Top 5 Michigan Fall Scenic Chairlift Rides To See Fall Colors From New Heights! Fun Autumn Things To Do! + Map
Article: Top 5 Michigan Fall Scenic Chairlift Rides To See Fall Colors From New Heights This Autumn! + Map
This Fall, See the Autumn Colors from New Heights!
Chris and I love finding unique and memorable ways to experience Michigan’s fall colors, and this year fall color chairlift rides are our top choice. Each of these locations offer something special, whether it’s the stunning views of the Upper Peninsula at Mt. Bohemia or the expansive landscapes at Boyne Mountain and Shanty Creek Resorts. Whichever you choose, these scenic chairlifts are a top way to enjoy the vibrant beauty of Michigan...from above!
Pro Tip: Several chairlift operators offer a discount if you purchase your tickets ahead of time on their websites. Be sure to check their websites for hours, ticket prices, instructions and possible closures before you travel.
MAP of the TOP 5 Michigan Fall Scenic Chairlift Rides
1. Boyne Mountain Scenic Chairlift Ride
Boyne Mountain Scenic Chairlift Ride is our personal favorite as we have done this many times! Each time the view is different so it never gets old!
Address: 1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Parking is Free
Tickets: Buy online, cheaper than at the door.
Boyne Mountain Resort offers a fantastic scenic chairlift ride that gives you incredible sweeping views of Northern Michigan’s fall colors. From the top, you can overlook Boyne Mountain resort and vast acres of colorful trees.
The ride is available during select weekends in the autumn, and it’s a perfect way to take in the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that blanket the landscape. At the top, enjoy a leisurely hike, grab a hot chocolate in the chalet, visit the Boyne Skybridge or simply soak in the views before riding back down.
2. Mt. Bohemia Chairlift Sky Rides (Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
Mt. Bohemia Chairlift Sky Rides
Address: 6532 Gay Lac La Belle Rd, Mohawk, MI 49950
Tickets: Must order online
2024 Chairlift Schedule:
- July - October 13, 2024 but they are closed Sept 2 - Sept 19, 2024.
- Wednesday - Sunday 12 to 6 pm
Mt. Bohemia, located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, offers a chairlift ride that takes you to the summit, where you can experience stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and breathtaking views of Lake Superior, Manitou Island, Lac La Belle, Deer Lake, and Gratiot Lake.
This remote location in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is known for its rugged beauty, and the fall colors here are especially vivid. While you are there, you can walk their hiking trails, grab lunch at the Pizza Cabana of Bohemia serving wood fired pizza and ice cream. Sip on a drink at the Log Cabin Bar or buy a combo pass and enjoy the Nordic Spa with its 30-person hot tub, heated outdoor pool, cold pool, three saunas, and eucalyptus steam room.
Sounds like an awesome fall weekend getaway!
Join our Michigan Best Fall Color Facebook Group!
Join our Michigan Best Fall Color Facebook Group! Everyone posts their photos, favorite leaf peeping spots and current info on the percentage of color change in their region!
3. Shanty Creek Resorts Scenic Chairlift Ride
Shanty Creek Resorts Scenic Chairlift Ride
Address: 5780 Shanty Creek Rd, Bellaire, MI 49615
Tickets: Reserve your chairlift ride online
Timeslots are available in 5 minute increments from 11 am-4 pm on the following 2024 dates:
• September 28
• October 5 & 6
• October 12 & 13
• October 19
Shanty Creek Resorts offers scenic chairlift rides at their Schuss Mountain location. The fun chairlift ride provides a bird’s-eye view of the expansive Antrim County landscape, with its rolling hills covered in a patchwork of fall colors. It’s a relaxing way to take in the beauty of Northern Michigan’s autumn season, and the resort offers additional fall activities to enjoy as well.
4. Crystal Mountain Fall Color Chairlift Rides
Crystal Mountain Scenic Chairlift Rides
Address: 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683
When: Saturdays and Sundays in October
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville offers scenic chairlift rides that gives a stunning view of the surrounding Benzie County. The ride takes you up the mountain, offering expansive views of the forested landscape, which bursts into color during the fall. Before you go, be sure to make a reservation for a 30-minute load time window to access the chairlift.
5. The Highlands at Harbor Springs
The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Address: 600 Highlands Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
When the fall colors roll in, hop on the Heather Express chairlift for a scenic ride to the top of the hill for bird's eye views of Little Traverse Bay and Harbor Springs. Once at the top, walk to Graham Chapel or hike to North Peak for views of the Mackinac Bridge! Check their website for available dates, times and more information.
Our Fall Travel Guides - Best Places to See Fall Color!
- Fall Colors in Michigan - COLOR TOUR-13 EPIC PLACES with map
- Epic Michigan Fall Color Tour - COLOR TOUR - 9 AWESOME PLACES with a map
- Michigan in Fall - COLOR TOUR - 10 EPIC PLACES with map
- 11 Best Places to See Fall Color in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Keweenaw Peninsula - 11 Gorgeous Spots with map
- Tunnel of Trees - SCENIC DRIVE
- Fall Train Rides are another option to see the lovely fall color!!
Conclusion
For a unique and memorable way to experience Michigan’s fall colors, scenic chairlift rides are such a fun choice!! Plus, it's a perfect option for those that are unable to walk long distances to see fall colors.
Each of the locations above offers something special, whether it’s the stunning views of the Upper Peninsula at Mt. Bohemia or the expansive landscapes at Boyne Mountain and Shanty Creek Resorts. Plan your visit to one of these scenic chairlifts this autumn and enjoy the vibrant beauty of Michigan...from above!
Author: Sherry Trautman
Author | Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander...read more about Sherry Trautman