20 Best Places for Fall Colors in Wisconsin 2024

A guide to the best places to see fall colors in Wisconsin, including where to stay and best time to visit

Get ready to discover nature’s best works of art!

From fire-like red, orange or brown, to golden, bright tones of yellow, the fall foliage in Wisconsin offers breathtaking views to those who love autumn or are simply looking to unwind and enjoy nature. 

I can tell you from my experience that fall colors in Wisconsin are a sight worth remembering while traveling Wisconsin!

The rustle of vividly colored leaves and the playful light beams that sneak through the foliage transform fall colors, the Badger State, and an ordinary trip into a magical, straight-out-of-a-postcard experience.

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

• Fall Activities in Wisconsin
• Things to do for Halloween in Wisconsin
• Fall Festivals in Wisconsin

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Best Time to See Fall Colors in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is the best state to visit during the fall season.

People from all over the country enjoy the peak of fall foliage in Wisconsin, the best mountain bike trails and hikes in the state, or the exciting fall festivals in Wisconsin!

For love birds, the dreamy atmosphere of falling leaves and stunning colors topped up with matchless natural sights turns romantic getaways in Wisconsin into a must-do! 

Nonetheless, it is an out-of-this-world trip for families or solo travelers too! Getting lost in the picturesque scenery of Wisconsin fall colors is soothing and absolutely relaxing. 

Anyway, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you’re not missing any of the Wisconsin fall foliage.

For example, Wisconsin colors peak from September to October. You can check when you can enjoy the best autumn foliage using the Wisconsin fall color report or the Wisconsin fall color map.

For the best time for fall colors, Wisconsin offers a relatively broad time frame to explore the multitude of red, yellow, and orange shades.

My friendly advice is to check the evolution of the foliage using a fall color report and make sure you catch the most vivid and diverse fall colors in Wisconsin.

On the other hand, you can also find information about the best times to see the Wisconsin fall colors in this article, listed for every place mentioned!

1. Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary

• Accommodation Options: The Hidden Serenity B&B is a great hideaway. But a cabin getaway is the best way to enjoy the natural beauty here. You’ll love the GGG Log Cabin close to trails and the lake. The Lillibridge Lake Home is just steps from the water on quaint Tittle Lake, nestled in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

This religious shrine built on the top of a glacial hill comes first on the list.

Why? Because the view offered by the heights of this basilica is breathtaking. Wisconsin’s neo-Romanesque basilica attracts more than 500,000 tourists each year.

Holy Hill fall colors are absolutely stunning and should not be missed!

Some come to admire the architecture, others make a pilgrimage to meditate and pray, and lastly, people come to enjoy the stunning views and peaceful environment.

It is one of the best Wisconsin fall getaways! If you plan to visit, expect to find the peak of fall colors in the 3rd week of October. 

Moreover, while visiting Holy Hill, you can relax in the nearby Glacier Hills County Park or Kettle Moraine State Forest! Both of which provide great fall foliage.

You can include a quick stop in the biggest city of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in your trip schedule.

There are many things to do in Milwaukee in October, including strolling on the shore of Lake Michigan, one of the best lakes in Wisconsin, or enjoying a walk surrounded by the dazzling fall colors of Wisconsin.

The Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary is also one of the best day trips from Milwaukee during the fall.

2. Milwaukee

• 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.

Next up is the aforementioned emblematic city, Milwaukee!

Fall comes with many events, opening the door to many unique things to do in Milwaukee. From apple picking to beer festivals, Milwaukee offers a wide range of awesome fall activities in Wisconsin.

Whether you choose to stroll around the impressive fall colors or be a part of the exciting activities, you should definitely put Milwaukee on your getaway list for this fall!

Fall colors peak at the end of September and the beginning of October, but you can still admire the beauty of the foliage at the Milwaukee Film Festival while enjoying the biggest art event in the city.

Speaking of movies, did you know that some of the best movies set in Wisconsin are Bridesmaids, The Blue Brothers, and Love Actually –  all set in Milwaukee!

Milwaukee is one of the top places to vacation in Wisconsin as the city has a wide cultural cuisine variety, including German, Italian, French, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, and Turkish foods.

Milwaukee is a destination that has it all! From cultural heritage to natural sights and fall colors in Wisconsin, the city will delight your senses and leave you with memories worth telling!

For true fall vibes, Milwaukee is home to two of the most haunted hotels in Wisconsin. These hotels are perfect for spooky fall weekend getaways in Wisconsin.

There are many fun Milwaukee fall festivals throughout September and October that you won’t want to miss – when you’re not out enjoying the fall colors.

The city’s lakefront and historic districts are also charming as the holiday season begins, making this one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in November.

3. Seven Bridges

• 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.

Seven Bridges is maybe one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin, no matter what time of year you visit! it’s definitely one of the best places to go hiking in Milwaukee.

Cross over the seven bridges of this historical hike and let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful scenery and vividly colored foliage!

While Seven Bridges is part of South Milwaukee, this part of the city is often overlooked by tourists. You can find this hike 10 minutes south of Downtown Milwaukee.

It offers parking spots and no entrance fees. Located in Grant Park, this hike will take you on a mystical adventure through the forests, ending at a beach on the shore of Michigan Lake. 

The endpoint of this fairyland-like hike is one of the best beaches in Wisconsin, where you can admire the sight of the lake surrounded by fall foliage. 

The twisting old paths and bridges will take you back in time, allowing you to connect with and rediscover the beauty of nature. 

The fall colors peak at the end of September and the beginning of October, so plan your trip to enjoy some of the most impressive views of fall colors in Wisconsin! 

The trail is pet-friendly and accessible for everyone. I believe that it can also be a great opportunity for children to discover and explore nature, play with the colorful leaves, and exercise.

If you are visiting with pets, be sure to check out some of the great pet-friendly hotels in Milwaukee to make their stay – and yours – extra special.

Completing this hike is relatively short—about one and a half hours, depending on your pace—but it’s worth it, as it’s one of the best Southern Wisconsin hiking trails!

Seven Bridges is great for a romantic day out, and seeing the beautiful fall colors makes it one of the best date ideas in Milwaukee in the fall!

4. Appleton

• Best Thing to do: Visit the Jelly Belly Factory
• Accommodation Options: If you’re a fan of cute boutique hotels, have a look at the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel & Spa.

Did you know that this growing city in Wisconsin was rated one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the country?

You can enjoy fall color, Wisconsin, and the serenity of nature by making a stop to visit Appleton!

For more fall fun, Appleton is also home to one of the most haunted places in Wisconsin.

In fact, it has the largest haunted house complex in the Midwest, which is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in October.

The city’s magic comes from its locally owned businesses, rich historical and cultural heritage, and—wait for it—from being the town where Harry Houdini, the famous magician, spent his childhood! 

Some of the best things to do in Appleton are walking around and exploring the culture and architecture, admiring the fall foliage, visiting the Houdini Museum, and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. 

The best time to visit Appleton is the third week of October, when you can delight your eyes with the peak of the fall foliage and discover the beauty of Mother Nature’s art. 

5. Lake Geneva

• 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.

Lake Geneva offers many amazing outdoor activities in Wisconsin.

From zip-lining, while holding a pumpkin, to admiring the vivid fall foliage from a boat or taking a car ride on the rustic road trail 11, Lake Geneva is one of the most popular destinations for fall in Wisconsin! 

The Lake Geneva fall colors peak in the 4th week of October, but you can still be there earlier for the annual Oktoberfest beer festival!

Lake Geneva’s fall colors will turn your vacation into a fairytale.

That’s why fall is the perfect time for romantic getaways in Lake Geneva.

Taking a walk surrounded by the bright colors of falling leaves in the relaxing, quiet atmosphere of the city is like a breath of fresh air – both literally and metaphorically!

Other notable things to do in Lake Geneva are visiting apple farms, looking for llamas and alpacas that graze on land, or enjoying the numerous bike trails in the surroundings. 

6. Minocqua

• Best Thing to do: Rent an RV and go on a road trip to spot the best lakes
• Accommodation Options: The Waters of Minocqua has the best reviews in town and the Best Western Plus is a great mid-range option. Minocqua and surroundings are perfect for a cabin getaway, have a look at this cozy cabin or this luxury waterfront rustic townhome.

According to the city’s website, the area has the title of “Nature’s Original Water Park.”

The surroundings offer thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams where you can spend your day fishing, enjoying the sunset, or taking a walk around the multitude of water sources. 

With more than 107,000 acres of forests and some of the best hiking in Northern Wisconsin, the city offers picture-perfect, appealing, and panoramic sights of the fall colors in Wisconsin. 

The fall colors in Northern Wisconsin peak in the 1st week of October.

Apart from seeing the vivid foliage, you can add to your list by visiting local shops, discovering wildlife, or playing golf at the Timber Ridge Golf Club. 

The uniqueness of this destination comes from the pure enjoyment of the great number of cool things to do in Northern Wisconsin that can be discovered in the city and surrounding area.

There are also lots of great things to do in Minocqua itself, so if you want to stay for longer check out my guide on the best hotels in Minocqua.

7. Eagle River

• Accommodation Options: the Best Western Derby Inn has the best reviews in town, while the Wild Eagle Lodge is a great 2-star option! Airbnb fans, you should check out this charming waterfront cabin or this spacious, entire home. Check rates for lakefront cabins in Wisconsin here.

Add to your fall bucket list the scenic views of Eagle River! Let Northern Wisconsin fall colors hug your senses by exploring the calm, untouched paths of this region. 

Here, you can find some of the best waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin.

The spectacle of dropping water, accompanied by the colorful fall leaves moving in the soft wind and the smell of autumn are the keys to a wonderful vacation. 

Its calmness and quietness put Eagle River on the list of “Top 100 Places to Retire” in the country.

The city is open to everyone, and many people spend their vacations in this serene corner of nature. 

Keep in mind that fall colors peak in the 1st week of October.

So pack your things and hit the rustic, tranquil roads and paths of the city and its surroundings to capture the perfect image of the Northern Wisconsin fall colors!

8. Door County

• Accommodation Options: If you want to stay in the most scenic location, go for the Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort; if you prefer a great mid-range option, you’ll love The Scofield House B&B. Cabin lovers, the Sturgeon Bay Retreat is super cozy and is recommended.

The fall foliage peaks in Door County in the 2nd week of October.

So it’s no surprise that this is one of the best things to do in Door County in October.

Although if you are visiting Door County in September, you might still catch some early color changes, especially towards the end of the month.

Additionally, you can enjoy numerous fall festivals and explore the calmness of nature by taking one of the best Wisconsin road trips on the Door’s roads guarded by trees on each side.

It is an enriching experience and a great way to see all the fall colors in Wisconsin.

There are many interesting things to experience in Door County in the fall season, from trips and long walks in the forests to festivals, shopping, or exquisite restaurants.

You can even experience the Door County peak fall colors on one of the top Door County bike trails.

Door County fall colors come in many shades of orange, yellow, red, and brown.

If you plan to stay more than a few days, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the changes of the colors, turning from green to yellow, red, or orange, only to lastly become brown.

Apart from the impressive fall foliage, you can go taste testing at some of the best wineries in Door County. So, relax, sit back and taste some flavorful Wisconsin wines!

Some other amazing things to do in Door County in the fall are:

• Calm walks on the beaches while the sun sets complementing the orange shades of the trees
• Exploring old and new lighthouses; Door County has some of the best lighthouses in Wisconsin
• Climbing the 184 steps of the Mountain Park Tower to see Door County from above and enjoy the diversity of fall colors

One of the best places to see fall foliage in Door County is in Sturgeon Bay and the vivid colors of the trees of the Potawatomi State Park!

You’ll find some of the best hikes in Door County in Sturgeon Bay, many of which are great for fall foliage.

Sturgeon Bay is a great family-friendly destination, offering opportunities like long walks surrounded by fall foliage and one-in-a-million views!

9. Wisconsin Dells

• 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 in fall is one of my favorite places and an ideal spot for anyone hoping to see beautiful fall colors in Wisconsin.

There are a lot of amazing things to do at Wisconsin Dells, but in the fall, you can’t miss an opportunity to see the gorgeous colors.

It’s an especially perfect time for a romantic getaway to Wisconsin Dells.

If you want to see Wisconsin Dells fall colors, it is at its peak in the 2nd week of October, offering stunning scenery of immense forests covered in shades of orange, red, and yellow.

One of the best ways to enjoy the fall colors here is to go hiking in Wisconsin Dells. The hiking here offers some stunning options for enjoying the fall foliage in Wisconsin.

If you want something a little more central, the Wisconsin Dells Riverwalk is another great option for seeing beautiful Wisconsin fall colors.

I recommend going to Devil’s Lake State Park (25min drive from Wisconsin Dells).

Spending the day there for some of the absolute best views and fall foliage in the entire state!

The park also has one of the best campsites in Wisconsin Dells, so you can camp out here and enjoy the fall colors in Wisconsin from the comfort of your tent.

10. Douglas County

• Accommodation Options: The best way to enjoy the beauty here is by renting a cabin. You’ll love this beautifully decorated Home near Spirit.

Visit Douglas County in the 1st week of October and make the best out of your fall getaway!

View the amazing foliage with a trip to Lake Superior and hike surrounded by the vividly colored forests in a serene atmosphere. 

With 4,400 acres of forest land, the Superior Municipal Forest offers a great view of the changing state of nature.

The forest allows you to walk on a paved path and get lost through the multitude of white and red pines, aspens, and white birch trees. 

11. Pepin County

• Accommodation Options: Enjoy gorgeous sunset views across Lake Pepin and access from your backyard in this beachfront condo! Or, upgrade to a cottage with patio with amazing views of Lake Pepin.

You can find the peak of fall color in the 2nd week of October, but always be sure to check the Wisconsin Fall Color Report for any updates!

Pepin County has a lot to offer – from Mississippi scenic overlooks to rural roads and natural areas, you can find something for every taste. 

One great but challenging thing to do in Pepin County is hiking the Five-Mile Bluff Prairie State Natural Area.

This trip is worth the effort. With steep climbs and tiring paths, this hiking trail will take you to a panoramic wide view over miles of fall forests.

You will be able to see past the Mississippi and Chippewa Rivers while admiring the colors of the foliage. It is a truly magical experience, offering postcard-like views.

12. Sheboygan

• Accommodation Options: The Fairfield Inn & Suites Sheboygan is always a great address to stay, and the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham is a fabulous mid-range option. For Airbnb lovers, this cozy Lake Michigan Cottage has beach access.

This popular summer destination in Wisconsin has a lot to offer in the fall season and is a bit of a hidden gem.

Escaping the crowds that overtake the city in the summer season and breathing the fresh air of fall, you will be able to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the city.

The fall colors usually peak in the 3rd week of October, allowing you to leave behind the hot, dry air of the summer and chill in a refreshing environment. 

Take a Segway tour to learn about the city’s historical and cultural background, or enjoy the fall colors while tasting a variety of beers.

Speaking of beer, you should put the Sheboygan Beer Festival on your list and taste some German beers while trying traditional German cuisine. 

To spend some time outdoors and explore the fall season, you can choose to wander around the city and discover its architecture or hike along forest paths and meditate on the beauty of nature. 

If you want to stay and enjoy more of the fun things to do in Sheboygan during the fall, there are lots of wonderful hotels in Sheboygan to choose from.

13. La Crosse

• Best Thing to do: Rent an RV and explore Great River Road
• Accommodation Options: In La Crosse, Gundersen Hotel & Suites has top reviews, and The Charmant Hotel comes with views of the Mississippi River and Riverside Park. For Airbnb fans, why not check Morris House Apartment or Modern Victorian Home.

La Crosse is a great fall destination to enjoy the fall colors in Wisconsin – and to generally explore all the fun fall events and things to do in La Crosse, WI!

With an important historical background, the region’s bluffs are more beautiful than ever in autumn.

It offers good food and wines, along with calming walks and exciting activities in the region.

For hiking-passionate people, for those in search of relaxation, and for wine and food lovers, this city has its gates open!

Visit the Grandad Bluff for a marvelous panorama of the surroundings and see the shades of yellow, red, and orange of the forests.

You can also take in the stunning fall colors biking along the Human Powered Trails, some of the best mountain bike trails in Wisconsin.

The colors usually peak in the 2nd week of October, releasing a blast of color upon nature.

Furthermore, be sure not to miss the Alpine Inn, a historical bar in La Crosse, that serves delicious food and offers one of the best views of fall foliage and bluffs.

14. Hilltop Color Tour

• Accommodation Options: The Stewart Inn comes with the best reviews, and you’ll love the Inn at the River for its scenic river views. Check out the best Airbnbs in Wausau as well.

You will find three of the highest points in Central Wisconsin along the Hilltop Color Tour. This is one of the most unique things to do in Central Wisconsin during the fall.

The trip allows a panoramic view of the Wisconsin River Valley’s fall colors from a 60-foot observation tower situated on one of the oldest mountains in the world.

You can find this impressive mountain and the spectacular views at the Rib Mountain State Park. 

Another stop on the Hilltop Color Tour is Timm’s Hill near Ogema, offering a view of the surroundings from the highest point in Wisconsin. 

15. Hayward Lakes Area

• Accommodation Options: The Riverside Motel offers stunning views over Lake Hayward and Namekagon River. Hayward is also home to some great lakeside cabins. You can go all out with this magical Northwood cabin on Windigo Lake that sleeps 12 and has a patio and electric fireplace.

Fall colors in the Hayward Lakes area usually peak in the 4th week of September.

This region offers six self-guided tours to admire and see the fall foliage of diverse species of trees.

The first tree to change its color is the sugar maple, then the aspen, followed by maples, oaks, and lastly tamarack trees. 

This area is a popular destination for those who want to observe the fall foliage of Northern Wisconsin.

You will find many accommodations around, as well as restaurants and pubs to relax after your day on the roads.

This region is great if you are looking for a quiet getaway, and has some of the best romantic cabins in Wisconsin and cozy winter cabins in Wisconsin.

16. Bayfield

• Best Thing to do: Rent a kayak – or bring your own inflatable one
• Accommodation Options: The Pinehurst Inn Bed & Breakfast is perfect for those who want to splurge a bit and the Old Rittenhouse Inn is a fabulous mid-range option. For Airbnb and cabin lovers, this Madeline Island Cabin is located right on the lakeshore on Madeline Island. And this Library Street Cottage is the cutest!

Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield offers a picturesque setting for autumn in Wisconsin.

This charming town is the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a stunning archipelago known for its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant fall foliage.

As the leaves change color, the Apostle Islands transform into a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows. There are many things to do in Apostle Islands you can enjoy.

Hike through the forests, explore the islands by boat or kayak, or simply admire the vibrant scenery from a scenic overlook.

17. New Glarus

• 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!

Discover the enchanting town of New Glarus, often called “America’s Little Switzerland.” 

This charming community offers a unique blend of Swiss heritage and the best fall foliage Wisconsin.

Enjoy the Swiss culture with its traditional architecture, authentic cuisine, and festive celebrations. Explore the picturesque countryside, dotted with rolling hills and scenic farmland. 

Take a scenic drive, visit local farms and best wineries near Madison, or hike through the nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest.

18. Baraboo

• Accommodation Options: The Ringling House Bed & Breakfast has the best reviews in town, and the Inn at Wawanissee comes with a hot tub! Cabin lovers, this area is heaven for you! Check out this quirky Log Cabin or stay in this gorgeous contemporary home on a quiet wooded lot.

One of the best places in Wisconsin for fall colors is in Baraboo, a charming town near the iconic Devil’s Lake State Park, one of the best state parks in Wisconsin.

Nestled among rolling hills and bluffs, Baraboo boasts stunning views and colorful fall foliage.

Explore the park’s hiking trails, marvel at the towering rock formations, and enjoy the stunning autumn colors that paint the landscape.

Baraboo also offers a variety of local attractions, including the Circus World Museum, which celebrates the rich history of the circus. 

With its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Baraboo is a perfect destination for a fall getaway.

19. Oconomowoc

• Accommodation Options: You can check out this waterfront lake cottage in Oconomowoc.

Discover the picturesque town of Oconomowoc, nestled in the scenic Lake Country region of Wisconsin.

Surrounded by sparkling lakes and lush woodlands, Oconomowoc offers a breathtaking backdrop for the best fall colors in Wisconsin.

Explore the town’s charming downtown area, with its boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, enjoying the stunning views of the fall foliage. 

Hike or bike through the nearby Kettle Moraine State Forest, immersing yourself in the vibrant colors of autumn.

20. Wausau

• Accommodation Options: The Stewart Inn comes with the best reviews, and you’ll love the Inn at the River for its scenic river views. Check out the best Airbnbs in Wausau as well.

Want to know the best place to see fall colors in Wisconsin?  Wausau is a charming city nestled in central Wisconsin.

Nestled within the picturesque Marathon County countryside, Wausau boasts stunning fall foliage and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Explore the Rib Mountain State Park, where you can hike through colorful forests, bike along scenic trails, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views from the observation tower. 

Wausau offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.

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Wisconsin fall weather is incredibly pleasant, so you can enjoy an amazing off-summer getaway in nature’s serene state of the fall season. 

Explore and discover many outdoor activities that will guarantee you the best memories and don’t miss out on visiting these destinations to see fall foliage in Wisconsin. 

Apart from amazing views, the state has to offer numerous hiking trails, walks, and unique natural areas that will impress you. 

What would you need more? Nature, fresh air, stunning scenery, amazing food, beer, and wines rich in flavor, bays, lakes, and rivers! Wisconsin has it all, so what are you waiting for?

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Short FAQ About Fall Colors in Wisconsin

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