The leaves are changing color, and the air is getting cooler – fall is officially here! Look no further if you’re looking for the best places to see fall colors in Wisconsin. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite spots to take in all the autumn glory.
From scenic drives to charming small towns, there’s something for everyone in this great state. So pack up the car and get ready to enjoy some of the most beautiful fall scenery in the country!
Wisconsin Is So Beautiful
Tourists and locals alike will all agree that Fall in Wisconsin is superb! We genuinely do have some of the best fall foliage in the nation and, more recently, the best bald eagles too!
Fall features beautiful weather with a cool crispness in the air while leaves change color from green to oranges, yellows, and reds. It’s a great time of year for family gatherings as well! With traditions such as having Hocus Pocus playing at every sleepover, carving pumpkins, and taking day trips to admire all fall colors – many things make fall in Wisconsin a great place to be!
The Best Places to See Wisconsin Fall Colors
Fall Color Peeping Tip! Fall colors progress from north to south. Generally, northern Wisconsin is at or near peak color conditions the last week of September into the second week of October.
Southern Wisconsin typically reaches the peak or near peak conditions mid-to-last week in October.
You can check the Wisconsin Fall Color Report for exact details about how quickly the leaves change throughout the fall season.
1) Door County, Wisconsin
The 3rd Week of October is the best time to travel to the country. Most visitors favor Skyline Road, Fish Creek, Kangaroo Lake Circle, Baileys Harbor, and Horseshoe Bay Drive. I love going to Door County for a long weekend getaway to see the autumn colors in late October.
Door County creates memorable memories for groups and is an excellent place if you plan a vacation with friends. It has beautiful spots for fun activities while witnessing fall colors, including apple orchards, where you can sample apple pies, pumpkin pie, jams, and jelly.
2) Devil’s Lake State Park – Sauk County, Wisconsin
As one of Wisconsin’s most popular state parks, Devil’s Lake State Park is a trendy place in Wisconsin for those who enjoy fall colors. It offers many different trails that will lead you to some of the best spots for viewing the changing leaves.
Devil’s Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin’s most popular state parks, attracting over one million visitors annually. The park is located in Sauk County, just south of Baraboo, and features a large lake, miles of hiking trails, observation platforms with great views, and numerous camping and picnicking facilities. Devil’s Lake State Park is great for enjoying the outdoors, whether you’re looking to go fishing, hiking, or simply take in the beautiful scenery. The park also offers various educational programs, including ranger-led hikes and canoe tours.
One of the most notable features is the waterfalls that run through the hills and are an excellent place for photos and recreation during warmer months.
Devil’s Lake State Park is a great place to visit no matter what year, but fall is the prettiest!
3) Potawatomi State Park – Door County, Wisconsin
Potawatomi State Park is a very scenic park home to four different lakes and many different biking trails. You’ll find the color change from wetland marsh to maple forest, which can only be seen during the fall.
Starting in late September, the colors change from green leaves into miraculous shades of orange, red, yellow, and gold. A road trip to Door County will ensure you see the best fall colors in this driftless area.
4) Mirror Lake State Park – Sauk County, Wisconsin
Mirror Lake State Park is another scenic park you’ll find in Wisconsin. The leaves within Mirror Lake State Park change color between September and October. It has many different hiking trails, and while it doesn’t feature the waterfalls you may see at Devil’s Lake, it still offers an excellent view of changing colors.
Your visit will start with a forested area, turning into wetlands as you head closer to the bottom of the hill.
The perfect time for Fall color viewing is at sunset, with the lake reflecting the changing colors and adding an even more scenic quality to your fall visit.
Address: E10320 Fern Dell Rd – Baraboo, WI 53913
5) Old Scenic Route Through Washington County near Holy Hill – Washington County, Wisconsin
The 3rd Week of October is the best week for this incredible destination to see peak fall colors. The route is estimated at 115 miles long through 6 Wisconsin Counties, with the Northern end starting at Elkhart Lake, often referred to as Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Admirers of fall colors will love this drive with many different places to stop and explore. The route takes you past Holy Hill, a beautiful basilica that sits atop one of the highest hills in southeastern Wisconsin. As you continue driving south, the route will take you through Hartford.
Address: Holy Hill,1525 Carmel Road
6) Rustic Road 60 – Boulder Junction, Wisconsin
The estimated week to see peak fall colors while driving down Rustic Road 60 is the 2nd week of October. This winding route travels through the Northern Highland/American Legion State Forest. Canopies of coniferous and hardwood trees enhance the scenic beauty of R-60 as it passes near old logging campsites, hiking trails, and an old sawmill located in Star Lake.
Address: County K – Boulder Junction, WI 54512
7) Cathedral Pines State Natural Area – Lakewood, Wisconsin
Cathedral Pines State Natural Area is the home to Wisconsin’s ancient forest! The trees here are roughly 150 years old, and the canopy is strong, pronounced, and breathtaking.
Located about one and a half hours from Fox Cities, its peak fall colors are at their best on the 2nd Week of October.
The forested land spans around 1,800 acres and is located in Oconto County. The primary trees are old-growth pine and hemlock, but there are also sugar maple, yellow birch, white ash, basswood, beech, and paper birch trees. Cathedral Pines State Natural Area is one of Wisconsin’s most stunning hidden gems. It is an overwhelming and wonderful place that should not be missed during your fall foliage tour.
Be sure to take a break from city life and experience the beauty offered in the colorful woods.
Address: Cathedral Dr, Lakewood, WI 54138
8) Pamperin Park – Green Bay, Wisconsin
The 3rd week of October is the week of peak fall colors for pampering parks. Experience the captivating environment as you explore Wisconsin wildlife and enjoy the waterfall at Green Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. I love this park – the bridge is my favorite part!
Address: 2801 County Rd, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Plan your fall vacation now! I’ve compiled a list of the best places to see colors across the state! Visit them before they’re gone for another year! These are my favorite destinations, but there’s so much more to explore – find inspiration at TravelWisconsin.com on the color map!
Conclusion
These are only a few of Wisconsin’s best places to see fall colors. As you can see, plenty of places for viewing fall leaves. No matter where you go in Wisconsin, you’re sure to find breathtaking scenic areas with various shades of fall foliage! So get out there and enjoy the beauty of fall!