Travel: Fall great time to explore Michigan, New England

The Carson City Chamber has been sending travelers all over the world since 2010, and we think we have a good idea on what destinations attract many of our regional travelers.

What we’ve learned over the years is that many of our travelers love anything that encompasses train travel – the more historic the train, the better. The fall season seems to be the favorite time to explore our own country, most especially in the area’s renown for spectacular fall foliage.

As we are about to experience our own version of fall, we want to introduce you to two amazing 2025 fall foliage trips that are sure to be spectacular in every sense of the word. We know that we can’t control Mother Nature; however, she seems consistent in northern Michigan, New England and parts of the south as she paints a stunning fall foliage canvas. Since we know many may have experienced a fall foliage tour to New England, we’ve added another spectacular tour to Michigan that is worth consideration.

Throw in one of America’s finest historic hotels, a great sightseeing itinerary, a chance to dip toes in three Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, excursions on trains and water vessels, and you have the recipe for a perfect tour in two great destinations sure to capture the hearts of both sexes.

While it may seem early to book next year’s fall tours, tour operators make their “deals” far in advance so they can lock in today’s rates. Yes, like everything else, prices continue to rise, and seats are limited, so early bookings are strongly advised.

The Michigan tour features a special air rate of $249 and the New England tour features free air if booked early. Plus, you’ll have something to which you can look forward in the New Year. We all know time is fleeting.

On Sept. 29, 2025, we will be traveling with Mayflower Tours to enjoy fall foliage in colorful Michigan, the state bordered by four of the five great lakes of which you will see and dip your toes in three, as we make our way to Mackinac Island and a portion of Ontario via train while enjoying a two-night stay in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario located on Lake Superior.

Yes, you will need a passport to enter Canada. While the Grand Hotel on Lake Huron is the prime feature on this trip where the tour will bed for two nights, the second spectacular feature is the day long adventure aboard the Agawa Fall Foliage Train, considered one of the most popular train tours in North America, featuring lunch and a 90-minute stop in Canyon Park to stretch legs and explore the sights.

The Northern Ontario tourism website paints this picture, “The stop in Agawa Falls affords just enough time to hear the rustling of the maple leaves, smell the pines and lift your head to gaze up at the majestic rock wall. Easy trails lead to the gorgeous cascades of Black Beaver and Bridal Veil falls.”

You can only reach the canyon via train or hiking trails. The featured Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, opened July 10, 1887, is one of the Gilded Age hotels famous for having the world’s largest front porch at 660 feet long referred to as, “flirtation walk.”

Popular films, such as “Somewhere in Time,” filmed in 1980 featuring Christopher Reeve, have used the historic hotel as their backdrop. The Grand Hotel has managed to maintain its 19th century charm and level of luxury with a sense of style no longer found in our super-casual world.

It’s nice to be able to relive a time of five-course breakfasts and formal dinners all included in your package. OK, men, you will have to wear a jacket (tie optional), and women will need to glam up a bit. Every traveler we know who has stayed at this hotel has raved.

Yes, you are worth it! The first stop on this fall-foliage tour is Chicago. There’s just one night here, but you can go a day or two ahead to enjoy the sites of this scenic city known for its architecture, museums, art galleries, entertainment and food.

Leaving Chicago and heading north, it’s touring time along scenic Lake Michigan stopping overnight in the beach city of Traverse City.

The next day you’ll visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to hear the charming story of the mother bear and her two clubs before arriving in Ontario for the fall foliage train ride the following day and then on to Mackinac Island for two nights of luxury and history and a full day on your own to explore the hotel and the island.

The last leg of the journey finds you in Detroit for two nights where car buffs will enjoy a visit to the Henry Ford Museum and experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ford River Rouge Factory to witness the Ford F-150 being built.

We know this will be a great tour. Our second fall foliage tour takes place in New England departing on Oct. 10, 2025. You’ll pass through five New England states, ride three trains, and cruise on three vessels. We wrote about his tour in our September column and have already booked quite a few reservations.

Both fall-foliage tours plus a spring trip to smell the cherry blossoms in April in Washington, D.C., and beyond and a lovely winter respite to enjoy a Christmas tour to Vermont in mid-December 2025 will be featured at the special travel meeting.

The meeting will be held at the Chamber office, 1900 S. Carson St., as Eric White of Mayflower Tours presents these four tours and answers any questions on Wednesday, Oct. 2, with showings at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The event is free, and reservations are appreciated by calling 775-882-1565.