Road Trip Through This Midwest Peninsula For Fall Foliage, Sandy Beaches, And Orchards

When you think of fall in the United States, the first places that come to mind are probably the leaf-peeper havens of New Hampshire and Vermont in the Northeast. However, the country is full of incredible autumn destinations outside this little corner. If you're looking for a fall road trip that provides the charm and color of New England without the crowds, pack up the car and head to the Midwest. Specifically, point your wheels toward the peninsula of Door County in Wisconsin, known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest." 

Door County is a thumb-shaped chunk of land jutting into Lake Michigan (not far from Green Bay), with a year-round population of around 30,000. Although Door County may not be on your radar, it's routinely voted as one of the best fall road trips in America. Not only does it provide easily accessible and gorgeous, consistent color, but it also has 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, not to mention charming towns, tasty farmstands, and plenty of idyllic rural atmosphere.

To make the best of your unforgettable fall road trip in Door County, you can take several different routes to find the best color. The most famous is the Door County Coastal Byway, a 66-mile loop that can be driven in a single day. Fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Door County by splitting up your trip in scenic towns along the way, such as Bailey's Harbor, Sister Bay, or Fish Creek, to give yourself time to explore the state parks, beaches, forests, and cliffs.

You can also focus your trip on one of the two main highways on the peninsula, Highway 42 or 57. These highways follow the western or eastern shores of the peninsula, respectively, until 57 merges into 42 at Sister Bay. From here, drive to the very tip of the peninsula and catch the ferry route known as Death's Door to the bigger Washington Island and smaller surrounding ones, such as Plum.

To optimize the colors you'll see, plan your visit to Door County for late September to mid-October, according to the Wisconsin Fall Color Report. Peak color in Door County can vary year to year, depending on drought, temperature, and the first frost.

In addition to the vibrant colors you'll see out your window, Door County is full of incredible activities to make your autumnal wishes come true. Most drives on the peninsula start in the county's largest city, Sturgeon Bay, which has most of the area's nightlife and tourist information. Visit the nine wineries on the Door Country Wine Trail, walk along the shores of one of the Midwest's most beautiful lakes, and drive along Skyline Road in Peninsula Point State Park. 

Get out on the water to cruise between lighthouses and appreciate the trees reflected in the lake, rent a kayak at Cave Point County Park to find coastal caves, or snap photos at the famous Jens Jensens Windy Road. Pick apples at one of the family-run farms and orchards, or walk on the sandy spit of land that connects to Cana Island, near Bailey's Harbor, to see its famous lighthouse. Most of all, make plenty of stops to walk along trails or simply appreciate the views waiting around every corner.