Hop aboard an unforgettable chairlift ride at the following iconic state ski resorts and watch as a vibrant panorama of autumn hues expands ever wider as you approach the top. Once there, disembark and soak in a 360-degree panorama of nature’s colorful splendor.
Mount Bohemia
Boasting one of the Midwest’s tallest vertical drops at 900 feet, and topping out at 1,465 feet above sea level, the 1,100-acre Mount Bohemia resort in Mohawk — famous for extreme skiing — offers perhaps the state’s most dramatic fall chairlift views.
A mix of cottonwood, birch, and maple trees, among other hardwoods, provides an eye-popping landscape of color that spreads across gullies and ravines. The radiant foliage is showcased beautifully against the deep blue of Lac La Belle, Lake Gratiot, Deer Lake, and, of course, Lake Superior. Explore the many trails at the top before riding back down.
“Chairlift riders are high up and experience a crazy, vibrant landscape you don’t see in many places in the Midwest,” Mount Bohemia owner Lonie Glieberman says. “They’re able to see the steep hills blazing around us with fall color, and experience great views of Lake Superior and several inland bodies of water.”
While you’re in the area, be sure to catch another legendary autumn vista at nearby Brockway Mountain.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Sweeping views of the park’s wild and scenic 59,000 acres are best enjoyed via a chairlift ride to the top of the Porkies’ Winter Sports Complex ski hill in Ontonagon. Riders often opt to hike back down to the parking lot.
“The ride is slow and peaceful, with only the hum of the lift and the occasional rustle of leaves,” says Scott Lawrence, of the Porcupine Mountains Ontonagon Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Once you’re closer to the top, you’ll be able to catch glimpses of Lake Superior in the distance. The colorful foliage extends in all directions, creating a brilliant contrast with the green grass below.”
The Porcupine Mountains are also home to two of the state’s most popular fall color overlooks: Lake of the Clouds and the Summit Peak Observation Tower.
Copper Peak
The 810-foot chairlift ride is only the beginning of a journey to the Midwest’s highest fall color vantage point atop the 26-story Copper Peak ski flying hill structure in Ironwood.
Disembark from the chairlift at the crest of the hill, a 360-foot volcanic rock outcrop. From there, an 18-story elevator ride ends at the main observation deck. The very top is still an eight-story climb away, first on wooden steps and then over see-through metal grate stairs. The upper observation platform is 1,782 feet above sea level and 1,180 feet above Lake Superior.
You’ll enjoy stunning views spanning nearly 40 miles in every direction as the mixed conifers and hardwoods of the Ottawa National Forest and the Black River National Scenic Byway pop with vibrant color.
Lake Superior, The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park are among the sights. Bring binoculars for views of Isle Royale National Park and Grand Marais.
“Copper Peak is one of those bucket list places that, once you experience it, you’ll end up bringing your mom and dad, then your friends, and everyone you know,” says Ironwood Community Development Assistant Tim Erickson.
Crystal Mountain
A relaxing ride up the nearly 400 feet on the Buck Quad Chairlift leads to views of vivid fall colors surrounding the four-season, 1,500-acre resort in Thompsonville.
“At the top, riders look over fall colors in Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, and Grand Traverse counties, and it’s a great way to get outside to breathe in the crisp fresh air of northern Michigan,” says Crystal Mountain Director of Communications Brittney Primeau.
Boyne Mountain/The Highlands
At Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, the Hemlock chairlift takes riders to a picturesque view overlooking the Boyne Valley. Options at the top include walking over to one of the state’s newest exhilarating autumn viewing experiences: SkyBridge Michigan, a 1,200-foot-long, 118-foot-high timber-towered pedestrian bridge that opened in 2022.
Trails and the Eagle’s Nest, a restaurant with a fireplace where you can purchase food and drinks, can be accessed from the chairlift.
At The Highlands in Harbor Springs, the Heather Express chairlift takes riders through the tree canopy, and you can take in sweeping views of Little Traverse Bay and inland lakes. Harbor Springs and Petoskey can also be seen. From the top, check out the enchanting Graham Chapel or hike over to North Peak, where you can see the Mackinac Bridge on clear days.
“At both of our resorts, there are great options to explore hiking trails and riders can even bring mountain bikes up the lift to ride miles of trails,” says Boyne Resorts Director of Communications Erin Ernst.
Shanty Creek Resort
Take in amazing views on the blue chairlift while riding to the summit of Schuss Mountain, one of the highest points in Antrim County. There’s plenty to see at the top, including Lake Bellaire and the area’s famous Chain of Lakes.
“Our chairlift is a unique and serene way to view the stunning transformation of nature. It’s a perfect activity for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts who want to soak in the rich hues of the season from a vantage point like no other,” says Shanty Creek Resort Marketing Director Lindsey Southwell.
For more color, check out nearby Deadman’s Hill Overlook and its views of the Jordan River Valley.
Plan it!
Mount Bohemia
mtbohemia.com
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
michigan.gov/skitheporkies
Copper Peak
copperpeak.net
Crystal Mountain Resort
crystalmountain.com
Boyne Resorts
boyneresorts.com
Shanty Creek Resort
shantycreek.com
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