Fall Color Tour

West Michigan's abundant forests helped fuel Grand Rapids' rise as "furniture capital of the world" in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. While many hardwoods were sacrificed to sawmills in those years, Grand Rapids remains a tree-lover's paradise.

Here, the mighty Grand River creates a lush growing environment for maples, oaks, birches, aspens, sumacs and more. They grow tall and proud, exploding every fall in a dazzling mix of reds, yellows, golds and oranges. These colors stand out in sharp relief against a background of evergreen forest. The result is one of the best fall color shows in the nation!

Of course, autumn in Grand Rapids delights more than just the eye. It's also a perfect time to treat your taste buds to a crisp, juicy apple from our 12,000 acres of apple trees. Travel our scenic country roads through these bountiful orchards, and stop at an authentic cider mill for a refreshing drink and a delicious donut straight out of the oven. Get back in your vehicle for a ride across charming covered bridges a tour of the many antique shops throughout the area.

Here's just one of many great ways to spend a fall day in and around Grand Rapids:

• Start at I-96 and East Beltline Ave. (Exit 38).
• Robinette's Apple Haus and Gift Barn is on the left at 4 Mile Rd. They have a Cider Mill, bakery and collectibles shop.
• East Beltline north to Cannonsburg Rd.
• Right on Cannonsburg Rd. to Lincoln Lake Ave.
• Turn left on Ramsdell Ave. for a side trip to the Frederik Meijer Nature Preserve.
• Right on Lincoln Lake to 4 Mile Rd.
• Left on 4 Mile Rd. to White's Bridge Rd.
• Right on White's Bridge Rd. to White's Bridge
• There is no parking area, but there is a small public access point on the right before the bridge.
• Cross White's Bridge and continue to Potters Rd.
• Right on Potters Rd. to Covered Bridge Rd.
• Left on Covered Bridge Rd. to Fallasburg Covered Bridge
• The best views of the bridge are from the park after you cross. There is a parking area on the right after the bridge.
• Cross Fallasburg Covered Bridge to Fallasburg Park Dr.
• Left on Fallasburg Park Dr. to Lincoln Lake Ave.
• Left on Lincoln Lake Ave. to Main St.
• Left On Main St. to Division
• Lowell has many interesting shops you won't want to miss.
• Right on Division to Grand River Dr.
• Right on Grand River Dr. to Buttrick Ave.
• Ada Township Park at Grand River and Buttrick has a very nice nature trail and a large assortment of trees.
• Right on Buttrick Ave. to Thornapple River Dr.
• The Ada Covered Bridge is on the left, just below the Ada Dam. Parking is available at the ball diamond.
• Right on Thornapple River Dr. to Ada Dr.
• Right on Ada Dr. to Fulton St.
• Alticor (Amway) World Headquarters are on the right, the visitor center is open daily.
• Left on Fulton St. to East Beltline Ave.
• Right on East Beltline Ave. to I-96