Our newest scenic drive skirts the shores of Lake Superior exploring the largest freshwater lake in the world and the astounding beauty of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Travel in autumn, and along with a stunning foliage display, celebrate with the locals at the 54th annual Bayfield Apple Festival October 2-4. Enjoy a parade, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and more apple delicacies you ever dreamed possible.
Technically, it’s simply the end of chlorophyll production in deciduous trees and shrubs that is responsible for the vibrant colors. But that doesn’t detract from the magic we feel amid a bright and showy palette of yellow, orange, scarlet, purple, and gold.
The bounty and beauty of autumn beckons. Plan a scenic drive and a forest hike or walk. Indulge in apples and pumpkins at local farms and u-picks. Celebrate Oktoberfest, or take in the sights and scents of a fun-for-all-ages State Fair. Use our free Road Trip Planner to create your own adventure or try a few of our not so typical fall favorites:
 Arkansas Scenic 7 |
 Michigan Lake Michigan Tour |
 Tennessee Newfound Gap Road |
 Ohio Hocking Hills Scenic Byway |
 California June Lake Loop |
 New York Cayuga Lake |
September 26 is National Public Lands Day, which means FREE entrance to our National Parks! Take advantage of America’s Best Idea and get outdoors.
Every Kid in A Park Program offers a free America the Beautiful Pass for one year to all 4th graders and their families. Learn more at everykidinapark.gov.
Heading to a National Park or National Forest? There are perks to having passes in hand before you go — like worry-free parking at un-manned trailheads and picnic areas and in some National Parks, an express lane when busy.
Each of our scenic drives offers notable trails for every level of ability. And now, you can find them easily by selecting “Show Hikes” in the green bar above the map on the Scenic Drives list for each State.
This summer we embarked on an adventure of a different kind, a 7-day cruise to Alaska. We were blown away by the wildlife: a majestic humpback whale breaching (too awestruck to get a photo), a bear fishing for salmon, and amazing towel animals created by our room attendant! We hiked through the Tongass National Forest and onto Laughton Glacier, basked in the majesty of Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls, and marveled at the still beauty of Sawyer Glacier. Our cruise only explored the tip of the iceberg — and we know a road trip to Alaska is in the not-too-distant future.
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