Fall Color Tours in Traverse City: ATV, UTV, Slingshot & E-Bike Compared

Fall in Northern Michigan is made for getting outside. One day might call for a rugged forest trail, while the next is perfect for an open-air drive along M-22, a quiet e-bike ride, or a scenic route through the Old Mission Peninsula.

If you’re comparing fall color tours in Traverse City, we’ve got four memorable ways to explore: single-seat ATV rentals, multi-seat UTV trail rides, two-seat Polaris Slingshots, and electric bikes. Each experience offers a different pace, view, and level of adventure.

October is a popular planning window, but fall color timing varies with weather and location. No rental can guarantee peak color on a specific date. The best strategy is to choose the experience that fits your group, book early for the widest selection, and use the live booking calendar for current pricing and available dates.

Quick comparison: Which Traverse City fall color ride fits you?

Ready to compare machines and dates? Start with our fall color tours in Traverse City.

1. ATV fall color tours in Traverse City: Ride your own machine

Want a more hands-on trail experience? An ATV lets you ride your own machine through approved off-road routes arranged for your booking.

Our ATVs are single-seat vehicles. That means one rider per ATV and no passenger seat. If several people in your group want to ride ATVs, each rider needs a separate machine.

An ATV can be a great choice for confident riders who want a direct connection to the trail. You’ll feel the changing terrain, fresh air, and autumn woods around you while enjoying a focused ride without having to coordinate passengers in the same vehicle.

Choose an ATV if you want:

• One rider and one machine
• An active, individual trail experience
• Guided or self-guided options
• A shorter introduction or a longer rental day
• A more compact vehicle for approved off-road routes

Guided ATV tours are available in one- or two-hour formats. Self-guided ATV and UTV rentals are offered in two-, four-, or eight-hour options, subject to live availability and booking requirements.

First-time riders receive an orientation, equipment guidance, and helmet fitting. Complete required waivers and follow your booking confirmation for the current check-in location, ride start, and arrival time.

See ATV rentals near Traverse City and review the live calendar for current equipment, durations, prices, and rider requirements.

2. UTV fall color tours: Share the trail with your group

A UTV, also called a side-by-side, is the better fit when you want to ride together. Memories Traverse City Rentals is an official Polaris Adventures Outfitter, and our side-by-side options include different seating configurations for couples, families, and groups.

Seating options include the following model examples, subject to live availability:

• Two-seat Polaris RZR Pro XP: one driver and one passenger
• Four-seat Polaris RZR Pro XP 4: one driver and three passengers
• Five-seat Polaris XPEDITION XP 5: one driver and four passengers

All capacities include the driver. Your reservation confirms the exact equipment and seating available for your date.

UTV trail rides are especially popular for groups who want to share the same route, stop for photos, and experience the changing forest together. A guided ride adds a local leader and a defined route. Guests operate their reserved vehicles unless their booking states otherwise. Local guidance can help first-time riders and groups with mixed experience levels prepare for the ride.

Choose a UTV if you want:

• A shared experience with passengers
• A more comfortable option for families and groups
• Guided tours with a local route leader
• Self-guided flexibility for capable riders
• A memorable off-road addition to a Traverse City weekend

Our guided ATV and UTV tours typically run for one or two hours. Self-guided rentals offer two-, four-, or eight-hour durations when available.

ATV and UTV rides do not automatically take you to public-road destinations such as Sleeping Bear Dunes or M-22. Trail rides follow the approved off-road route arranged for your reservation. Your confirmation provides the applicable check-in, ride-start, route, and return instructions.

3. Polaris Slingshot rentals in Traverse City: Take the scenic road

Prefer paved roads, lakeshore views, and flexible stops? Polaris Slingshot rentals in Traverse City turn a fall drive into an open-air Northern Michigan adventure.

A Slingshot seats two people including the driver. It’s a strong choice for couples, friends, anniversaries, birthdays, and anyone who wants the scenery to be part of the experience, not just something viewed through a windshield.

Popular scenic destinations include:

• M-22 and the Leelanau Peninsula
• Suttons Bay
• Leland and Fishtown
• Glen Arbor
• Sleeping Bear Dunes
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• Old Mission Peninsula
• Lake Michigan shoreline routes

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is seasonal; check current park access before planning your route.

The classic M-22 fall color drive can be planned as a shorter outing toward Suttons Bay or expanded into a longer day with stops in Leland, Glen Arbor, and nearby communities. Build in time for meals, photographs, traffic, parking, and the return trip.

A Slingshot is best when you want to set your own road-trip rhythm. You can ride first, stop when the view deserves it, and come back with a better story.

Choose a Slingshot if you want:

• Two seats and an open-air driving experience
• Paved scenic roads instead of off-road trails
• A flexible fall color road trip
• Paved-road sightseeing along M-22, Old Mission Peninsula, or near Sleeping Bear Dunes
• A memorable way to celebrate or explore

Explore Polaris Slingshot rentals in Traverse City. Pickup and return details are confirmed in the reservation, and the live listing provides current vehicle information, requirements, pricing, and availability.

4. Electric bike rentals in Traverse City: Slow down and see more

An e-bike offers a quieter way to enjoy fall color. You’ll move at a relaxed pace, stop safely for photos, and experience the trail with less road noise and more fresh air. Choose a route and duration that fit your cycling comfort, battery range, and return time.

There are two e-bike starting areas, and they use separate booking calendars:

Grand Traverse Resort with Memories

The resort-area option is near Acme and Williamsburg, with access toward the TART Trail, East Bay, the bayfront, and downtown Traverse City. It’s a convenient choice for resort guests and visitors who want to build an e-bike ride into a broader Traverse City itinerary.

Leelanau Trail with Riding Electric

Our local partner, Riding Electric, offers the Leelanau Trail starting area with rental and tour options toward Suttons Bay and other nearby stops. Choose this option when the Leelanau Peninsula is the main focus of your day.

Because the two areas have different calendars, equipment, terms, and meeting instructions, choose your starting area before booking. Your confirmation identifies the applicable pickup and return details.

Choose an e-bike if you want:

• A slower, quieter way to see fall scenery
• Trail access rather than a road-focused adventure
• A flexible activity for couples and families
• Time for coffee, lunch, photos, and local stops
• Pedal assistance for an active bicycle outing

Compare both options through electric bike rentals in Traverse City.

How to choose your fall color tour

Still deciding? Start with the feeling you want.

Want a little adrenaline? Choose an ATV or UTV trail ride.
Want to keep the group together? Choose a two-, four-, or five-seat UTV.
Want scenic roads and lakeshore stops? Choose a Polaris Slingshot.
Want a quieter, active outing? Choose an e-bike.

For first-time riders, guided ATV and UTV tours provide an easy introduction with orientation, equipment support, and a defined approved route. Experienced riders may prefer a self-guided rental with more flexibility.

For any option, book early when possible. Fall inventory can be limited, and reserving ahead may give you more choice in vehicle type, duration, and timing. Live booking is the source for current prices and available dates.

Plan your Traverse City fall adventure

Fall color tours are only one of the many things to do in Traverse City during October. Pair a morning trail ride with lunch in town, follow a Slingshot route toward M-22, or plan an e-bike outing around a day in Suttons Bay.

Before you arrive:

• Check the live calendar for your preferred date
• Choose the vehicle that fits your group
• Review driver, passenger, waiver, and equipment requirements
• Dress in layers for changing October conditions
• Save the confirmed pickup, meeting, trailhead, and return instructions
• Leave extra time for scenic stops and changing weather

Colors may arrive at different times across inland forests, peninsulas, and lakeshore communities. That’s part of the fun: choose your route, stay flexible, and make the day your own.

Choose your fall color ride

Ready to make the memories bigger? Compare your options on our fall color tours page, then choose the ride that fits your group.

• ATV and UTV rentals near Traverse City
• Guided ATV and UTV tours
• Polaris Slingshot rentals
• Electric bike rentals in Traverse City

Pick your experience, lock in your date, and let’s get you outside for a Northern Michigan fall day worth remembering.