Wisconsin has such gorgeous topography and countryside that getting in the car and going for a drive is a delightful prospect any time of the year. But in fall, when the whole state comes alive in a riot of fall colors, it’s especially appealing to hop in the car without a serious destination and go explore. Here are 10 spots where you can find gorgeous vistas and an array of colorful fall foliage in Wisconsin.
These are more suggestions than directions – start on these state highways and then don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path and explore whatever looks interesting. Just make sure you remember your GPS!
- Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Flickr/RoyalBroil I actually already told you about how this is the best drive for fall foliage viewing. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile long path through 50,000 acres of the southern and northern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It’s a gorgeous ramble through really interesting countryside and you shouldn’t miss it. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, Kettle Moraine Scenic Dr, West Bend, WI, USA
- Hwy 29 in Wausau
Big Joe/iStock / Getty Images Plus You really can’t go wrong meandering through the gorgeous countryside up here. Start north of the city heading east on Hwy 8 before heading south on Hwy 51. Then take 29 west of the city and veer off on any of the country roads along here. In town, drive up and around Rib Mountain for sweeping views. It’s estimated this mountain is more than a billion years old, so take time to appreciate all the geology around you as well. Route 29 Trunk, WI-29 Trunk, Wausau, WI, USA
- Hwy 36 from Wind Lake to Lake Geneva
Flickr/OscarShen This state highway will take through more glacial areas and through tiny towns chock full of charm. When you get to Lake Geneva, spend some time on the paved path surrounding the lake. Wisconsin 36, WI-36, Wind Lake, WI, USA
- Hwy 42 and Hwy 57 in Door County
Flickr/ElvisKennedy No matter which way you go, you’ll get the full Door County experience covering the bay side and the lake side. The bay gets protected from harsh weather and the various hardwood trees here explode in color in fall, making this one of the most scenic spots anywhere. Wisconsin 42 & Wisconsin 57, WI-42 & WI-57, Nasewaupee, WI 54235, USA
- Hwy 8 and Hwy 141 in Marinette County
Flickr/Dave This is a drive that takes you to numerous waterfalls, but also through some of the prettiest fall color you can imagine. There are “waterfall tour” signs, but if you wander along these two roads, you’ll find most of the stops and plenty of trees to keep you happy. Hwy 8 and Hwy 141 in Marinette County
- Hwy 113 in Dodgeville
Flickr/katiewheeler You’ll find yourself in or near several state parks and natural areas on this drive, so definitely plan to deviate some. But Hwy 113 takes you through rolling hills, near Devil’s Lake and through some tall bluffs, all dotted with color. Wisconsin 113, WI-113, Waunakee, WI, USADevils Lake, Wisconsin 53913, USA
- Great River Road - North Section
Flickr/AaronCarlsen The Great River Road that follows the path of the Mississippi along the state’s western edge is one of the best drives no matter the season, but is especially gorgeous in fall. Start up at Maiden Rock and meander through the charming small towns of Pepin, Alma, Fountain City and Trempealeau. You’ll find small cities on big bluffs and spectacular views. Great River Road, Great River Rd, Stoddard, WI, USA
- Great River Road - South Section
Flickr/Jib Start in LaCrosse and drive up to the top of Grandad’s Bluff for sweeping views than head south to Prairie du Chien for great eagle watching and end up in the unique Potosi valley for a beer. Prairie Du Chien Area, WI, USA
- Hwy 77 through Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Flickr/Dave This is one of those drives where you shouldn’t hesitate to take an unplanned turn and go exploring. You can’t go wrong exploring the gorgeous Northwoods. Lakes and streams, state parks and public land protect areas that were once forested and now contain a wide variety of trees whose color will delight you in fall. Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Clam Lake, WI 54517, USA
- Hwy 13 along Lake Superior
Flickr/AnnFisher Hwy 13 follows the Bayfield peninsula out into the lake and will also take you to Brule River State Forest, where there are acres upon acres of stunning trees. State Highway 13, State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA
Is your favorite leaf peeping drive on this list? Where do you love to explore fall colors in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments!
Flickr/RoyalBroil
I actually already told you about how this is the best drive for fall foliage viewing. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile long path through 50,000 acres of the southern and northern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It’s a gorgeous ramble through really interesting countryside and you shouldn’t miss it.
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, Kettle Moraine Scenic Dr, West Bend, WI, USA
Big Joe/iStock / Getty Images Plus
You really can’t go wrong meandering through the gorgeous countryside up here. Start north of the city heading east on Hwy 8 before heading south on Hwy 51. Then take 29 west of the city and veer off on any of the country roads along here. In town, drive up and around Rib Mountain for sweeping views. It’s estimated this mountain is more than a billion years old, so take time to appreciate all the geology around you as well.
Route 29 Trunk, WI-29 Trunk, Wausau, WI, USA
Flickr/OscarShen
This state highway will take through more glacial areas and through tiny towns chock full of charm. When you get to Lake Geneva, spend some time on the paved path surrounding the lake.
Wisconsin 36, WI-36, Wind Lake, WI, USA
Flickr/ElvisKennedy
No matter which way you go, you’ll get the full Door County experience covering the bay side and the lake side. The bay gets protected from harsh weather and the various hardwood trees here explode in color in fall, making this one of the most scenic spots anywhere.
Wisconsin 42 & Wisconsin 57, WI-42 & WI-57, Nasewaupee, WI 54235, USA
Flickr/Dave
This is a drive that takes you to numerous waterfalls, but also through some of the prettiest fall color you can imagine. There are “waterfall tour” signs, but if you wander along these two roads, you’ll find most of the stops and plenty of trees to keep you happy.
Hwy 8 and Hwy 141 in Marinette County
Flickr/katiewheeler
You’ll find yourself in or near several state parks and natural areas on this drive, so definitely plan to deviate some. But Hwy 113 takes you through rolling hills, near Devil’s Lake and through some tall bluffs, all dotted with color.
Wisconsin 113, WI-113, Waunakee, WI, USADevils Lake, Wisconsin 53913, USA
Flickr/AaronCarlsen
The Great River Road that follows the path of the Mississippi along the state’s western edge is one of the best drives no matter the season, but is especially gorgeous in fall. Start up at Maiden Rock and meander through the charming small towns of Pepin, Alma, Fountain City and Trempealeau. You’ll find small cities on big bluffs and spectacular views.
Great River Road, Great River Rd, Stoddard, WI, USA
Flickr/Jib
Start in LaCrosse and drive up to the top of Grandad’s Bluff for sweeping views than head south to Prairie du Chien for great eagle watching and end up in the unique Potosi valley for a beer.
Prairie Du Chien Area, WI, USA
This is one of those drives where you shouldn’t hesitate to take an unplanned turn and go exploring. You can’t go wrong exploring the gorgeous Northwoods. Lakes and streams, state parks and public land protect areas that were once forested and now contain a wide variety of trees whose color will delight you in fall.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Clam Lake, WI 54517, USA
Flickr/AnnFisher
Hwy 13 follows the Bayfield peninsula out into the lake and will also take you to Brule River State Forest, where there are acres upon acres of stunning trees.
State Highway 13, State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA
Would you rather explore fall foliage on foot? Check out this awesome hike that gets you right among the leaves!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Fall Foliage In Wisconsin August 15, 2022 Bill Hall When can I see peak fall foliage in Wisconsin? Fall colors tend to appear between the first and third weeks of October depending on where you are in Wisconsin. For instance, Spooner is expected to have its best fall colors starting in the first week of October while Green County should see the change last week of October, just in time for Halloween. The good news is you can take short road trips and see the display all the way from the end of September to the beginning of November. Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Wisconsin Like Never Before is a nice plan you can start with. Enjoy the show! What are some great scenic drives in Wisconsin? The countryside of Wisconsin is filled with scenic roads with beautiful views. Lots of folks enjoy hopping in the car, playing some tunes, and taking it all in. It’s a wonderful pastime. The 12 Best Backroads In Wisconsin For A Long Scenic Drive offers an array of laidback choices. Rustic Road 105 Is A Back Road You Didn’t Know Existed But Is Perfect For A Scenic Drive In Wisconsin is a nice article that describes a sweet drive in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. What are the best fall festivals in Wisconsin? Fall is a great season in Wisconsin. It’s a nice time of the year to be out and about with others. Whether you are interested in picking pumpkins, collecting cranberries, or pulling drafts of beer… there is something fun to do. 10 Unique Fall Festivals In Wisconsin You Won’t Find Anywhere Else will point you in the right direction. The Hunting Moon Pow Wow takes place for three days in October. This celebration is the opportunity for Native Americans to connect with each other, their history, as well as with non-native Americans in a festive atmosphere. This is a celebration filled with history, music, dance, food, and the sharing of cultures. This is highly recommended.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fall Foliage In Wisconsin
August 15, 2022
Bill Hall
When can I see peak fall foliage in Wisconsin? Fall colors tend to appear between the first and third weeks of October depending on where you are in Wisconsin. For instance, Spooner is expected to have its best fall colors starting in the first week of October while Green County should see the change last week of October, just in time for Halloween. The good news is you can take short road trips and see the display all the way from the end of September to the beginning of November. Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Wisconsin Like Never Before is a nice plan you can start with. Enjoy the show! What are some great scenic drives in Wisconsin? The countryside of Wisconsin is filled with scenic roads with beautiful views. Lots of folks enjoy hopping in the car, playing some tunes, and taking it all in. It’s a wonderful pastime. The 12 Best Backroads In Wisconsin For A Long Scenic Drive offers an array of laidback choices. Rustic Road 105 Is A Back Road You Didn’t Know Existed But Is Perfect For A Scenic Drive In Wisconsin is a nice article that describes a sweet drive in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. What are the best fall festivals in Wisconsin? Fall is a great season in Wisconsin. It’s a nice time of the year to be out and about with others. Whether you are interested in picking pumpkins, collecting cranberries, or pulling drafts of beer… there is something fun to do. 10 Unique Fall Festivals In Wisconsin You Won’t Find Anywhere Else will point you in the right direction. The Hunting Moon Pow Wow takes place for three days in October. This celebration is the opportunity for Native Americans to connect with each other, their history, as well as with non-native Americans in a festive atmosphere. This is a celebration filled with history, music, dance, food, and the sharing of cultures. This is highly recommended.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fall colors tend to appear between the first and third weeks of October depending on where you are in Wisconsin. For instance, Spooner is expected to have its best fall colors starting in the first week of October while Green County should see the change last week of October, just in time for Halloween. The good news is you can take short road trips and see the display all the way from the end of September to the beginning of November.
Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Wisconsin Like Never Before is a nice plan you can start with. Enjoy the show!
What are some great scenic drives in Wisconsin?
The countryside of Wisconsin is filled with scenic roads with beautiful views. Lots of folks enjoy hopping in the car, playing some tunes, and taking it all in. It’s a wonderful pastime. The 12 Best Backroads In Wisconsin For A Long Scenic Drive offers an array of laidback choices.
Rustic Road 105 Is A Back Road You Didn’t Know Existed But Is Perfect For A Scenic Drive In Wisconsin is a nice article that describes a sweet drive in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
What are the best fall festivals in Wisconsin?
Fall is a great season in Wisconsin. It’s a nice time of the year to be out and about with others. Whether you are interested in picking pumpkins, collecting cranberries, or pulling drafts of beer… there is something fun to do. 10 Unique Fall Festivals In Wisconsin You Won’t Find Anywhere Else will point you in the right direction.
The Hunting Moon Pow Wow takes place for three days in October. This celebration is the opportunity for Native Americans to connect with each other, their history, as well as with non-native Americans in a festive atmosphere. This is a celebration filled with history, music, dance, food, and the sharing of cultures. This is highly recommended.
