29 Things to do in Wisconsin in October 2024

A travel guide for a trip to Wisconsin in October incl. amazing fall festivals in Wisconsin

Fall is truly one of the most magical times to travel Wisconsin and explore the state, especially on a road trip.

If you’re looking to visit Wisconsin in October, you’ll likely be surprised at the number of different activities and attractions the state has to offer.

After all, what is Wisconsin known for if not its stunning fall foliage destinations and amazing fall festivals?

There are tons of fun fall activities in Wisconsin whether you are looking for family fun, romance, outdoor activities, or a relaxing vacation away.

From breathtaking views of fall colors surrounding the many lakes, waterfalls, and rivers, to unique harvest festivals and Halloween fun, there’s no shortage of things to do in Wisconsin in October. 

Avoid the summer crowds, and relish some of the best fall things to do in Wisconsin!

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

• Wisconsin Road Trips You Should Do!
• Top Fall Weekend Getaways in Wisconsin
• Weird Wisconsin Roadside Attractions

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Top resources to travel Wisconsin

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Overview: Top 5 Things to do in Wisconsin in October

• Enjoy Wisconsin fall colors at their best
• Pick apples in the best Wisconsin apple orchards
• Marvel at the mass migration of Canada geese
• Celebrate Halloween in Wisconsin
• Do a tour of a cranberry marsh

1. Enjoy Wisconsin fall colors at their best

• Best Thing to do: Rent an RV and go on a road trip
• Accommodation Options: The Lauerman House Inn has the best reviews in Marinette, and the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson comes with a pool and hot tub. Have a look at this Cozy Cabin on the Menominee.

Home to over 17 million acres (almost 70 thousand square kilometers) of forests, Wisconsin is one of the best states in the U.S. to witness the arrival of fall in all its colorful glory. 

There are lots of amazing places to see fall colors in Wisconsin.

To see Wisconsin’s fall colors by car, consider taking the Marinette County Waterfall Tour. It’s one of the top attractions of Wisconsin in October!

The loop, covering 125 miles, will take you through some of the state’s most beautiful woodland, complete with the opportunity to see 14 waterfalls along the way. Fall colors peak here in the third week of October. 

For a more active adventure, hike one of Wisconsin’s thousands of trails. The Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park is considered one of the best choices.

Located just 10 miles south of Milwaukee, on the shore of Lake Michigan, the trail measures two miles in length.

The best time to visit Wisconsin to see the leaves turning red, orange, and yellow will depend on the specific area.

Although October is a better time generally, visiting the fall foliage is also one of the best things to do in September in Wisconsin depending on where you visit.

The foliage normally changes color in late September to early October in the northern regions of the state.

This region has some of the absolute best places to visit in Wisconsin in the fall for its beautiful colors.

However, the southern reaches of Wisconsin are at their most colorful in mid-to-late October. 

This region is just perfect when looking for weekend trips in Wisconsin during October.

Helpfully, there is a fall color report available online where you can view updates on the current state of each county’s foliage. 

The best way to enjoy Wisconsin’s fall colors is by a road trip with an RV! – Check here prices for RV rentals in Wisconsin

Buy the best road trip itinerary for Wisconsin

2. Stay in a sumptuous luxury cabin in Wisconsin

Mild weather, gorgeous fall foliage, and a hot chocolate by a warm, crackling fire; what more could you want?

October is the perfect time for a peaceful getaway in one of the many luxury cabins in Wisconsin!

For beautiful views of Lake Superior, consider the Mission Springs Lake House in Ashland. – Check rates here

The close proximity of the Apostle Islands and Wisconsin’s famous sea caves will ensure that there’ll be no shortage of relaxing and memorable activities. 

The Northwoods Paradise cabin in Eagle River offers an equally luxurious, but more remote experience with views of the Wisconsin River, complete with a picturesque deck.

There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the area. – Check rates here

The Spacious Luxury Cabin with Deck and Dock on Bone Lake near the town of Luck in western Wisconsin is another great choice.

The unassuming building boasts a luxurious interior and a perfect location to enjoy fall in Wisconsin. – Check rates here

Check out the best cabins in Wisconsin

3. Attend a Wisconsin October festival

Wisconsin is home to dozens of rustic fall festivals, most of which take place in October. 

You’ll find plenty of classic fall celebrations, with live music, arts and crafts, lots of fun contests and activities, and locally produced food and drink.

Some towns also hold “Oktoberfest-style” festivals with polka music and German beer. 

The Madeline Island Fall Fest in La Pointe is one of the biggest October celebrations in Wisconsin, with lots of fun for the whole family, from pumpkin carving to learning how to make apple cider. 

For a more unusual entry on the list of Wisconsin October festivals, attend one of Wisconsin’s Halloween-themed celebrations!

Festivities such as the Jack O’Lantern Days in Fish Creek is one of the best things to do in Door County in October.

While you’re in Fish Creek, be sure to check out Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Market and Winery, one of the best wineries in Door County.

Fall festivals in Wisconsin are the perfect idea when looking for great Wisconsin vacation ideas in October.

They are one of the best things to do in October in Wisconsin and make the season so much more fun!

Book the best fall accommodation in Wisconsin

4. Do an October getaway in a romantic cabin in Wisconsin

Once the tourist traffic dies down, the weather turns cooler, and the leaves turn red, Wisconsin becomes a wonderful place for a romantic Wisconsin fall getaway.

Even if it’s just one weekend in October, renting a quaint cabin is a great way to make some wonderful memories. 

This is one of the things to do in Wisconsin in the fall for couples, and there are many romantic cabins in Wisconsin to choose from.

Here is a list of some of the most romantic cabins in Wisconsin in October:

• 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

For a remote yet easy to reach location, consider the shore of Lake Michigan in the Milwaukee area. 

For a more active experience with memorable outdoor activities for the two of you, visit Green Bay or the Apostle Islands.

There are plenty of things to do in the Apostle Islands, including hiking, cycling, and, weather permitting, kayaking opportunities. 

If you are looking for days trip from Milwaukee, Green Bay is just perfect, and you can find many cool things to do in Green Bay like visiting the wildlife sanctuary, or taking a tour of Lambeau Field.

Check out romantic lakefront cabins

5. Do the Northwoods Zip Line in 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 Lakefront log cabin with a dock or this luxury waterfront rustic townhome.

For an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experience, head to the town of Minocqua in Oneida County and visit Northwoods Zip Line Adventures.

The adventure park features Wisconsin’s longest zip line, with 13 lines suitable for participants of all ages, and is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in October for thrill-seekers!

The shimmering fall colors in the surrounding woods make October a perfect time to take part in this activity. The park, open all year, experiences lower traffic in the fall. 

While you’re here, check out other attractions and things to do in Minocqua in October.

Minocqua is also known as “Island City”, thanks to being surrounded by lakes.

As well as tons of fishing and boating opportunities, and a well-maintained water park, the town features plenty of other attractions. 

Minocqua offers a museum, a wildlife park and nature center, biking and some of the best hiking trails of Wisconsin, and golf courses.

There are also lots of interesting restaurants, including the famous Norwood Pines Supper Club offering authentic local cuisine. 

Check out log cabins in Minocqua

6. Do a tour of a cranberry marsh

• 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!

Not everyone knows that Wisconsin is the leading producer of cranberries in the U.S. In fact, around 60% of all American cranberries grow here! 

You can learn more about cranberry growing and harvesting by taking a cranberry marsh tour in one of the available locations in Wisconsin.

Cranberry marshes are a truly astonishing sight, forming a sea of bright red against the backdrop of the surrounding woodland. 

The guided tours take you directly through the marshes, typically ending with a sampling of local cranberry-based delicacies. 

Most of the tours are available only in October, as this is when the cranberry harvest takes place.

Nevertheless, it is a must if you’re in the area, and definitely one of the most unique things to do in Wisconsin in October.

The towns of Pittsville and Warrens are the main destinations for all things cranberry in central Wisconsin.

While in Warrens, make sure to include a visit to the Cranberry Museum, one of the top things to do in Central Wisconsin.

In the northern region of the state, set your sights on Manitowish Waters and Eagle River, which are both some of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in October for cranberry marshes.

Buy the best Like a Local Guide to Wisconsin

7. Pick apples in the best Wisconsin apple orchards

• 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!

For many, nothing says “fall fun” better than a trip to an apple orchard. If you haven’t yet had the chance to celebrate Wisconsin fall with a visit to an orchard, October’s the perfect time to make it happen!

No vacation in Wisconsin will be complete without an orchard tour, one of the top fall activities in Wisconsin!

As well as picking your own apples, you can take part in other fun activities for the whole family, like hayrides or making your own cider. 

There are tons of orchards in Wisconsin, so wherever you go, you’re likely to be within driving distance of an orchard.

The Erickson Orchard and Country Store in Bayfield is well worth a recommendation, particularly if you visit during the Bayfield Apple Festival (the first weekend of October).

And not just because of their famous apple cider doughnuts!

It’s also the perfect occasion to rent a rustic cabin in Bayfield, near the Apostle Islands. – Check reviews here

Book the best cabins in Northern Wisconsin

8. Enjoy Wisconsin Dells in October

• 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.

Famous for its unique glacial sandstone formations, Wisconsin Dells is one of the top places to vacation in Wisconsin any time of year.

But if you’re specifically wondering what to do in Wisconsin Dells in October, you need not worry; the city is full of fall fun!

In October, you can enjoy the mild weather and fall colors without the usual summer crowds!

Alternatively, this is one of the top things to do in Wisconsin in September, as well, and you can still avoid the crowds!

One of the best things to do in Wisconsin Dells no matter the time of year is to go hiking in Devil’s Lake State Park.

This is one of the best places for hiking in Wisconsin Dells, which is a generally great fall activity during October in Wisconsin.

Alternatively, get your adrenaline going on the BigFoot Zipline Tours, take a relaxing boat tour with stunning views of the cliffs, or travel along the bottom of sandstone gorges in a horse-drawn carriage at the Lost Canyon Tour. 

The Haunted Tour in Wisconsin Dells is just perfect to get the Halloween feels! – Check reviews here

If you’re a fan of Airbnb, check my guide on the best Airbnbs in Wisconsin Dells.

Book the best tours in Wisconsin Dells

9. Marvel at the mass migration of Canada geese

Every fall, Canada geese embark on a 3,000-mile journey south, to spend the winter inland in the U.S. before returning to Canada again during spring. 

As it happens, Wisconsin is one of the best places to observe the glorious spectacle of these birds’ mass migration.

Horicon Marsh on the border of Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties is where many geese stop on their way to rest before continuing their journey. 

Migration happens between mid-October and mid-November. Naturally, the birds don’t fly all at once, so there’s a large window of opportunity to see them.

Avid bird watchers and amateurs alike will be astonished at the sight of hundreds of these birds flying in their signature “V” formation. 

Helpfully, there is a visitor’s center near the marsh, where you can get bird-watching tips and tourist information.

The nearby city of Fond du Lac on the southern shore of Lake Winnebago offers other points of interest, such as a lighthouse and a lakeside park. 

Check out cabins near Lake Winnebago

10. Celebrate Halloween in Wisconsin

If October is synonymous with Halloween celebrations in your mind, Wisconsin is the place to be for a unique celebration of this unusual holiday.

Halloween in Wisconsin is easily one of the best times of year to visit!

Haunted houses, pumpkin patches, ghost tours, and town-wide trick-or-treating are just some of the main attractions to look forward to!

Die-hard fright-fans can head to Appleton’s Burial Chamber, the largest haunted house complex in the Midwest, with four full horror experiences on site.

In the fall, this is not only one of the best things to do in Appleton, but one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in October.

A sister complex named Abandoned is located near the town of Racine and also features a total of four terrifying Halloween experiences. 

Halloween thrill-seekers over the age of 21 can’t miss a night in Dead by Dawn, a unique B&B in Manitowoc.

This horror-themed “dead and breakfast” promises that guests won’t get a good night’s sleep as the haunted horror experience also takes place in your room at night!

For a family-friendly Halloween celebration in Wisconsin, head to Wisconsin Dells and visit the Ghost Outpost Haunted House, or take part in the Egg Harbor Jack O’Lantern Days. 

You can’t miss either the legendary Haunted Tour in Wisconsin Dells! – Check reviews

Stay at one of the top haunted hotels in Wisconsin for an extra spooky Halloween break.

Book the best accommodation in Appleton

11. Do a weekend getaway in a luxury resort

Although bustling agriculture and glacial terrain are the main characteristics of the state, there’s no shortage of luxury resorts in Wisconsin to satisfy even the most demanding visitors.

October is the perfect time to do this. Not only are the summer crowds gone, but you also don’t need to worry about the weather while you’re relaxing in a heated pool!

Pamper yourself in the Lake Lawn Resort ***** in Delavan in southern Wisconsin, taking advantage of the on-site spa with massages and a steam room.

The lakeside resort also offers boat rentals and a fine dining restaurant. – Check rates here

Alternatively, you can stay at another one of the best spa resorts in Wisconsin.

If you are in Delavan, don’t miss out on the Fred Jones House And Gatehouse built by Frank Lloyd Wright.

If you’re looking for luxurious resorts in Wisconsin, The Harborview ***** in Port Washington is a great choice as well. There’s a wellness area and a hot tub available, as well as a fine dining restaurant.

The resort is only a half-hour drive away from Milwaukee. – Check reviews here

Buy the best road trip itinerary for Wisconsin

12. Attend the Oktoberfest in 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.

As it turns out, you don’t need to travel to Munich to enjoy an authentic Oktoberfest! Instead, you can attend one of the best Milwaukee fall festivals.

With live polka music from local bands, folk dancing, and of course, authentic German food and beer, the annual festival held in Milwaukee is just as fun!

In fact, Milwaukee is one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in October because of its authentic Oktoberfest celebrations.

Taking place on the first weekend of October, the family-friendly festival also includes classic Oktoberfest contests like brat-eating competitions and Weiner dog races.

No wonder that it’s one of the best things to do in Milwaukee in October.

Make sure to check out the other unique things to do in Milwaukee, such as the Harley-Davidson Museum. 

Book the best sightseeing tours in Milwaukee

13. Stay in a resort in Northern Wisconsin

The north has some of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in the fall, making it a perfect place for a getaway.

There are plenty of resorts in northern Wisconsin to choose from to make the most of your vacation.

You’ll find some of the best family resorts in Wisconsin here, as well as some of the most romantic hotels in Wisconsin!

For instance, The Shallows Resort in Egg Harbor is located in gorgeous Door County, with stunning views of Lake Michigan which is without any doubt one of the greatest lakes in Wisconsin.

Take a swim in the heated pool, play tennis, or simply take some time out for yourself and relax.

For more active types, the resort also offers kayaks and boats for hire, and you can enjoy a spot of fishing right there on site. – Check rates here

There are also lots of great things to do up north, Wisconsin is heaven for nature lovers.

Why not go on a kayaking tour near the Apostle Islands? It’s considered one of the best things to do in the Apostle Islands, and the area has plenty of great resorts.

The waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin are also particularly cool to visit this time of year as many of them are frozen over.

However, there are tons of amazing things to do in Northern Wisconsin no matter your ideal type of vacation.

Check out cabins in North Wisconsin

14. Go lighthouse hopping in Door County

• 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. 

Despite its relatively small size, Door County boasts an impressive 11 historic lighthouses, the oldest of which, Pottawatomie Light, dates back to 1858.

And these lighthouses are one of the many reasons that Door County is one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in the fall.

As it happens, October plays host to the Fall Door County Lighthouse Festival which is an awesome fall activity to do in Wisconsin.

During the festival a series of land, boat, and adventure tours take place, giving visitors exclusive access to otherwise closed lighthouses. 

Some years, the festival also includes an airplane lighthouse tour, making it one of the most unique and exciting things to do in Door County in October.

If you happen to miss the festival (which usually takes place on the first weekend of October), don’t worry; you can still take part in one of the regular tours.

For instance, the lighthouse tour operated by Door County Trolley is available throughout October and is one of the top things to do in the fall in Wisconsin.

The guided, old-timey trolley trip is well worth booking and one of the best things to do in Door County.

To see the Door County’s lighthouses, you can also take part in one of the Door County Boat Tours, featuring shipwrecks and caves.

If you love the lighthouses in Door County, check out my post on all the best lighthouses in Wisconsin!

Check out tours in Door County

15. Go hiking near the best waterfalls in 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.

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that northern Wisconsin offers literally hundreds of miles worth of scenic trails.

To make your hike even more memorable and give yourself a goal, choose a trail that features one of Wisconsin’s many impressive waterfalls.

Waterfall tours are definitely one of the most memorable things to do in north Wisconsin.

To see the tallest waterfall in all of Wisconsin, head to Pattison State Park. This falls under the category of best state parks in Wisconsin you should visit in October.

The 4-mile loop trail along the Black River will guarantee the most scenic views of Big Manitou Falls which reaches the height of 165 feet!

You can also see smaller waterfalls, such as Small Manitou, along the way.

Another worthy recommendation is Copper Falls State Park near the town of Mellen, which features several waterfalls including Copper Falls and Brownstone.

Considered to be one of the most scenic parks in Wisconsin, this area is even more beautiful in October, with the blazing red of the foliage standing out sharply against the bustling water of the Bad River.

Check out cabins in North Wisconsin

16. Celebrate the Green Bay Packers by making a visit to Titletown

• 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.

Titletown District is a must-visit for all Packers fans, but you don’t have to be a football enthusiast to have a blast here.

The entertainment district was developed by the Green Bay Packers, and it features a football field, a large playground, plenty of shops, and tons of other fun activities for the whole family.

As you plan your visit, make sure you check out the event schedule on Titletown’s website.

This is one of the best things to do in Green Bay, so it can get busy!

There are all sorts of activities to enjoy and skills to learn, including arts and crafts workshops, zumba classes, and line dancing.

October sees much less traffic than the summer months, so you’ll have more room for yourself!

The complex features a hotel, so you can easily stay on-site for a whole weekend out with the family. There are also several restaurants.

Enjoy fine dining at the Taverne in the Sky or indulge in a snack board at the Leaps and Bounds.

The weather in Green Bay, Wisconsin in October is still mild, with few rainy days and daytime temperatures reaching around 50°F on average.

There is a wide selection of amazing hotels and resorts in Green Bay if you plan to stay longer.

Check out tours in Green Bay, WI

17. Go mountain biking in Wisconsin’s colored woods

Much of Wisconsin features glacial terrain, with plenty of hills, ravines, lakes, and waterfalls.

This makes it the ideal destination for mountain bikers, with miles of trails of all difficulties.

As the vast majority of the best mountain bike trails in Wisconsin are in the woods, October trips will be especially memorable thanks to the arrival of fall colors in Wisconsin.

For a real challenge, head to Namakagon in Bayfield County where you’ll find a network of trails with a combined length of over 50 miles, including the notoriously challenging Rock Lake trail.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience suitable also for kids, pick one of the converted rail corridor trails.

All of the corridor trails are wide and flat, usually featuring points of interest and attractions along the way.

For instance, the 50-mile Ahnapee State Park Trail in Door County features a zoo and a haunted mansion!

Buy sturdy hiking and cycling shoes from REI

18. Do an October getaway to 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.

One of my favorite things to do in October in Wisconsin is head to Lake Geneva for some leisurely fun.

Lake Geneva is a city in southeastern Wisconsin, on the shore of, unsurprisingly, Lake Geneva.

The resort town, once a popular getaway for wealthy Chicagoans, is a picturesque location with all sorts of attractions for just about everyone.

For adventurous types, there are scooter tours and ziplines in the area. Meanwhile, one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva with kids is the Big Foot Recreation District.

Visitors looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy a trip to the beach or a scenic cruise.

A walk along the Lake Shore Path is also one of the best hiking trails in Southern Wisconsin.

Particularly if you visit near the end of October, you may be interested in the Lake Geneva Ghost Walks to spruce up your Halloween fun, a guided walking tour of the most haunted spots in the city.

October is also the perfect time to enjoy a trip to the local orchard, Elegant Farmer, and take advantage of the Autumn Harvest Fest. Just perfect when looking for Wisconsin fall getaways!

If you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Geneva, consider the Mill Creek Hotel in the center of town or The Cove of Lake Geneva ***, just a few minutes’ walk away from the lake’s beach.

The Geneva Wells Motel ** is a great option when looking for budget hotels in Lake Geneva, WI. – Check rates here

Read more about where to stay in Lake Geneva here.

Book the best sightseeing tours in Lake Geneva

19. Do a foodie getaway and enjoy the tastes of Wisconsin

The 19th-century Germanic influence on the Wisconsin region lives on in the state’s traditional delicacies.

Beer, cheese, and bratwurst are all key parts of the local cuisine, and indulging in them is one of the things to do in Wisconsin in October!

If you’re curious to experience authentic Wisconsin dining, take one of the many food tours available in the state.

For instance, the Milwaukee Secret Food Tours will take you on a three-hour walk!

Prepare to sample cheese curds, traditional Wisconsin fish fry, and locally produced sausages, among other local foods the entire time!

Another great place to visit for foodies is Kenosha! In fact, a food tour is one of the best things to do in Kenosha.

Book food tours in Milwaukee

20. Go on a football weekend in Madison

• 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!

October is the peak season for the NFL, and one of the best months for football enthusiasts to visit Madison, home to the Wisconsin Badgers.

The city’s Camp Randall Stadium holds a game practically every Saturday, so any weekend in October is sure to deliver plenty of sport-fueled adrenaline!

Since Madison is the capital of Wisconsin, you can find lots of other attractions without having to leave the city.

With plenty of museums, a zoo, and botanical gardens, there’s no reason not to bring the whole family.

Make sure you complete your football fun with some hearty Wisconsin food. Joining one of Madison Eats Food Tours will help to ensure you don’t miss a single dish! – Check tours here

The guided food tour will take you to Madison’s best restaurants, where you can sample local delicacies. It’s the best way to spend a cozy October in Wisconsin.

Book the best tours in Madison, WI

21. Take a scenic train ride

One of the best things to do in fall in Wisconsin is to take a scenic train ride.

Whether it’s a train ride with dinner, a bed & breakfast train journey, or a full-on road trip, these majestic vehicles will show you some great places to go in Wisconsin in October.

Taking a scenic train ride is one of the most popular Wisconsin fall attractions for visitors when the leaves are turning and the sunsets are long and beautiful.

If you’re looking for things to do in Green Bay Wisconsin in October, the National Railroad Museum has regular train rides in vintage cars.

Book here the best cabin rentals in Wisconsin

22 . Do a fall drive in South Wisconsin

• 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.

Driving is one of the best ways to find great places to visit in Wisconsin in fall.

From Milwaukee to Green Bay, Kenosha to Madison, or Sheboygan to Wisconsin Dells, there are plenty of places to go in October for Wisconsin lovers.

“Wait, is Wisconsin Dells open in October?” you might ask. Well, it certainly is; in fact, fall activities in Wisconsin Dells are some of the most popular in the state.

A fall drive in South Wisconsin that takes you through Madison, Baraboo, Wisconsin Dells, and Black River Falls will show some of the most unique places to visit in Wisconsin.

 It’s one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in fall!

Get the best road trip itinerary for Wisconsin

23. Stay in a haunted Wisconsin Hotel

With Halloween being such a popular holiday in the US, staying in a haunted hotel is one of the best things to do in Wisconsin in fall.

There are haunted hotels all over the state, including the Historic Karsten Inn in Kewaunee, and the Astor House B&B in Green Bay.

But perhaps the best is the notorious Pfister Hotel – a night here is one of the best things to do on Halloween in Milwaukee.

Staying in one (or more!) of these spookiest haunted hotels in Wisconsin is one of the most fun holiday-themed things to do in WI in October.

Make sure none of these frightening buildings puts you off from looking for what to do in October in the future.

Some of them are so scary that guests have slept with baseball bats in their beds for protection!

If a haunted hotel isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of other haunted places in Wisconsin to explore.

Book a stay at the haunted Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee

24. Take the Dells Ghost Boat

Wisconsin Dells activities in October don’t get much scarier than the Dells’ Ghost Boat.

This Halloween-themed attraction takes participants up the banks of the Wisconsin River after dark to some legendarily haunted and ancient canyons.

You’ll hear the grizzly history of the area, complete with ghost stories and plenty of atmospheric thrills.

If you can make it back alive, this is one of the most unique Wisconsin Dells fall activities.

Families with kids who enjoy the spookier side of things will have lots to enjoy at this and other October events in Wisconsin.

Book the best tours in Wisconsin Dells

25. Get spooked on the Door County Trolley Ghost Tour

Abandoned lighthouses, sunken shipwrecks, and the possibility of seeing some actual ghosts await anyone brave enough to ride the “Trolley of the Doomed” on the Door County Trolley Ghost Tour.

This spooky activity is the reason that Egg Harbor is possibly the best place to visit in Wisconsin in October.

You’ll be accompanied by a thematically dressed guide, who will expertly describe the supernatural and unearthly history of the area during the tour.

The tour is so scary, it was showcased in USA Today!

Truly one of the most entertaining Wisconsin Dells things to do in October for horror and history lovers.

Book the best tours in Door County

26. Enjoy the Madison craft beverage scene

Anyone looking to try some fun things to do in Madison Wisconsin in October should not overlook the vibrant craft beverage community.

All around this city, there are plenty of breweries, distilleries, wineries, and even cideries serving delicious beverages that will put some warmth in your heart.

From Belgian-style ale, IPAs, and barley wine to Riesling, Chardonnay, and Bourbon, you’re sure to find a new favorite while exploring the things to do in Madison WI in October!

Visitors can also take part in the annual Madison On Tap Craft Beverage Trail.

This free event provides you with a roadmap that leads to dozens of local breweries and distilleries in the Madison area, where you can sample great drinks from skilled artisans.

But that’s not all; after getting your pass (by text, no app needed), checking in with different businesses gets you discounts and prizes, from accessories to overnight stays and experiences.

Taking part is fun, tasty, and one of the best things to do in Madison in October!

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27. Take the kids for a Romp in the Swamp

Looking for fun places to visit in October that will keep the kids happy? The Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve has the answer.

This beautiful piece of unspoiled natural landscape sits just to the north of Appleton, WI and every year they have a great family-friendly event called Romp in the Swamp!

You’ll get to wander the trails of the park, learning about nature and picking up sweet treats from various trick-or-treat stations along the way.

If you want to get some extra candy, bring your costume to one of the best places to visit in Northern Wisconsin for families – everyone will be dressing up!

Kids will also be able to take part in an exciting hay wagon ride and find their way through the prairie maze. There are prizes available as well.

This nature preserve is also one of the more unusual places to visit in upper Wisconsin to see a movie, as later in the evening, the lower level gets turned into a movie theater, complete with popcorn.

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28. Play games of all kinds at Asgard in Wisconsin Dells

Have you spent enough time trying outdoor things to do in Southern Wisconsin? Would you prefer to take a break and head inside to a place of warmth and fun? Do you enjoy throwing things?

If the answer to some or all of the above is yes, then make your way to Oak Street in central Wisconsin Dells and visit Asgard Axe and Tap – one of the most fun places to go in October!

Here you can test your Viking skills by throwing actual hand axes at targets. It’s just like bar darts, but with axes!

Don’t worry, their team of experienced coaches will give you all the training you need. It’s one of the most unexpectedly entertaining things to do in Wisconsin for couples.

Are you on a family vacation? Not a problem – Asgard Axe and Tap allow kids from the age of 10+ to take part.

And if that seems a little too intense, head downstairs to the Asgard Underground Arcade for unlimited video games and pinball  – all day!

This is truly one of the most entertaining and unique things to do in October in Wisconsin Dells.

Also, don’t forget to try out their onsite kitchen – the menu is surprisingly robust, with plenty of entrees including pizzas, salads, and lots of bar snack options.

29. Carve some pumpkins at Titletown Pumpkin Palooza

You can’t have fall in Wisconsin without some pumpkins, and the Pumpkin Palooza is one of the best artistic things to do in Green Bay in October.

Hosted by the Titletown community development near Lambeau Field, this annual family event is packed with all kinds of fun activities.

You’ll be able to take part in arts and crafts and interactive games, enjoy lots of live music, and get your face painted – all great activities to do in October!

There will also be plenty of Fall-themed food and trick-or-treat surprises, plus photo booths where you can take some spooky pictures to remember your day.

But the main event is the pumpkin carving, where you can show off your skills as well as see how the professionals do it.

Green Bay is one of the most exciting places to see in October, and the Pumpkin Palooza is a big part of that!

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Short FAQ about Wisconsin in October

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