Please help with fall itinerary! Oct 2 to 12

Question

Bucket list trip to Michigan and Wisconsin this fall. Current itinerary is to fly into Milwaukee on Oct 2. Drive to St.Ignace (3 nights,) and go to Mackinac island. Drive to Keweenaw peninsula (3 nights). Fitting in Munising/picture rocks along the way. Drive to Porcupine mountains (Saxon, 3 nights) Then head back East. NOW I am rethinking my whole plan. Because we are arriving so early in October,I am thinking the leaves will be turning earlier in the West ie porcupine mountains and we should start there first and head to Mackinac more towards the end of the trip.. ALSO I just discovered Door County which looks amazing and is not currently included. So I am replanning the whole trip and really want to get it right. Can anyone please help?

Answer

Your October trip to Michigan and Wisconsin sounds amazing, and planning around peak fall foliage is a smart move. Since early October, the western Upper Peninsula (Porcupine Mountains and Keweenaw Peninsula) typically reaches peak color first, while areas farther east like Mackinac Island and St. Ignace peak a bit later. Door County also has excellent fall colors mid-to-late October, so timing matters for maximum leaf viewing.

Here’s a suggested restructured itinerary to optimize fall colors, driving distances, and experiences:

Oct 2: Arrive Milwaukee – Pick up rental car and stay overnight near the airport or drive partway north to shorten the next day’s drive.
Oct 3–5: Porcupine Mountains / Western UP (3 nights) – Begin your trip in the west for peak foliage. Hike the Porkies, scenic drives, waterfalls, and lakes. Consider staying near Ontonagon, Silver City, or near the south entrance of the Porkies.
Oct 6–8: Keweenaw Peninsula / Munising / Pictured Rocks (3 nights) – Head east along Lake Superior. Stop in Munising for Pictured Rocks boat tours or short hikes. Explore the Keweenaw Peninsula’s lighthouses, Copper Harbor, and scenic overlooks.
Oct 9–10: Mackinac Island / St. Ignace (2 nights) – Ferry from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island. Explore the island by bike or carriage. Stay in St. Ignace or Mackinac Island for a night, enjoying the charming town and shoreline views.
Oct 11–12: Door County (1–2 nights, optional) – If you want to add Door County, drive south along Lake Michigan’s western shore. Enjoy charming towns, scenic drives, and late-season fall color. Depending on your timing, you could stay one night in Door County before heading back to Milwaukee for departure.

Additional tips:

Consider renting a car with good fuel efficiency, as some drives in the UP can be long and remote.
Weather can be cool and rainy in early October, especially in the western UP. Bring layers and waterproof gear.
Book accommodations early, especially in popular areas like Mackinac Island, Keweenaw Peninsula, and Door County.
For Munising / Pictured Rocks, ferry and kayak tours may be limited by season, so check schedules.
Allow flexibility in your daily plans to stop at overlooks, small towns, or roadside fruit stands for local fall treats.

This revised itinerary prioritizes peak foliage and reduces backtracking, while still allowing time to enjoy Mackinac Island and optionally Door County before heading back to Milwaukee for your departure. You’ll experience a great mix of scenic drives, outdoor activities, and charming towns across Michigan and Wisconsin.