Best time to travel to Milwaukee, WI

Fall Colors in Milwaukee, WI

Maples and oaks decorate Milwaukee for nature's best annual festival

Best time: early September – late October

Fall Colors

As the air begins to cool, vibrant autumn comes to Milwaukee. The largest city of the state of Wisconsin has no shortage of beautiful scenery since it's surrounded by Lake Michigan, and three rivers: the Menomonee, the Kinnickinnic, and the Milwaukee. The city also boasts 150 parks and miles of scenic trails, perfect for fall foliage walks.

When to see fall colors in Milwaukee

Fall foliage season in Milwaukee usually starts in early September and lasts for a few weeks. The peak season falls around the third week of October. The average temperature during this time is 71 °F (22 °C) to 59 °F (15 °C) so it's perfect for hiking and spending as much time outside as possible.

Where to see fall colors in Milwaukee

The most famous place to observe the golden autumn is Grand Park. Maple, birch, ravine, and white ash create beautiful scenery on the area of 381 ac (1.54 sq km). The park offers a place for any activity: hiking, cycling, and of course, autumn picnics. The 2 mi (3.2 km) Seven Bridges Trail is one of the most popular fall hikes.

Fall colors near Milwaukee

Holy Hill Basilica in Hubertus is beautiful at any time of the year. But autumn is a special time when everything looks immersed in colors. The basilica is surrounded by slopes covered with deciduous trees, at an altitude of 1,300 ft (396 m). Visitors can climb a 178-step observation tower to enjoy a postcard-like view of Milwaukee.

Other destinations in the Milwaukee area include the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, which in addition to the park also has an observation tower, 60 ft (18 m) high. 15 mi (25 km) Oak Leaf River Trail, running along Lake Michigan, is perfect for a fall bike trip or simply a long walk to enjoy magnificent views of the colored trees.

Practical info

When is the ideal time to get a view of fall colors in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee's fall foliage usually starts in September and lasts a few weeks, with its peak around the third week of October, offering the best viewing experience. The favorable weather, with temperatures ranging from 71 °F (22 °C) to 59 °F (15 °C), makes it a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and other fall-themed adventures. Show more

What is Grand Park, and why is it an ideal spot for witnessing the fall colors?

Grand Park is the most famous place in Milwaukee to immerse oneself in splendid fall foliage. With 381 acres (1.54 sq km) area, the park boasts the incredible beauty of deciduous trees, including maple, birch, ravine, and white ash, making the scenery breathtaking. The park has several trails, including the 2-mile(3.2 km) Seven Bridges Trail, perfect for hiking and autumn picnics. Show more

What is the temperature like during the Milwaukee fall foliage season?

During the Milwaukee fall foliage season, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 71 °F (22 °C) to 59 °F (15 °C). It's a perfect time to enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and picnicking. This comfortable average temperature also creates an environment that's exemplary for a beautiful scenery to take in the lovely autumn colors. Show more

What is the Holy Hill Basilica, and where can it be found?

Holy Hill Basilica, a Roman Catholic shrine and basilica in Hubertus, is located near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This National Historic Landmark is a beautiful site renowned for its stunning architecture, historical significance, and fantastic viewing tower. Surrounded by slopes adorn with deciduous trees, visitors can climb a 178-step observation tower, offering a postcard-like view of the fantastic Milwaukee scenery. Show more

What other major attractions besides Grand Park offer fall foliage in Milwaukee?

Aside from Grand Park, Milwaukee offers several other magnificent destinations to explore fall foliage. The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, which has a 60 ft (18 m) observation tower, and the 15 mi (25 km) Oak Leaf River Trail, which passes along Lake Michigan, showcasing magnificent views of the forests. Another great recommendation is Holy Hill Basilica in Hubertus, a significant religious site wonderfully adorned with lovely, colored trees every fall season. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin