Wisconsin Fall Colors 2024

Wisconsin offers an abundance of state forests and parks ideal for fall color spotting. Many of these forests are situated around watersheds, allowing leaf peepers to enjoy natural sights like rivers, streams, and lakes in a pristine environment. Visitors can admire the fall colors from elevated viewpoints such as Holy Hill and Timm's Hill or take a scenic drive along the coast of Lake Michigan.

Best Time to See Fall Colors in Wisconsin

Fall colors peak in different counties across the state at a different time. Usually, Mother Nature's fall display begins in mid-September in northern Wisconsin and then gradually works its way south. October is the prime time for vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow in Wisconsin. Perfect timing allows you to have more meaningful fall trips, capture stunning photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of Wisconsin.

Door County Peninsula and Washington Island

Door County is proud to be one of the best fall foliage destinations in the Midwest and the whole of the US. You can start in Sturgeon Bay, the southernmost city in Door County. Drive Highway 42 northward along Green Bay until you reach Sister Bay and then Highway 57 southward down the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula.

Several state parks might lure you off the highway: Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, Newport State Park in Ellison Bay, Whitefish Dunes State Park, and Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay. While driving on a highway, enjoy the views of picturesque lighthouses and white-frame buildings alongside bursts of crimson, russet, and gold that form canopies over lanes. You'll find lots of things to do in the county's charming towns and apple orchards to pick a peck. Upon reaching the northern tip of the Door County peninsula, take a 20-minute ferry to scenic Washington Island, where you can climb up Mountain Park Lookout Tower at Mountain Wayside Park.

The Fall 50

For those who prefer running over driving, The Fall 50 is the perfect opportunity to enjoy fall colors in Door County. This 50-mile race takes place in October, and in 2024, it will be held on Saturday, October 26. This day-long adventure, set against the colorful backdrop of the county, takes participants on scenic back roads adorned with stunning fall foliage. The course starts in Gills Rock, at the northern tip of Door County, travels south along the western shoreline, passes through cozy villages and beautiful parks, and finishes in Sturgeon Bay. The participation fee for solo runners is $190 plus tax from October 1 to Race Day. A festive afterparty in Sturgeon Bay's Sunset Park, featuring DJ music, an award ceremony, food, and drinks, is free for participants and costs $10–$20 for family and friends.

Best Time to See Fall Colors in Door County

Fall colors start to envelop Door County in late September and peak around the second week of October, lingering into the third week of October in some years.

Insider Tip

A beloved dinner tradition in Wisconsin—the fish boil—is still available in October across Door County. Check out Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim, where culinary experience is paired with the boiling "performance."

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive runs for some 115 mi (185 km) from Whitewater Lake in the south to Elkhart Lake in the north using different local roads and county highways. This scenic drive traverses six Wisconsin counties and connects the Southern and Northern units of Kettle Moraine State Forest. Kettle Moraine provides a glimpse of Wisconsin's geological landscape of the terminal moraine—the area where the last great glacier stopped about 12,000 years ago.

The drive is easy to navigate as all the major turns are marked with white and green acorn signs. Otherwise, you can follow the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive driving directions by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, with both south-north and north-south options.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive offers spectacular panoramas, historic sites, and recreation areas. Along the route, you can find numerous places to hike, camp, picnic, fish, bike, shop, and find lodging. There are lots of leaf-peeping opportunities, and Holy Hill is one of our favorites on the route.

Holy Hill (Washington County)

Holy Hill Basilica is a year-round scenic place in the Town of Erin, some 34 mi (55 km) north of Milwaukee. Situated on 435 acres of picturesque scenery at the highest elevation in Southeastern Wisconsin, it is a haven for those seeking to celebrate their faith in a serene setting. Guests can attend daily Catholic Masses and enjoy the scenic views. A café and a large gift store are open year-round. The Basilica and National Shrine of Mary at Holy Hill welcomes visitors for prayer from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the grounds closing at 7:00 pm. The Scenic Tower is open from May to October, weather permitting, with the following schedule: Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm and Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, extending to 5:30 pm in October. The tower is closed from November to April.

Best Time to See Fall Colors Along Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

Fall colors in southern Wisconsin usually peak in the third week of October. Colorful foliage is prevalent in this part of the state, generally from early to late October.

Insider Tip

Even though you can make the drive in one day, slow down and extend your visit. For the best fall color viewing experience, you can stay at one of the B&Bs near Kettle Moraine State Forest units.

Great River Road

The Great River Road ranks as one of the most scenic road trip routes in the US, particularly during the fall months. The Great River Road is a combination of state and local roads that run across ten states. The drive follows the way of the Mississippi River from Wisconsin and Minnesota in the north to Louisiana in the south.

On the western side of Wisconsin, the Upper Mississippi River Valley resembles a broad ribbon of water shouldered by sandstone bluffs with amber and rust trees along the course. This part of the Great River Road along the Mississippi River from Prescott in the north to Potosi in the south is known as Highway 35. The scenic drive of some 250 mi (400 km) takes visitors to a few dozen charming river towns and stunning bluff-top views. Along the way, you can stop by three Wisconsin state parks and several Wisconsin Historical Society sites. Other activities on the route are walleye and bass fishing and excellent birdwatching on the so-called "Mississippi Flyway." Scenic overlooks along the Wisconsin section of the Mississippi River are some of the best sites in North America for spotting bald eagles.

Best Time to See Fall Colors Along Great River Road

Fall colors along Great River Road usually peak early through mid-October.

Insider Tip

Along the Great River Road route, stop by one of the observation platforms to watch river barges "locking through." Check out Lock and Dam No. 4 in Alma, No. 6 between Trempealeau, WI and Winona, MN, and No. 8 at Genoa.

Timm's Hill

Timm's Hill County Park near Ogema boasts the highest natural point in Wisconsin, standing at 1,951 ft (595 m) above sea level. An observation tower at the hill's summit extends an additional 60 ft (18 m) into the sky, offering spectacular views of Price County's forest with its vibrant fall colors and several nearby lakes. The tower is a short uphill hike from the parking lot. Beyond leaf peeping, the park offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. For hiking enthusiasts, the park features several trails, including Timm's Hill National Ice Age Trail and a path leading directly to the observation tower.

The gate for vehicles at Timm's Hill County Park is open from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm from May to October. Walk-in access is allowed only from November through April.

Best Time to See Fall Colors at Timm's Hill County Park

Timm's Hill County Park usually sees the peak fall colors in late September.

Insider Tip

Make a stop at Bass Lake dock to capture the beauty of forest reflections in the lake waters.

Northwoods

Located in north-central Wisconsin, bordering Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the picturesque Northwoods boasts over 3,200 lakes, streams, and rivers, as well as more than half a million acres of public forest for exploration.

Outdoor enthusiasts will discover plenty of space to explore across expansive public lands, such as the Chequamegon National Forest, Nicolet National Forest, Ottawa National Forest, Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, and various county forests.

Corrigan's Lookout

One of Wisconsin's Northwoods attractions is Corrigan's Lookout, located near the small town of Upson in the far northern part of the state. As the terrain drops toward Lake Superior, it becomes steeper, revealing stunning bluffs perfect for fall color viewing. Corrigan's Lookout offers one of the best views in all of Wisconsin. The hike to the Lookout is relatively short, covering just 0.5 miles round trip, and is easily accessible from Highway 122. The parking area is at the top of a steep hill on the highway, so use caution when entering and exiting.

Best Time to See Fall Colors at Wisconsin's Northwoods

Peak color in northern Wisconsin typically occurs from mid-September to early October, but this can vary by a week or two depending on temperature, rainfall, and sunlight.

Insider Tip

To plan your visit, refer to the official Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report, which provides current details on the percentage of peak fall color across the state's counties.

The map below shows all the mentioned locations, making it easy to find your desired fall color viewing spot.