Ope, Look at That! Your Guide to a Midwestern Fall Colors Road Trip

August 29, 2025

You know it's fall in the Midwest when the air gets crisp, your Pumpkin Spice Latte is ready, and your mom starts talking about how the leaves are "really coming in this year." It's a truth universally acknowledged that nothing beats the stunning, fleeting beauty of a Midwestern fall.

But here's the deal: you can't just stumble upon the best foliage. You need a plan. So, grab your flannel, pack some snacks (extra for the car ride, obviously), and get ready to witness Mother Nature's version of a firework show.

The Scenic Drives You Just Gotta See

1. The Great River Road (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois) If you're looking for the ultimate fall foliage show, this is it. We're talking 250 miles of pure, unadulterated beauty along the Mississippi River. The bluffs on the Wisconsin side? Breathtaking. The small towns on the Illinois side? Charmingly quaint. It's so pretty, you'll probably say "Ope, sorry!" to your steering wheel for taking your eyes off the road for a second.

Best time to visit: Peak color varies by location, but generally aim for early to mid-October in the northern regions (Minnesota, Wisconsin) and mid to late October as you move south into Iowa and Illinois.

What to pack: A camera with a fully charged battery (you'll need it), and a full tank of gas. There's nothing more Midwestern than a well-planned trip.

2. Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive This drive is a little different. It winds through a landscape shaped by glaciers, which, if you think about it, is pretty metal. You'll pass through hills, kettle lakes, and forests ablaze with color. It's a great spot to see why Wisconsin isn't just about cheese and the Packers. It's also about some seriously beautiful scenery.

Best time to visit: This area typically sees its most vibrant colors in mid-October.

What to pack: Sturdy shoes for a spontaneous hike. You can't let a good photo op pass you by, can you?

3. Michigan's Tunnel of Trees Picture this: a road so covered by autumn leaves it feels like you're driving through a magical tunnel. That's the M-119 in Northern Michigan. It’s a narrow, winding road that hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, with views that will make you forget about that traffic jam you were just in. It’s exactly the kind of place to stop, get out of the car, and just be for a minute.

Best time to visit: The trees are at their best in early to mid-October.

What to pack: A car playlist of all the best road trip anthems (and maybe a few sad songs for when the trip ends).

4. The Flint Hills Scenic Byway (Kansas) Okay, so maybe Kansas isn't the first state you think of for fall colors, but you're in for a surprise. The Flint Hills Byway cuts through an ancient prairie ecosystem, and the tallgrass turns a spectacular golden-red in the fall. It's a different kind of beauty—subtle but stunning. Just like a good casserole, it's not flashy, but it's exactly what you need.

Best time to visit: The prairie grasses turn a beautiful golden-red in late October to early November.

What to pack: Binoculars for spotting a few bison and a good pair of cowboy boots for when you want to get out and stretch your legs.

5. Missouri's Ozark Mountain Highroad For a taste of hill country, this is your route. Winding through the Ozark Mountains, this road offers some seriously impressive views of rolling hills covered in a blanket of red, orange, and yellow. You'll feel like you're a million miles away from the city, which is great because you probably are.

Best time to visit: The Ozarks are usually at their peak from mid to late October.

What to pack: Your appetite for some good ol' barbecue. Trust us on this one.

6. The Hocking Hills Byway (Ohio) Ohio's Hocking Hills region is a hidden gem for fall foliage. As you drive through this byway, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs and deep gorges, all decked out in their autumn finest. It's a truly spectacular backdrop for a fall drive.

Best time to visit: The peak for this area is generally mid-October.

What to pack: A sweater. Because, you know, fall.

7. Indiana's Brown County State Park Known as the "Little Smokies," Brown County State Park is the perfect place to get your fill of fall colors. The scenic drives within the park offer a dizzying array of yellows, oranges, and reds. It's an easy day trip and a surefire way to get a solid "gosh, that's pretty" out of everyone in the car.

Best time to visit: Look for peak colors from the second to third week of October, but always check local reports as it can vary.

What to pack: A pumpkin for a pumpkin patch visit. It's tradition!

Tips from a Fellow Midwesterner

Timing is everything. Peak colors can be a little unpredictable. Keep an eye on local fall foliage reports for a heads-up on when the colors will be at their best in your area.
Embrace the small towns. The best part of a road trip isn't just the driving—it's the discoveries. Pull over for a cup of coffee, grab a bite to eat at a local diner, and maybe even find a little antique store. You never know what hidden gem you'll find.
Don't forget the essentials. A well-stocked cooler, some extra jackets (because you never know if it'll be 70 degrees or 40), and an emergency bag of cheese curds (kidding... mostly).

Fall in the Midwest is more than just a season; it's a feeling. So get out there, embrace the colorful chaos, and make a memory. And hey, if you get lost, just remember to say "Ope!" and you'll probably be fine.

Now, what are you waiting for? The road is calling.