Hello, this fall we plan to be flying into the Bay City Michigan area for about a week or so. Can anyone tell me what there is to see and do? We would really like to see the foliage and are willing to drive into Canada too to see more sights. Anyone ever drive from there to Niagara/Toronto area? If so, is it worth the drive? Thanks, Patti

This is partially a business trip, but we will still have about a week on our own. Thanks, Patti

Niagara & Toronto are worth visiting, but the ride over is not one I would select for fall foliage.

If you want a much better taste of Canadian fall foliage, take the Agawa Canyon train out of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario.

I don't know how much of your week you want to spend outside of Bay City. A nice 3 day/2 night would let you drive north to visit the American Soo & tour the Locks, cross over to the Canadian Soo for sight seeing and the train, visit Tahquamenon Falls & Whitefish Point and return to the Mackinac Bridge with a stop in Mackinaw City for some fudge and shopping.

With more time you could continue down the west side of the state.

But where to go for the best colors will depend a lot on when you go. The season starts in the north and works its way south as the fall progresses. Everything is off schedule this year and it would be hard to say where would be the best, until just before your trip.

The good news is that in the fall, you can travel without needing reservations, and the motel prices are much lower

Keith

Drive to MAckinaw-it's not that far, the island is basically deserted after Labor Day so you'll have it to yourself and the trees are gorgeous. Also, we went to Techwahmenon Falls in the UP from there and it was one of the most gorgeous sights I'd ever seen.

Hi, thanks for the info. I have a couple more questions. I found 3 ferries to Mackinac Isl. Is one better or faster than the others? Also, someone recommended we tke our children to Bayne's Apple Valley Farm in Freeland Michigan for fall activities. Anyone familiar with it?

The cost is the same and the length of the ferry ride about the same for all three ferries. I like the Sheppler's & Arnold Line boats a bit more than Star Lines.

The ride from Mackinac City has better views than the ride from St Ignace.

Keith

PattiC,
How old are your kids? Bayne's usually has activities on the week-ends, but they are aimed at the under 10 crowd.

I agree with those suggesting going to Mackinac Island. It's about 2 1/2 to 3 hours north of Bay City, and although the big crowds will be gone, many of the businesses stay open through September. Biking or walking around the island is lovely in the fall.

For your time in Bay City, I'd suggest a trip out on the Saginaw Bay on the sailing ship Appledore, and the Delta College Planetarium downtown is nice for kids. Also, historic Center Avenue has a lot of old lumber baron homes, and Bay City has a nice Riverwalk.