(WWJ) Who's up for the ultimate autumnal road trip?
It's a bit of a drive for Metro Detroiters, but some say this spot in the Upper Peninsula — listed among Country Living magazine's most stunning places to see fall foliage in the U.S. in 2023 — is the best in the state for leaf peeping.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the public to get a bird's-eye view of the state's stunning fall foliage on a chairlift ride to the top of the Porkies ski hill, in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
For those not familiar with the site, the park is located in Ontonagon, west of Mass City in the western U.P., off the stunning shores of Lake Superior.
According to the Porcupine Mountains Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, this area is "one of the most spectacular fall travel destinations in the Midwest" with unforgettable routes that display the area's stunning autumnal scenery. (Although, let's be honest... much of the drive there and back will serve as a fall colors tour on its own).
With the colors about ready to pass their peak, there two more weekends to check it out. The chairlift will be open this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, from noon to 6 p.m. (EST), and Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon to 6 p.m.
Tickets are available at the chalet office. Advance tickets and reservations are not available.
The cost is $10 for adults and children over 10. Kids under 10 years old ride for free. Note that all children must be accompanied by an adult, and a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park.
Visitors will find the chairlift at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex, at 36672 M-107, Ontonagon, Michigan. For a map and more location information, visit this link.