Your Fall Getaway Guide
Both near and far, Wisconsin is full of beautiful spots for a day trip or a weekend away. Find your next vacation destination here.
Greater La Crosse Area
Autumn comes alive in La Crosse, where ancient Driftless Area bluffs and colorful fall foliage meet the Great River Road. Explore striking natural sites like the Great River Landing, the Mississippi River and Grandad Bluff, with its unbeatable view nearly 600 feet above the city. The La Crosse area also hosts the Midwest’s longest-running Oktoberfest, Sept. 26-29, as well other fun fall events like Ghoulees in the Coulees, Oct. 24-26 at Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center, with pumpkin carving, trick-ortreating, haunted hikes, craft beer and wine tasting and more. explorelacrosse.com
Greater Richland Center
The Center Colorfest Weekend returns to Richland Center from Oct. 4-6. This three-day festival draws visitors from across the region, with events including the spectacular Canyon of Lights Nighttime Parade and the Wheels of Time-Hill Country Classic Power Show, showcasing classic trucks and tractors. Plus, the area is home to other autumnal hotspots to enjoy throughout the season, like a visit to Oakwood Fruit Farm orchard, the corn maze and pumpkin patch at Chicken Ridge Farm, or a hike through Ocooch Mountains’ many scenic trails. greaterrichlandtourism.com
Sheboygan
The “Malibu of the Midwest’s” surf season is just getting started this month. Surfers from all over the world visit Sheboygan’s sandy shores through fall and winter to catch a wave on Lake Michigan. Watch the action or get out on the water yourself with one of Sheboygan’s many rental options. Sheboygan’s Kohler-Andrae State Park is a popular destination, one of the last natural preserves on the lake. On top of its natural beauty, Sheboygan boasts the title of “bratwurst capital of the world.” Consider a stop by Sly’s Midtown Salooon, famous for its brat plate. visitsheboygan.com
Wausau
Get into the autumn spirit with a hike or walk through Wausau’s many outdoor attractions, including Rib Mountain State Park, Nine Mile Forest and the Dells of Eau Claire. If you’re looking for a family trip, go pumpkin-picking at Helen’s or Rock Ridge orchards, or explore the corn mazes and pumpkin patches at Willow Springs Garden. Make a weekend of it with a stop at Harvest Fest on Oct. 5, where there will be free pumpkins, a carving competition, potato sack race and more fun. visitwausau.com
Whitewater
This autumn, take a leaf-peeping trip down the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, only an hour southwest of Milwaukee. You’ll spot bright and vibrant colors along your way. Consider stopping to hike the region’s historic Ice Age Trails as a part of the 2024 Mammoth Hike Challenge, in which hikers are invited to explore 44 miles of scenic trails to earn a challenge patch. And as we enter spooky season, you might want to book a Spirit Tour with Discover Whitewater, which will take you on a tour through the many haunted sites that earned Whitewater its nickname, “Second Salem.” discoverwhitewater.org
Door County Rock & Gem
Nestled in North Ephraim is Door County Rock & Gem, a shop that celebrates the beauty and wonder of one of nature’s most unique creations: the geode. Explore several different kinds of geodes, rocks and gems in the shop, or step outside to go “mining” by sifting through sand, sediment and dirt. From gemstones to fossils, arrowheads and shark teeth –whatever you find, you take home! doorcountyrockandgem.com
