20 Awesome Fall Activities in Wisconsin

A guide to the best fall foliage and fall festivals in Wisconsin and other fun things to do in the dairy state during autumn

If you’re looking to get away this fall, Wisconsin has something special in store for you!

From sweeping landscapes to bustling cities and small towns, there are countless fall activities in Wisconsin that make the Badger State the perfect destination for a cozy autumn getaway.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast interested in hiking and sightseeing or someone who prefers morning brunch dates, delightful shopping trips and a thriving nightlife scene – it’s all here waiting for you as you travel Wisconsin!

Here’s your chance to experience America’s Dairyland like never before with my guide for some of the best things to do in Wisconsin in fall.

Pssst..!!?? You can’t get enough of fall in Wisconsin? Have a look at my other posts:

• Wisconsin Fall getaways
• Things to do in Wisconsin in October
• Fall Festivals in Wisconsin

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1. Fall Foliage in Wisconsin

Next to Vermont and New England region, the US state famous for its fall colors is Wisconsin.

Every autumn, the leaves of deciduous trees (oak, maple, elm, birch, etc) change their color to a stunning combination of red, orange and yellow due to the anthocyanin, carotene, and xanthophyll pigments.

The fall foliage has actually become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wisconsin for fall visitors.

The best places to see the fall colors in Wisconsin are Seven Bridges, Holy Hill Church, Lake Geneva, Minocqua, Eagle River, Sturgeon Bay, and Door County.

As the fall color is highly weather-dependent relying on the length of daylight and change in temperature, the depth of the color and the exact time of occurrence may vary from one year to another.

The best time for fall foliage in Wisconsin is late September to mid-October.

Scenic drives, breathtaking hikes, and great day trips are some of the ways to enjoy this amazing fall color.

Don’t forget to bring your Wisconsin hiking guidebook in order to explore the best trails in the area. – Check rates here

Fall Foliage in Central and Northern Wisconsin

• Best Thing to do: Bring your own inflatable kayak
• Accommodation Options: Gordon Lodge comes with hot pools and is a great place to stay.

The Northern Wisconsin fall colors start to appear first, during mid-September.

In autumn, the Hayward Lakes region is a prime location for a fall foliage tour along breathtakingly beautiful scenic routes marked by the leaf-shaped road signs.

Autumn is an excellent time to visit Minocqua, a town near the Eagle River, to catch the fall foliage in this northern region.

There are many fun things to do in Minocqua during the fall season, especially hiking and mountain biking.

Among the most popular hiking trails in Wisconsin for the fall colors is the Bearskin, which traverses 16 miles of a former railroad corridor.

This area is also famous for boasting some of the best resorts in Northern Wisconsin.

The peak fall colors in central Wisconsin can be viewed in late September.

Head to Black River State Forest for mind-blowing color and photo opportunities galore.

The graceful spires of Holy Hill Church, 192 feet above the hilltop, overlooking a sea of color during fall is something not to be missed.

Holy Hill is just 37 miles or a 45-minute drive from downtown Milwaukee.

Fall Foliage in Southern Wisconsin

• Best Thing to do: Rent an RV and do the State’s only National Scenic Byway
• Accommodation Options: The Grandstay Hotel and Suites come with hot tubs and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott boasts a great swimming pool. For Airbnb fans, you’ll enjoy the landscapes of this Beach Condo at Lake Michigan.

Further south to Milwaukee, in Southern Wisconsin, a biking or walking tour of the 100-miles along the Oak Leaf Trail in late October will offer glorious fall color hotspots.

The fall color drives southern Wisconsin reveals much darker foliage colors, perfect for nature and photography lovers.

The Great River Road on the western half of Wisconsin, the state’s only National Scenic Byway, ranks as one of the best fall drives in Wisconsin during autumn.

The small riverfront town, Trempealeau, is worth of stopping by for a night’s stay at the historic Trempealeau hotel.

When looking for the best places to visit in Wisconsin in the fall, Lake Geneva fall colors are a must too! Indeed, Lake Geneva is considered as one of the places to see the fall foliage in Wisconsin.

A simple walk or car drive along the 26-mile path around Geneva Lake will reveal the magical beauty of the colorful fall trees reflecting on the water.

You’ll also find lots of great things to do in Lake Geneva no matter what time of year you visit.

Downtown Lake Geneva is just 50 miles or 55 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and is also thus also one of the best day trips from Milwaukee.

The Seven Bridges Trail, Grant Park, South Milwaukee features 381 acres of woodland, paved walking and bicycling paths, a 2-mile long bridge, as well as lookouts over the sandy shoreline.

You’ll find South Lake Drive and Park Avenue 10 miles or 16 minutes from downtown Milwaukee.

These are also some of the best places for hiking in Southern Wisconsin!

If you are wondering where the best fall colors in Wisconsin are, check out the legendary Wisconsin Fall report.

It tells you the best time for the fall colors in northern Wisconsin and the best places to see the fall leaves in Wisconsin.

Book here your Milwaukee sightseeing tour

2. Spooky Fall Activities in Wisconsin

If you believe in spirits, the Wisconsin ghost tours during Halloween are just the right thing for you.

The most popular ghost tours are the Lake Geneva ghost walk, the Door County trolley, the Wisconsin Dells ghost boats, and the Hangman tour.

After thoroughly researching supernatural and weird stories, the Lake Geneva walk offers unique, colorful characters, haunted mansions, vengeful spirits, and monsters.

It’s one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva in the fall.

Book here the Lake Geneva ghost walk

The Door County Trolley specializes in guided themed tours focused on the Haunted Pub Crawl, the Lighthouse Ghost tour, the Murder, and the Mayhem tour.

This is one of the most popular things to do in Door County in October for kids and adults alike! – Check tours in Door County here

There are a few popular spooky fall activities in Wisconsin Dells.

The Wisconsin Dells’ Ghost Boat offers two scary adventures: a journey into a haunted canyon (during summer) and the Season of the witch (during fall). – Book here the Wisconsin Dells ghost walk

The Hangman Tour helps you get a little cozier with Milwaukee in a captivating and spooky way.

This is just one of many fun things to do in Milwaukee in October. It’s also the perfect way to spend Halloween in Milwaukee.

There are plenty of haunted places in Badger State, Wisconsin, that are unmatched, unspoiled and patiently wait for you with ghostly anticipation.

Places like Al Capone’s old hideout, the Shaker’s Cigar Bar, and The Pfister Hotel are all thought to be haunted, and you can visit them all with the Milwaukee Ghost Walk. – Book here your Milwaukee Ghost Tour

And there is no shortage of spooky festivals among Wisconsin fall attractions.

The Freakfest in Madison is the region’s largest annual Halloween party and music festival that occurs on the Saturday closest to Halloween.

Another fun fall celebration in Wisconsin is the Windigo Fest.

It’s the most typical party where all things Halloween take place and it is happening during the first weekend of October in downtown Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

It’s one of the best fall activities in Wisconsin and perfects when looking for things to do in Wisconsin in October.

Want a fun spooky fall activity you can do with friends or family? You should book an afternoon at one of the best escape rooms in Wisconsin.

Make sure to pick one of the darker-themed rooms – but beware, some of them are downright terrifying!

You can also stay at one of the most haunted hotels in Wisconsin for some extra spooky thrills.

If you are looking for creepy, abandoned places in the US, you’ll also find a few of those in Wisconsin. In fact, there are some truly spooky abandoned haunted places in Wisconsin that are perfect to visit in the fall.

Book here your Milwaukee sightseeing tour

3. Celebrate Milwaukee Oktoberfest

• Best Thing to do: Milwaukee Food Tour
• Accommodation Options: The Pfister Hotel is a true legend in town, while the Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast is probably the most scenic option. For Airbnb fans, this historic house is only a short walk from a scenic park. You can also check out my guide on where to stay in Milwaukee.

Another Wisconsin attraction in fall is the legendary Milwaukee Oktoberfest. This is undoubtedly one of the best Milwaukee fall festivals to attend.

The Wisconsin community is rich in German heritage, as 42% of the residents are partly or fully German.

It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular attractions in Wisconsin for both Wisconsinites and anyone visiting from out of state.

So, the famous Bavarian Oktoberfest in Milwaukee is celebrated there in full swing.

The event takes place just north of downtown Milwaukee at Glendale, during the first weekend of October and offers a little bit of everything for all.

This is the time to indulge in authentic German music like brass bands and yodeling, and Schuhplattler folk dancing.

You’ll also find the savory smells of Bratwursts (German pork sausage) on the grill, Rollbraten (stuffed pork roast) and Spanferkel (suckling pig).

Plus, enjoy German sweet desserts like Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), tortes, and Bee Sting Cake.

And, of course, make sure to have cold pints of German beer, and much more.

The open-air pavilion at the Bavarian Fest Garten has plenty of seating, souvenirs, and games like Cornhole competition, and a Miss Oktoberfest contest.

It’s one of the best fall activities in Wisconsin and definitely a must when looking for fun fall festivals in Wisconsin.

Book here your Milwaukee sightseeing tour

4. Visit Door County in Fall

• Accommodation Options: The Homestead Suites comes with outdoor and indoor pools and a spa bath, and the White Gull Inn is a great option for adult-only stays. If you prefer an Airbnb in Door County next to Fish Creek, you’ll love the cute Creekside Cottage or this DoCo Oasis. 

Door County is a popular vacation and tourist destination in the fall, and fall is probably the best time to visit Door County, WI!

Indeed, there are a lot of amazing things to do in Door County in October.

The area is commonly referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest” and it’s one of the most scenic places to enjoy the fall foliage in Wisconsin.

To experience Door County peak fall colors, there are plenty of options.

Take the ferry up to Washington Island and roam around the island. If you visit Door County in September, you can also enjoy the literary festival on the island.

Stop at the petting zoo, check out the Norwegian church, and grab a bite to eat at any of the places along County Road West.

Book here your wood cabin in Door County

Another great option for the fall leaf colors in Wisconsin Door County is to head to the Peninsula State Park.

Here you can climb up the Eagle Tower and take photographs of the blazing red-gold-orange islands in Green Bay against the crisp blue sky.

It’s a gorgeous place when looking for the Wisconsin fall colors.

Some of the most typical things to do in Door County during fall include the Whitefish Dunes State Park, fish boils, and lighthouse cruises.

This Door County park offers a rugged Lake Michigan shoreline and huge sand dunes and it’s one of the prettiest state parks in Wisconsin.

‘Fish boil’ is an age-old tradition in Door County, a truly local meal where locally caught whitefish is boiled with potatoes, onions, and salt.

Restaurants offering fish boils are spread out from the northern tip of the peninsula all the way to Sturgeon Bay.

Door County is also home to some of the most romantic cabins in Wisconsin, thus you might consider it for a couples’ getaway.

This is one of the best things to do in Door County in October for couples, especially those wanting to escape the crowds brought in by festival-goers.

Numerous festivals in Door County are lined up during fall, featuring seasonal food, drinks, live music, arts, and crafts.

Let’s just name a few:

• Egg Harbor Ale Fest
• Sturgeon Bay Harvest Fest
• Bailey’s Harbor Autumn Fest in September
• Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch festival
• Washington Island Cider Pressing Party and the autumn lighthouse festival
• Sister Bay Fall Festival in October

Door County is also considered one of the best destinations in Wisconsin for fall colors. Don’t forget to check out the Door County fall color report to find the best places for peak fall colors in Door County.

Of course, it’s also just a popular place to vacation in Wisconsin year-round, as well.

This isn’t surprising when you consider all the amazing things to do in Door County!

Book here your wood cabin in Door County

5. Attend Madison’s Farmer Market

• Best Thing to do: Madison Cooking Class
• Accommodation Options: the Best Western Premier Park Hotel has great views of Madison’s main attraction, while the Hotel Indigo – Madison Downtown, an IHG Hotel, comes with a cool interior design downtown!

The Dane County Farmers’ Market is America’s largest producer-only farmers’ market.

It is held from April to November on Saturday mornings at the ‘Square’ surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol building in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

This makes it a perfect thing to do in Wisconsin in November as fall starts to come to a close.

The Farmers’ Market is easily among the most popular attractions in Wisconsin, and for good reason!

From November to December, it is held indoors at the Monona Terrace, and from January to April, it is held at the Madison Senior Center.

So, technically we cannot call it a Wisconsin fall attraction, but it is a must-see during your visit.

What makes it one of the best Wisconsin activities for the fall is the abundance of pumpkin options available!

Fox News said that it is the Farmers’ Market that makes Madison a top foodie paradise.

Apart from fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, meat, nuts, and plants, you can also grab some specialties like hot sauces, jams, honey, beeswax, raw wool, artisan soaps, maple syrup, and applewood chips.

More than two hundred vendors in one spot can be a bit overwhelming, but this is local produce at its best.

It is advisable to go as early as possible because the shops close as soon as they run out of their produce.

The vendors are quite knowledgeable and passionate about their products, so feel free to ask questions.

As a keepsake memory, you can also buy bags, T-shirts, and posters in original hand-painted designs since 1977.

The Madison’s Farmer Market is thus one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in the fall and a cool weekend trip in Wisconsin.

This is one of the best Wisconsin vacation ideas for a fall getaway!

Book here the best activities in Madison, WI

6. Explore Wisconsin Dells in Fall

• Best Thing to do: Visit the Ringling Brother Mansion
• Accommodation Options: the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wisconsin Dells *** is always a great choice, while I love the backyard of the Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells ***. For Airbnb fans, check out this cute 2 bedroom cabin in Christmas Mountain. It’s one of my favorite Airbnbs in Wisconsin Dells.

Wisconsin Dells is an hour northwest of Madison on the I-94/90.

The beautiful fall foliage, geological attributes, local festivals, log cabins, the State Park, boat rides, and steam trains make Wisconsin Dells special during autumn.

Not surprisingly there is an abundance of fall activities in Wisconsin Dells.

These sandstone formations in the area, left when an apocalyptic rush of water created a 15-mile gorge at the end of the last ice age, are especially striking in the warm light of fall, as are the forests.

The calm placid Mirror Lake lies in a gorge created by the Dell Creek, which flows north through Lake Delton and into the Wisconsin River.

The Devil’s Lake State Park is an excellent place to hike the 500 feet cliff above the lake to view the beautiful fall scenery.

In fact, all of the hiking in Wisconsin Dells is phenomenal year-round

Book here your peaceful cabin in Wisconsin Dells

Some of the fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells in fall also include a 3-mile narrow-gauge excursion in a steam locomotive run by Riverside & Great Northern Railway.

The Wisconsin Dells fall colors intermingled with the rock formation is absolutely breathtaking when viewed from the Wisconsin River by Dells Boat Tour.

For over 50 years, Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival has been attracting visitors to the area during the autumn harvest festival.

And it’s all framed by the gorgeous Wisconsin fall foliage!

Wisconsin Dells is studded with shopping malls, antique and craft mall, outlets, cheese markets and more.

At these stores, you can find unique collectibles, trendy apparel, antiques, gifts, cheese, liquor, fudge, candy, furniture, sporting goods, and local souvenirs.

There’s a reason that shopping is one of the best fall activities in Wisconsin!

The Birchcliff Resort offers one of the most relaxing Wisconsin fall getaways in a natural setting with traditional log cabins and a wood fire.

Get here the best cabin deals in Wisconsin Dells

7. Visit the Farmer Pumpkin Patch

Fall activities in Wisconsin must definitely include the farmer pumpkin patches.

These are easily some of the most popular tourist attractions in Wisconsin during the fall, especially for families.

The Treinen Farm in Lodi has been the area’s favorite fall destination for corn mazing, pumpkin picking, horse-drawn hayrides, and exploring the Wisconsin countryside for over 25 years.

This unique farm has a gift shop, a banquet facility, a petting zoo (baby chicks, bunnies, pygmy goats, piglets, calves, and foals), a locally grown produce market.

There’s even a 14-acre pumpkin patch to explore in autumn!

Don’t miss their donuts, kettle corn, popcorn, jellies, and caramel apples.

But the specialty of Treinen farm is that each year, they select a maze theme and create an entire experience around it.

It is one form of a unique outdoor art installation where the maze field is precisely cut and designed in patterns depicting a theme.

This year, the theme was Rainbows, Kittens, and Killer Baby Unicorns.

It is fun to piece together the map-puzzle to find your way out and for winning prizes for finding the secret locations.

How to get to Treinen Farm:

From Madison, take Highway 12 almost to Sauk City, then turn right onto Highway 188, just pass the Wollersheim Winery, then turn right to go east on Highway 60 for 5 miles and you will arrive in Treinen Farm.

It’s a great place to vacation in Wisconsin and the pumpkin patch at Treinen Farm is definitely a highlight!

There are numerous pumpkin farms all around Wisconsin and most offer similar fall activities.

Some of the best Pumpkin Farms you can visit during autumn in Wisconsin are:

• Swan’s Pumpkin Farm
• Waldvogel’s Farm
• Lindner Pumpkin Farm
• Delzer’s Pumpkin Farm
• Schuett Farm 

I recommend visiting during the time of the peak fall colors Wisconsin has to offer.

8. Enjoy Warren’s Cranberry Festival

• Accommodation Options: The Three Bears Resort is located in Warrens and is a great mid-range option, for those who want an upgrade, check the Hampton Inn Tomah (7mi from Warrens). For Airbnb, check out this quiet log cabin close to 3 Bears with great views!

Anyone looking for the best things to do in Wisconsin in September must include a visit to the Warren’s Cranberry Festival (402 Pine St, Warrens, WI 54666).

This is a three-day celebration of Wisconsin’s state fruit on the last weekend of September.

It is one of my favorite things to do in Warrens, WI during the fall, or really anytime!

The Warren’s Cranberry Festival is the world’s largest cranberry festival and one of the best family fun events during fall.

You can explore over 3 miles of the shopping area including 850 arts and crafts booths, 350 flea market and antique booths, and 100 farm market booths.

Book here your stay near the Cranberry’s Festival

The beautiful fall scenery in the backdrop, the delicious smell in the air and the friendly local people, everything makes the shopping experience incredible at the Cranberry Festival.

Many people start their Christmas market shopping here.

The Marsh Tour is very informative and runs from 8 am to 3 pm on Fridays and Saturdays).

You get to know a lot about the history of cranberry farming in Wisconsin, how the cranberries grow and the equipment used to harvest them.

Cranberries have little air pockets inside them and that allows them to float on the surface of the water. That is why the bogs are flooded the night before harvesting and a water reel is used to dislodge the cranberries from the vine.

Fresh cranberries, local cranberry wine, and other cranberry products are available for purchase at the marsh.

The Sunday Parade with marching bands, drill teams, and unique floats are not to be missed either.

And do not forget to check out the interesting contests during the festival such as:

• The ‘Berry Bunch’ costume contest
• The biggest berry contest
• The button design contest
• The cranberry chiffon pie-eating contest
• The marsh medallion hunt
• The photography contest
• The quilt, and the needlework contest

You’ll have a blast!

Book here your log cabin in Warrens, WI

9. Go Apple Picking

Fall activities in Wisconsin mean turning leaves, first chilly nights and apple trees spangled with fruits.

Wisconsin has different apple cultivars varying in tastes, textures, and subtle flavors.

Apple picking is a fun activity in the fall in Wisconsin, especially with family and kids.

The apple firms all over Wisconsin allow visitors to take home huge amounts of apples for low prices (as low as 12 $/peck).

You can also purchase all kinds of homemade goods involving apples like pies, ciders, donuts, and more!

The best apple picking spots in Wisconsin are:

• Apple Holler (5006 S Sylvania Ave, Sturtevant, WI 53177) 
• Apple Barn Orchard and Winery (W6384 Sugar Creek Rd, Elkhorn, WI 53121)
• Ecker’s Apple Farm (W27062 WI-54, Trempealeau, WI 54661)

Apple Holler has a family-oriented country-style atmosphere and both apples and peaches can be picked here.

With more than 25 different kinds of apples being available during the fall you’ll have plenty to choose from!

In Apple Barn, the youngsters can pluck their own apples and learn more about apple growing while adults can indulge in delicious winery products like strawberry wine, apple wine, and peach wine.

The Ecker’s Farm offers 20 different kinds of apples to be picked, including Ginger Gold, Riverbelle, Snow Sweet, Paula Red, State Fair, Gala, and Ari Gold.

You can also taste apple-based tasty treats straight from the oven, and an annual Honeycrisp Hootenanny event.

The Wisconsin Apple Growers Association represents 170 commercial apple growers from across the state.

The association also helps with hosting all apple festivals in Wisconsin.

Fresh cider, rapidly and naturally fermented into hard cider, was a natural way of preserving apples in olden days.

President John Adams popularized the health benefits of cider as it became the drink of choice for early Americans.

Are there any better fall activities in Wisconsin than apple picking with your family?

You should also attend one of the apple festivals. My favorite is the Bayfield Apple Festival, which is perfect for fun fall weekend getaways in Wisconsin.

Book here your accommodation for Wisconsin in fall

10. Taste Test at the Gays Mills Apple Fest

• Accommodation Options: Renting an Airbnb is the best option to visit the festival. Have a look at the Hill House is one of the prettiest options in town, or the Redbird Ridge Cabin or the Rustic Luxury Cabin closeby.

Gays Mills is an old little town hidden away in a valley at the bottom of a big hill.

A trip to the Gay Mills Apple Fest (Highway 171, Gays Mills, WI, 54631) is a must-do thing at Wisconsin in fall.

This festival is held on the last full weekend in September and is one of the most popular fall activities in Wisconsin.

It is an annual celebration of the apple harvest and another festival that makes my list of favorite things to do in Wisconsin in September.

The festival is a pretty popular tourist attraction in Wisconsin, so come prepared for crowds.

There are plenty of things to enjoy in this festival such as:

• Pancake and sausage breakfast
• Run and walk events
• Book sale
• Lion’s flea market
• The museum of the Kickapoo
• Numerous food stands
• Carnivals, music, and parades
• Fall tournaments

The festival is considered one of the most popular Wisconsin attractions in fall and one of the coolest Wisconsin fall festivals.

Whether you are looking for a prime spot for leaf-peeping amongst the woods or sandstone cliffs, Gays Mills is for you!

Here you can here ghost stories, feel a German connection or indulge in the flavors and tastes of fall!

Get the best cabin rentals near Gays Mills

11. Attend a Lake Geneva Fall Festival

• Best Thing to do: Do an Audio Tour of the Lake Shore Path
• Accommodation Options: The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa **** is perfect for a spa getaway, while the Lake Lawn Resort ***** has the best views! On Airbnb, this downtown home is an affordable luxury experience! Not what you’re looking for? Check out my guide on where to stay in Lake Geneva or the best Southern Wisconsin resorts.

If you’re looking for fall festivals in Wisconsin, I really recommend a visit to the Lake Geneva area.

In addition to being one of the best lakes in Wisconsin, it turns out there are normally over 10 different festivals going on in the area throughout autumn.

In Lake Geneva the most popular fall festivals are Oktoberfest and Beer & Spirits.

In nearby towns there are also numerous other festivals, including Scarecrow Fest, Antique and Classic Boat Show, Classic Car Show, Farmer’s Harvest Festival and many more.

Since many of these take place in September and October, it is worth noting that one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in November is TrainFest.

This unique festival is in West Allis, a 45 minute drive from Lake Geneva.

Exploring the Lake Geneva area and discovering new fall festivals is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Wisconsin in October and November.

Make sure to check out my guide for where to stay in Lake Geneva to get the best accommodation for your stay.

Book here your accommodation for Lake Geneva

12. Do the Lake Geneva Ghost Tour

• Best Thing to do: Do an Audio Tour of the Lake Shore Path
• Accommodation Options: The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa **** is perfect for a spa getaway, while the Lake Lawn Resort ***** has the best views! On Airbnb, this downtown home is an affordable luxury experience! Not what you’re looking for? Check out my guide on where to stay in Lake Geneva or the best Southern Wisconsin resorts.

When you think of ghosts, you probably don’t think of Wisconsin.

But actually, the Lake Geneva ghost walk is one of the best ghost tours I’ve ever been on. 

Personally I think that fall is the best time to visit Wisconsin because of the beautiful colors, all the festivals, but also because I love ghost tours and fall really is the best time for a ghost tour.

Anyone else looking for spooky tourist attractions in Wisconsin for an atmospheric fall visit will love this.

Book here your Lake Geneva Ghost Walk

I don’t want to give away anything because part of the fun of the tours is hearing the stories for the first time. The company clearly does its research and knows its history!

My guide was Rita and she was incredibly knowledgeable and a lot of fun.

Be sure to check out all my other top recommendations for things to do in Lake Geneva to get the most out of this awesome city!

Book here your accommodation for Lake Geneva

13. Savor Autumn Beers

One of the best fall activities in Wisconsin is trying out seasonal beers.

In fact, there are several fall festivals in Wisconsin centered around beer and drinking, including Oktoberfests in multiple towns and cities across the state.

This means there are plenty of opportunities to try out local beers of all types.

Because Wisconsinites put a lot of love and care into their breweries, you’ll get to try some amazing new beers and meet some great people.

Many of these events are for adults only, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with kids.

Book here your accommodation for Wisconsin in fall

14. Go on a North Wisconsin Road Trip

• Best Thing to do: Bring your own inflatable kayak
• Accommodation Options: Gordon Lodge comes with hot pools and is a great place to stay.

My favorite way to experience the stunning fall foliage Wisconsin has to offer is to go on a road trip through the north.

Although it’s impossible to time it perfectly, typically this one of the things to do in Wisconsin in October because it is the best time for fall colors in Wisconsin.

In addition to the beautiful fall colors, there are a lot of amazing things to do in Northern Wisconsin.

These include some of the top tourist attractions in Wisconsin such as Big Bay State Park, hiking near Tomahawk or kayaking!

Taking a road trip through the north is one of the best fall activities in Wisconsin. – Check RV rentals here

Fall is also the perfect time to explore some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin before they freeze over in the winter!

Alternative, it one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in November if you want to avoid the crowds. But it’s cold!

You can also check out my favorite North Wisconsin resorts so you know where to stay along the way for the perfect vacation!

Plan the ultimate Wisconsin road trip (no backtracking!) with the “Perfect Wisconsin Road Trip” itinerary – Get it here

Book here your stay in a North Wisconsin cabin

15. Stay in a Romantic Cabin

If resorts aren’t your thing – they aren’t for everyone – but you still want somewhere special to stay, then I can definitely recommend a romantic cabin in Wisconsin during your fall visit.

There are so many great Wisconsin cabins to choose from here!

I love the feeling of getting back to nature in these beautiful and secluded places and enjoying some good old fashioned Wisconsin activities like swimming in the lake or hiking.

There are even ample opportunities to enjoy the fall foliage of Wisconsin since many of these romantic cabins are surrounded by woods. 

Here a list with some of the most romantic cabins in Wisconsin in fall:

• Northwoods Cabin – Big St.Germain
• Northwoods Tranquility – Lake Tomahawk
• The Loon Song Cabin – Boulder Junction
• Lake Shore House – Sheboygan
• Peace of Beach – Door County
• Wind House – Wind Lake
• Wisconsin Dells Cabin – Wisconsin Dells

Book here your romantic cabin getaway

16. Attended a Green Bay Packers game

• Best Thing to do: Attend a Packers Game
• Accommodation Options: There are plenty of great hotels and resorts in Green Bay. If you want to splurge, consider the Hyatt Regency Green Bay, while the Hampton Inn Green Bay Downtown is a great mid-range option as well.

You can’t talk about things to do in Wisconsin in fall without mentioning the Green Bay Packers.

In fact, if you want to impress a die-hard football fan, catching a game at Lambeau Field – their home stadium – can be one of the best fall date ideas Wisconsin has to offer.

The team, which was first established in 1919, is one of the most successful football teams in the NFL, and watching them is one of the top Wisconsin fall activities.

Also, every fall, the stadium hosts its annual free Spooktacular event, with plenty of fun activities for families and children of all ages.

It’s one of the best things to do in October in Wisconsin.

I am partial, though, because I was so impressed by all the great things to do in Green Bay that I totally fell in love with the city.

Book here tickets to see the Green Bay Packers

17. Wine tasting in tasting at Wollersheim Winery

If you need to get some warmth inside you while you enjoy some fun fall things to do in Wisconsin, make sure you head to the Wollersheim Winery.

This winery has been producing quality beverages for almost 200 years.

It’s perfect for those looking for Wisconsin Dells fall activities, because it’s just a half-hour drive to the south in Prairie du Sac.

Visitors can enjoy several different wine tasting experiences, including tasting with cocktails or tasting plus a guided tour of the winery – all great things to do in the fall in Wisconsin.

Wollersheim Winery also has a distillery, where they create spirits such as whiskey, brandy, gin, vermouth, and even absinthe for you to try.

This makes it one of the best fall places to visit in Wisconsin for cocktail connoisseurs.

Book here your stay in a North Wisconsin cabin

18. Visit Rocky Reef Brewing Company

• Best Thing to do: Bring your own inflatable kayak
• Accommodation Options: Gordon Lodge comes with hot pools and is a great place to stay.

One of the most fun fall activities Wisconsin can offer is visiting a brewery.

If you’re in the town of Woodruff in northern Wisconsin, take a trip to the Rocky Reef Brewing Company, best places to visit in Wisconsin in September.

Here you’ll find dozens of exciting beers to try, including blonde and brown ales, imperial stouts, lagers, hazy IPAs and more.

Does your fall fun in Wisconsin also involve music?

The Rocky Reef Brewing Company also has an annual beer festival called Reeftoberfest, an Oktoberfest-style celebration complete with a string band and German food.

So if European-style celebrations are your kind of fall things to do, Wisconsin has got you covered!

Book here your accommodation for Wisconsin in fall

19. Take a fall train ride

Wondering what to do in Wisconsin in October? A fall train ride is a perfect way to see the changing scenery and the colorful landscape.

So if you’re planning things to do in Wisconsin, fall is a great time to do them!

Riding a steam train through woodland and getting back to a simpler time is one of the most relaxing things to do in November in Wisconsin.

If you head to the Great Northern Railroad near Trego, you can spend the night on America’s only moving Bed & Breakfast train complete with dinner and cocktails.

It’s one of the most unique fall things to do in Wisconsin.

Plan here the Perfect Wisconsin Itinerary

20. Go zip-lining through fall colors

• Best Thing to do: Milwaukee Food Tour
• Accommodation Options: The Pfister Hotel is a true legend in town, while the Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast is probably the most scenic option. For Airbnb fans, this historic house is only a short walk from a scenic park. You can also check out my guide on where to stay in Milwaukee.

When you think of fun fall activities in Wisconsin, zip-lining has to be near the top of the list.

Speeding through the trees as the colors change is a great experience, feeling the wind in your hair as a rainbow of leaves passes by.

There are several places with zip-lines that specialize in things to do in Wisconsin during fall.

Up in Door County you’ve got Lakeshore Adventures Zipline, with 2000 feet of line in a 20 acre adventure course.

To the south near Milwaukee you can find Boundless Adventures, who also operate a seasonal Glow In The Park Halloween celebration with music, costumes, and candy.

It’s one of the most fun things to do in Wisconsin in October, when the temperature hasn’t gotten so low as to make your zip-lining adventure freezing cold!

Book here the best tours in Milwaukee

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Why you’ll love fall activities in Wisconsin

Abundant woodlands filled to the brim with bright fall foliage color, various fall events, like Halloween, and Oktoberfest.

There is also much autumn fun to be had in Wisconsin Dells, Door County, apple picking, cranberry festivals, autumn festivals, pumpkin patch, farmer’s market… the list goes on and on.

These fall activities in Wisconsin are perfect for all age groups, whether solo, family with kids, romantic couples, life-loving friends, or (nature) photographers.

And they can be enjoyed in various ways such as scenic car drives, hiking, pleasant walks, boats, and train rides.

Many of these activities and places are best visited in September and October.

But if you’re also looking for places to visit in Wisconsin in November, I’ve got you covered!

If you love fall fests such as cranberry festivals, apple fests, or good ol’ Oktoberfests, have a llok at my guide about the best fall festivals in Wisconsin.

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✎ Plan the ultimate Wisconsin road trip (no backtracking!) with the Perfect Wisconsin Road Trip itinerary – Get it here

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Short FAQ about Fall in Wisconsin

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