Harbor Island Refugefall foliage
At Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge, the usual peak for fall foliage is Oct 1–14 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Harbor Island Refuge · September
3days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 1–14
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 81% chanceWednesday Night, Thursday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 4:11 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge
First frost usually in ~3 weeks
Oct 20Average first fall frost
May 5Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Detour Village station (8.3 mi away, 595 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring migratory birdsMay
- Wildlife with youngJun–Aug
- Best fall color, usually the first two weeks of OctoberOct
Best spots around Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge
- The harbor on Harbor Island (by boat)A marsh-lined harbor and sandy beaches; no official trails
- Standerson Island (by boat)A 25-acre island northwest of Harbor Island, part of the refuge; boats may pull up on the shoreline
Around Michigan this week
- Au Sable River115 mi · Park's own timing: Oct 1–31Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWedrain likelyThurain likelyFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Pictured Rocks141 mi · usually Sep 24–Oct 10Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Hiawatha National Forest154 mi · Park's own timing: Sep 21–30Todaydry and calmTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThudry and calmFrifrost (32°F)Satdry and calmSunfrost (32°F)
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Upper Midwest, river birch is ahead of a typical year; American elm is behind. Which trees turn when →
Harbor Island Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR visit (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR rules (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR about (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 1–14. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 3 days (usually Oct 1–14).
How do I get there?
By boat only: the refuge is in Potagannissing Bay of Lake Huron, north of Drummond Island. Public boat ramps are at De Tour Village and on Drummond Island.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there trails or a campground?
No official trails (hikes are off-trail) and no camping. It's daylight use only, and there's no charge to visit.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR visit ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR rules ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring a dog?
Yes, on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harbor Island NWR rules ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge?
The harbor on Harbor Island (by boat): a marsh-lined harbor and sandy beaches; no official trails; Standerson Island (by boat): a 25-acre island northwest of Harbor Island, part of the refuge; boats may pull up on the shoreline.
What is Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Spring migratory birds (May), Wildlife with young (Jun–Aug) and Best fall color, usually the first two weeks of October (Oct).