Though the warm weather recently might have fooled us, it is fall in Wisconsin. And that means prime time for autumn leaf peeping throughout the state. If you’re not sure where to go, or when, there are some online tools to help you get the maximum autumnal goodness out of your trip.
🍁 Timing Is Everything
The turning of the leaves in Wisconsin is a fast-moving, red-and-gold target, with the window of opportunity lasting only a few weeks or so. That’s why Travel Wisconsin’s amazing Fall Color Report is such a boon, constantly updating its county-by-county map to show you where the best colors are throughout the state.
Right now, for example, the interactive map shows that Madison is at 20%color, and will hit peak color the first week of November. Head north to Door County, where 50% of the leaves have turned, and should hit peak color this week. The map also shows great places to eat and stay on your leaf–peeping travels, and festivals and other events to visit along the way.
🚘 Driving Ambition
Travel Wisconsin has also assembled a list of 11 fall drives to enjoy the fall colors throughout the state, from cruises up north to drives closer to home, like a tour across the Wisconsin River and into the Baraboo Hills, or a trip along Highway 23 from Dodgeville to Spring Green. Just make sure to use that fall color report to time your trip for maximum fall beauty.
There’s also a list of 23 “Rustic Roads” winding along natural areas throughout the state perfect for day trippers.
🍂 Beauty in Your Backyard
Of course, you don’t even have to get in your car to enjoy fall colors. Grab your bike for a pedal through the UW Arboretum or up to Governor Nelson State Park on the north shore of Lake Mendota. Or take a walk through Picnic Point on Lake Mendota’s south side, along the Yahara River Parkway, or through San Damiano Park on Lake Monona’s east side.
