2024's Towns In Wisconsin That Come Alive In Fall
Between the scenic shores of the Great Lakes and the dense forests of the Northwoods, Wisconsin is dotted with charming towns that burst vibrantly to life when autumn arrives each year. From September through November, the moderate temperatures and crisp air lure visitors to witness the staggering displays of natural transformation unfolding across the Badger State—as expansive canopies of green leaves gracefully fade into striking shades of burnt yellow, fiery orange, and poppy red.
During this picturesque season, several communities additionally celebrate the arrival of fall through long-held traditions, like crafty beers in Oktoberfest in Lake Geneva to children's activities in pumpkin patches and corn mazes in New Berlin. If you are planning a 2024 leaf-peeping itinerary in the state, these towns in Wisconsin come alive in autumn.
Green Lake
As the days start to get shorter in September and the leaves begin changing color, Green Lake puts on a show worth ogling at. In the heart of Green Lake, Deacon Mills Park glows with dazzling hues at the height of the transformation in the second week of October. This makes for a nice spot to watch the fall foliage without breaching the downtown limits. Visitors can head to Pineapple Hill Orchard for a good ole, family-friendly apple harvesting session as the tasty fruits start to ripen. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious apple pie and sip homemade apple cider to get into the autumn spirit.
The Golden Days Harvest Festival is another fall highlight in Green Lake, bringing the community together for a variety of fun festivities, from a car show and live music to craft vendors and a harvest parade.
Baraboo
Autumn hues in Baraboo peak in mid-October, treating leaf peepers to a magnificent display of color. There is no better place in town to watch the show than Devil's Lake State Park. The rich network of red oaks and maple trees across the expansive park pop with yellows, oranges, and reds, reflecting beautifully against the 360-acre lake. Hiking to the 500-foot bluffs culminates in sweeping vistas of the surroundings and fantastic photo opportunities.
The scenes are eerily similar in Mirror Lake State Park, whose clear waters fuel calm kayaking and canoeing excursions to take in the scenes from the lake. Baraboo also hosts several events during this period, highlighted by downtown's Fall Fair on the Square. Over 200 crafters showcase their goods as townsfolk delight in good music, great food, and refreshing beer.
Ripon
Like its neighbor Green Lake, Ripon provides an excellent escape for travelers on a mission to find the best fall spectacle in Wisconsin. This tiny Fond du Lac County village welcomes them to feast their eyes and taste palettes at the Vines & Rushes Winery. With live music events scheduled till early November and a fashion show highlighting Fall trends, “Crush the Runway,” October 2024, is a delight in the town.
The conditions are perfect for bikers to hit the Ceresco Prairie Mountain Bike Trails for laid-back jaunts as they explore the 130-acre wilderness with oak savanna, native prairie, and wetland habitat. Towards the end of September, Ripon celebrates Fall Fest to mark autumn's arrival with apple treats, music, and fun games in the downtown area.
Lake Geneva
Tourists have long converged in Lake Geneva to enjoy its shoreline scenery and relaxed atmosphere. The town has managed to retain its pull on visitors, and in autumn, they come to appreciate the band of foliage colors reflecting in the water. Big Foot Beach State Park is a pleasant outdoor escape, providing the ideal space to revel in the crisp air while watching the shoreline herbage. Meanwhile, a walk along the Lake Geneva Shore Path leads past a Victorian estate with well-tended gardens and gorgeous architectural styles.
Those who don't mind a jolt of adrenaline can book a tour with Lake Geneva Zipline & Adventures to witness a blanket of reds, oranges, and reds covering the town's woodland from above. Finally, don't miss out on Lake Geneva's Annual Oktoberfest for a refreshing taste of homegrown craft beers on October 12-13, 2024.
Two Rivers
Escape to the scenic shores of Lake Michigan for a soothing getaway in one of the best fall towns in Wisconsin. This quaint community reaches the height of its autumn tint in the third week of October, which is an excellent time to head outdoors and discover its delightful open spaces. Luckily, options abound, starting with Woodland Dunes Nature Center. Spanning over 1,500 acres of wetlands, prairies, conifer, and hardwood forests, hikers can access 7 miles of pathways to soak in the kaleidoscope of transitioning colors.
Point Beach State Forest is a worthy alternative, boasting a 3,000-acre territory and a 6-mile stretch along Lake Michigan. Among the numerous hiking trails in the area, tourists will enjoy Rawley Point Bicycle Trail, which has several overlooks for photo ops. The city will also host the Two Rivers Applefest on October 12th, 2024, which features different apple varieties, music, crafts, games, and more.
Bayfield
This gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore presents a unique way of admiring the fall foliage with a relaxed cruise to the gorgeous archipelago of Lake Superior. As the transition climaxes between mid to late October, tourists take ferry rides to the islands, where the beautiful colors shine on the surface. If you are too coy to get on the water, you can find easy, short trails inside the Big Ravine Nature Preserve to hike or bike, including the 1.3-mile Big Ravine Trail.
Nothing signals the arrival of fall better than apple picking, and in Bayfield, locals head to the Bayfield Apple Company for fun harvests. The Bayfield Apple Festival in October is a must-have experience, offering orchard tours, winery visits, and fine arts and crafts.
New Glarus
In the southwest of Madison, "America's Little Switzerland" comes alive with pomp and color as the fall foliage peaks in mid-October. New Glarus Woods State Park is the perfect spot to revel in the autumn wonderland, with easygoing hikes under the transitioning canopy. But as adventurers explore the backcountry, beer lovers embrace the season's cheer at the town's annual Oktoberfest. This highly anticipated festival breathes life into the downtown area with live music, wagon rides, chainsaw carvings, and other family-friendly activities.
Besides socializing with friendly townspeople and enjoying their savory traditional dishes, this is also a great time to sample some of the town's award-winning craft brews at the New Glarus Brewing Company.
New Berlin
Boasting over 800 acres of parks and nature areas, New Berlin is a prime destination for witnessing the autumn's picturesque beauty right under the nose of Milwaukee. October is the peak of the season's colors, and hikers venture outside along the quiet pathways of Valley View Park to trek under the transformed foliage. Families also find fun pursuits at Lindners Pumpkin Farm, where they can pose with carved pumpkins, get lost in a corn maze, and pet cute and friendly animals at the on-site zoo.
Apple picking is a popular activity during this season, accessible at Weston's Antique Apples, where guests get to pick their own apples. Finally, the community hosts the Fall Harvest Art & Craft Fair on October 19th, 2024, bringing together over 100 regional creatives to showcase their merchandise.
Whether taking in the rolling hillsides glows of red and orange around New Glarus, famous for its Octoberfest celebrations amidst the seasonal splendor, or encountering the stately red oak trees of Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, now dramatic in vibrant shades of burgundy and gold, the above towns in Wisconsin epitomize the region's rustic autumn beauty. Experiencing these gems firsthand rewards with a glimpse of the seasonal magic embellishing the state this time each year in the United States.
