the most popular times to visit the U.P., especially when the views are at their peak. Find lodging near your chairlift destination, then plan your trip and book early to get the dates and accommodations you want.