We are considering an 8-day trip to Michigan (Mackinaw Island) and Door County Wisconsin in late September or mid-October (conflicts in between). We'd like to see leaf changes. Will we be there too soon or too late if we go then? Where would be the best jumping off airport to take in both locations? O'Hare or somewhere in Canada or ??? We'd be coming from Los Angeles. Thanks so much.

Airport in Green Bay is probably the best choice.

Check Midwest Airlines. You can fly direct from LAX to Milwaukee. You then could easily drive from Milwaukee to Door County (should just be a couple hours). Or connect to one of Midwest Airlines' commuter flights to the Upper Peninsula if that's where you want to start.

The peak of fall color will be around the end of the first week in October. http://www.wnrmag.com/stories/1998/aug98/fall.htm

"(should just be a couple hours)" NOT! If Midwest to Milwaukee then driving it is 3 hours to Sturgeon Bay at 70mph, airport to my relatives house.

A very cool option is to take the Badger Ferry across Lake Michigan either going or coming back if driving out of Milwaukee or Chicago. Neat ocean liner like experience.

Hello from a Milwaukeean. That sounds like a great time to visit DC (Door County). If the Green Bay airport isn't too expensive, that's probably your best bet. Otherwise, Midwest flies direct from LAX to Milwaukee(I did it in Sept. 06 for $250 RT.) The drive from Milwaukee to DC is about 3 hours, give or take 15 minutes depending on traffic and your speed.

Do you know where you will be staying in DC? I'd be happy to give some recommendations, as I've been going to DC for summer and fall weekends for the past 15 years. Just let me know what kind of accommodations you like & price range. There's a huge variety in DC.

Enjoy!!

I am in WI all fall. Peak color time in Door County is virtually always in the area of October 10-17th. You will likely be disappointed in late September if color is primary to you.

Driving time from Milwaukee is 3 hours, From O'hare is about 4.5 hours.

If you hit it right, it is spectacular!