Here are a few places to enjoy the fall colors in Calhoun County

Greyson Steele, Battle Creek Enquirer
·2 min read
Peak viewing dates for fall colors in southwest Michigan are expected Monday through Oct. 23
Peak viewing dates for fall colors in southwest Michigan are expected Monday through Oct. 23

The leaves are beginning to change.

Cooler air has arrived, fueling the annual transition of leaves into a vibrant display of reds, yellows and oranges. Peak viewing dates in southwest Michigan are expected Monday through Oct. 23.

"We get (colorful) leaves a little bit later than the U.P., but once we get them, it’s just as beautiful," Annie Kelley, communications director for the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, said.

"It’s not just about going to see the colors, but also having an experience," she added.

Whether you're up for a hike or a nice relaxing drive, here are a few places to admire the autumn foliage in and around Calhoun County:

Take a hike

Chad Curtis plays disc golf on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Chad Curtis plays disc golf on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek, Michigan.

It isn't really fall without hearing the leaves crunch under your feet, right?

Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek offers wonderful vantage points of the fall foliage, particularly on the steps of the old museum building and the Fragrant Hill Pavilion, where you can see the diverse array of colors in all its glory.

Historic Bridge Park in Emmett Township, meanwhile, is a popular destination for photos every year.

"It’s popular for a reason," Kelley said. "The old bridges really make great backdrops and then you get the bright splashes of color with the leaves."

Fall colors emerge on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at Historic Bridge Park in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Fall colors emerge on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at Historic Bridge Park in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Running from Kalamazoo Avenue to Stuarts Landing, the 1.6 mile Marshall Riverwalk also offers wonderful views of fall colors with both an elevated boardwalk and paved pathways. There are five pedestrian bridges as well as scenic overlook areas.

Oak Hill Cemetery might seem like an odd choice to enjoy fall colors, but "they have a lot of beautiful old trees, it becomes this golden cloud over you," Kelley assures. Those interested in learning a bit of history can explore the cemetery further using Willard Library's Tours of Battle Creek app.

Other great places to take an autumn stroll include the Ott Biological Preserve, the Bernard W. Baker Sanctuary and the Whitehouse Nature Center.

Go for a cruise

Those in the mood for a relaxing afternoon drive should try Gorsline Road, N Drive North, L Drive North, Verona Road and 9 ½ Mile Road, where you'll be sure to travel through several tree tunnels.

Gilmore Car Museum, 16 miles northeast of Battle Creek at 6865 Hickory Road, will be hosting a fall color tour beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 14. A map of the route is available online at facebook.com/DeutscheMarquesAG.

Fall colors reflect off the Kalamazoo River on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Fall colors reflect off the Kalamazoo River on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Another way to enjoy the fall colors is by kayaking the Kalamazoo River. Trees lining the riverbanks and reflecting in the water make for quite a sight.

No matter how you choose to revel in nature this fall, make sure to bring a camera. And maybe grab a few doughnuts and some apple cider, too.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Here are a few places to enjoy the fall colors in Calhoun County