As the air turns crisper and the leaves transform into a tapestry of colors, Wisconsin welcomes the enchanting season of fall.
This picturesque state offers a delightful array of activities that celebrate the beauty of autumn. From apple picking at local orchards to exploring scenic state parks, each experience is a chance to create cherished memories with loved ones.
Wausau and its surrounding areas serve as a perfect backdrop for fall adventures. With breathtaking views at Rib Mountain State Park and charming boutiques to explore, it’s a season filled with good vibes and cozy moments.
Whether hiking through colorful landscapes or sipping warm cider, Wisconsin in fall promises unforgettable moments wrapped in nature’s splendor.
Fall Activities in Eastern Wisconsin
Eastern Wisconsin offers a variety of memorable fall activities, from stunning scenic views to local culinary delights. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the season while exploring this charming region.
Spend a Weekend in Door County in Fall
Door County ranks as one of the top locations in the U.S. for fall foliage. Nestled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, the peninsula experiences stunning color changes, starting in the north and moving southward.
Peak season typically falls around mid-October, so plan ahead. For a perfect retreat, stay at the Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort, located near Sturgeon Bay, where guests can catch breathtaking views of the changing leaves.
Door County Boat Tour
Door County is also recognized as a prime destination for leaf-peeping from the water. Guests can enjoy a scenic cruise on a comfortable 69-passenger tour boat departing from downtown Fish Creek.
This unique experience features picturesque views of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park, and the region’s stunning islands and bluffs, all narrated by knowledgeable tour guides.
Caves and Enjoy the Fall Colors at Cave Point County Park
Cave Point County Park, located at 5360 Schauer Road in Sturgeon Bay, showcases some of Wisconsin’s most fascinating natural features.
Known for its impressive dolomite and limestone ledges and underwater caves, this park offers incredible views, especially with the backdrop of fall colors.
Adventurous visitors may spot cliff jumpers during early fall, and best of all, there’s no entry fee to enjoy this natural spectacle.
Cherries and Cider
Door County is famed for its cherry production, but in the fall, its apple orchards steal the spotlight. Visitors can experience the joy of apple picking at Robertson Orchards and Cherry Lane Orchards in Sturgeon Bay.
In addition, local restaurants feature fresh, seasonal apple dishes, ensuring a delightful culinary journey. Don’t forget to sample regional apple cider, a true fall favorite!
Door County Wine Trails
During autumn, Door County transforms apples into delicious wines along the Door County Wine Trails.
This trail boasts nine exceptional wineries, including Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery and Door Peninsula Winery, where guests can taste and appreciate the blend of local flavors. Each winery offers a unique experience, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Visit the Historic Lambeau Field for a Packers Game
Lambeau Field, located at 1265 Lombardi Ave in Green Bay, is a historic football stadium that embodies the spirit of fall in Wisconsin.
Attending a Packers game here is one of the best fall activities in the region. Families can enjoy delicious food, visit the football museum, and let the kids explore a play area, making it a great outing for everyone.
Milwaukee, Lake Geneva, and Surrounding Areas
Take to the Train Tracks in Search of Fall Foliage
The East Troy Electric Railroad (2002 Church Street, East Troy) offers scenic train rides through untouched landscapes adorned in fall colors every October.
This historic route travels from The East Troy Railroad Museum to The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, providing a unique perspective on Wisconsin’s natural beauty.
Before or after your ride, explore the East Troy Electric Railroad Museum, featuring 32 pieces of vintage equipment, some still in operation until 2000.
Visit One of the Many Craft Breweries and Try Their Seasonal Offerings
Wisconsin’s beer scene shines in the fall with seasonal brews. Lakefront Brewery (1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee) and 3 Sheeps Brewing (1837 North Ave, Sheboygan) both boast welcoming tap rooms, perfect for enjoying a pint of fall-inspired beer.
Sample their unique seasonal offerings while soaking in the lively atmosphere of these beloved local breweries.
Visit the Apple Orchard
Apple Holler (5006 S Sylvania Ave, Sturtevant) is a prime destination for apple lovers. Spanning 78 scenic acres, families can enjoy apple picking among 150-year-old trees.
With a Country Store, Bakery & Gift Shop, and the on-site Red Barn Restaurant, Apple Holler creates an idyllic atmosphere for an autumn afternoon spent picking apples and indulging in delicious treats.
Take a Bike Ride Around Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is not just a picturesque lake but a resort city. Its 26-mile Shore Path features stunning views of Gilded Age mansions and fall colors.
Biking is a popular way to navigate the path, where you can pause at over 100 public beaches for relaxation. For off-road enthusiasts, the nearby 11.4-mile White River Bike Trail also offers a thrilling cycling experience.
Lake Geneva Pumpkin Drop
For a thrilling Halloween experience, partake in the annual Lake Geneva Pumpkin Drop! Visitors can test their aiming skills as they drop pumpkins onto targets in this unique fall attraction. This exciting event adds a playful twist to Wisconsin’s autumn festivities.
Take the Lake Geneva Walking Ghost Tour
Experience the haunting side of Lake Geneva with the Lake Geneva Walking Ghost Tours (515 Baker Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147).
This 90-minute guided tour highlights historic and spooky spots throughout downtown Lake Geneva, combining the area’s rich architecture with its mysterious past and ghostly tales.
Visit the Scenic Tower at Holy Hill
Ascending the Scenic Tower at Holy Hill (1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus) offers breathtaking fall foliage views. Situated on a hill within 435 acres, the Holy Hill Basilica presents the highest elevation in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Visitors tackle 178 steps to reach the lookout, rewarded with stunning panoramic views of orange, red, and yellow trees that make for fantastic photos.
Visit the Cheese Castle
No trip to Wisconsin is complete without visiting Mar’s Cheese Castle (2800 W Frontage Rd, Kenosha). This charming cheese-themed castle features restaurants and a marketplace dedicated to Wisconsin-made dairy, wine, beer, and meats.
Fall is an ideal time to explore the Cheese Castle, sampling seasonal products crafted by local experts.
Fall Activities in Western Wisconsin
Go for a Fall Foliage Hike at Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park (S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo) is one of central Wisconsin’s hidden gems. Named “De Wakacak,” or Spirit Lake, this stunning park features a 300-acre lake surrounded by towering bluffs, perfect for hiking.
With nearly 30 miles of trails, the East Bluff Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views as the leaves change in autumn.
Mirror Lake State Park
Mirror Lake State Park (E10320 Fern Dell Rd, Baraboo) showcases a spectacular fall color display, drawing visitors since 1966.
Covering 2,179 acres, this park offers over 100 campsites, but they fill up quickly—arrive early to secure your spot. Keep an eye out for deer, raccoons, and other wildlife that frequently roam the park.
Take a Haunted Boat Tour of the Wisconsin Dells
The Dells Ghost Boat (11 Broadway Ave, Wisconsin Dells) offers a thrilling tour of Lake Delton’s spookiest spots.
Embrace the eerie atmosphere as you glide across the water, where legends of apparitions await. Eyes peeled and senses alert, guests may experience a truly haunting adventure on this seasonal attraction.
Go for a Ride at the World’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark
Although fall typically means cooler weather, the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells (1305 Kalahari Dr, Baraboo) remains open year-round as the largest indoor waterpark.
Guests can plunge down thrilling waterslides, enjoying summer fun despite the autumn chill outside. After a splash-filled day, refreshed visitors can appreciate the stunning fall colors.
Pick a Pumpkin at the Biggest Patch in Wisconsin
Nothing signifies fall quite like a visit to Waldvogel Farm (N7416 County Road I) in Juneau, Wisconsin’s largest pumpkin patch.
Alongside a vast selection of pumpkins, families can enjoy a corn maze, candy apples, and fun photo props. This atmosphere ensures a memorable day for all ages during the fall.
Jump Around at Camp Randall Stadium
Experience the excitement of the Wisconsin Badgers football team at Camp Randall Stadium (1440 Monroe St, Madison).
Famous for their “Jump Around” tradition between the third and fourth quarters, attending a game here in the fall creates lasting memories.
Madison Farmers Market
Located steps away from the state capitol, the Madison Farmers’ Market/Dane County Farmers’ Market welcomes guests every fall weekend. Vendors display an array of beautiful autumn produce and delicious food offerings.
This lively market not only provides fresh fall staples but also the chance to capture the picturesque Capitol awash in seasonal color.
Fall Activities in Northern Wisconsin
Zipline Through the North Woods
Experience the fall colors by zipping through the North Woods in Minocqua, WI. Northwoods Zipline Tours (7849 Hwy 51 Minocqua, WI 54548) offers an exhilarating adventure amidst the breathtaking canopy, giving guests a unique perspective of Wisconsin’s stunning autumn foliage.
Mt Ashwabay Haunted Trail
Join the spooky fun before the ski season kicks off at the Mt Ashwabay Haunted Trail. Encounter zombies, reapers, and the eerie sounds of chainsaws as the sun sets, ensuring a thrilling experience for all who dare to visit during October.
Bayfield Apple Festival
Celebrate the harvest at the Bayfield Apple Festival each October, where visitors can enjoy a plethora of delicious apple-based delights.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield stands out as one of the nation’s best small towns, hosting this festive event filled with baked goods, fish fry, and even a crowned apple queen.
Warrens Cranberry Festival
Attend the world’s largest cranberry fest in Warrens (402 Pine St, Warrens), where autumn’s cranberry harvest shines.
The festival showcases an array of baked goods and unique cranberry products, complemented by live music and various events, making it an unmissable fall highlight.
Fall Festivals in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to a variety of fall festivals that celebrate the season with local flavors activities.
Harvest Fair at State Fair Park
Harvest Fair, held annually at State Fair Park (640 S 84th St, West Allis), offers family-friendly fun with exciting activities and rides.
Visitors can explore hundreds of vendors selling fall favorites like fresh produce, hot apple cider, and over 50 microbrews. Harvest Fest is a fantastic way to embrace the autumn spirit in Milwaukee.
Oktoberfest USA
Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse, WI, ranks among the oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation. Visitors can indulge in delicious German food and beer while dancing to Wisconsin’s state music, the polka.
This celebration takes place at the end of September, making it a top choice for autumn festivities in Wisconsin.
Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival
Cedarburg’s Wine and Harvest Festival, held in downtown Cedarburg, is a must-visit event in October. Local wineries and vendors come together to host a fall-themed festival showcasing seasonal wines and fresh produce.
Attendees can enjoy the charming small-town atmosphere while sampling the best of Wisconsin’s autumn offerings.
Alicia Richards