Fall Foliage Road Trips Across Wisconsin
Nestled along the southwestern edge of Wisconsin, the Driftless Area Scenic Byway invites travelers to explore a landscape untouched by glaciers, about 70 miles west of Madison. This 65-mile loop winds through deep river valleys and towering bluffs, revealing a patchwork of fiery maples, bright oaks, and golden birches come autumn. Driving or cycling here allows visitors to pause at the breathtaking Maiden Rock Overlook, where the Mississippi River carves a dramatic gorge beneath a riot of fall colors. The region’s unique topography, with steep hills and winding roads, creates an immersive experience that feels both intimate and grand, especially in the crisp early mornings when mist clings to the valleys and the light softens the vibrant foliage.
Farther north, just a half-hour drive northeast of Eau Claire, the Chippewa River State Trail offers a more grounded yet equally stunning fall adventure. This 17-mile crushed limestone trail follows the scenic Chippewa River, weaving through hardwood forests that blaze with hues of orange and crimson in October. Ideal for walkers, joggers, and riders looking for a moderate and leisurely route, the trail passes through small river towns where local cafes serve warm apple cider and pumpkin treats. The trail’s gentle grade and uninterrupted river views make it a favorite for families and solo travelers alike, especially in late afternoon when the sun filters through the canopy, spotlighting the changing leaves in a glowing cascade.
In eastern Wisconsin, a drive along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, roughly 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee, unveils the state’s glacial heritage set against a backdrop of fall spectacle. The route traverses the Kettle Moraine State Forest, where hikers can explore the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. One standout is the Scuppernong Trail, a 6.3-mile loop that leads through old-growth hardwoods and past glacial kettles filled with frosted grasses and reeds. The interplay of sunlight on the red and gold leaves, combined with the whispering pines, offers a sensory experience that feels like stepping back in time. This area shines best in mid-October when the seasonal colors peak and the cooler air sharpens the forest’s earthy aromas.
Heading north to the Door Peninsula, about a two-hour drive northeast of Green Bay, the quaint town of Fish Creek serves as an ideal base for exploring Peninsula State Park. This 3,776-acre park boasts a spectacular mix of woodlands and shoreline along Green Bay, part of Lake Michigan. Visitors can wander the Eagle Trail, a moderate 3.5-mile loop that climbs to high bluffs overlooking the water, where the autumn colors reflect vibrantly on the lake’s surface. The park’s historic Eagle Tower offers sweeping panoramic views of the forest canopy, painted in fiery reds and yellows. Early fall, from late September through October, presents the best window for leaf-peeping here, as the peninsula’s microclimate supports an especially early and vivid color transition.
In central Wisconsin near Stevens Point, about an hour north of Wausau, the Rib Mountain State Park provides a striking high point for viewing fall foliage. The park’s namesake summit, rising over 1,900 feet, is accessible via several hiking trails or a scenic chairlift ride that reveals a bird’s-eye view of a vast sea of colorful treetops. The Summit Trail is a favorite among hikers seeking a moderate challenge paired with rewarding vistas of mixed hardwood forests and the distant Wisconsin River. The park’s unique geology, a remnant of ancient volcanic activity, lends a rugged contrast to the soft autumn palette. Fall weekends are particularly popular here, with clear, crisp days offering the most striking visibility across the rolling hills.
Southwestern Wisconsin’s Taliesin estate, located near Spring Green and about 45 minutes from Madison, presents a cultural twist on the fall foliage experience. The grounds surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece are framed by mature oak and hickory trees that burst into warm autumn color. Walking the estate’s gardens and trails, visitors can admire how Wright’s designs harmonize with the natural landscape, a perfect blend of art and environment enhanced by the season’s fiery hues. The onsite visitor center offers exhibits on Wright’s philosophy, deepening the connection between place and foliage. Early October, when the leaves reach their peak and the light hits Wright’s structures just right, is a magical time to visit.
Finally, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore near Bayfield, about a four-hour drive northwest of Minneapolis and close to the Lake Superior shore, offers a distinctive fall experience where forest meets freshwater. Though best known for summer kayaking, the islands surrounding the mainland feature rich forests that turn brilliant shades of red and gold by late September. On the mainland, the Bayfield Peninsula’s hiking trails, such as the Barker’s Island Trail, offer sweeping views of Lake Superior framed by autumn colors. The air is crisp, and the crowds thin out after the busy summer months, making it a serene spot to watch migrating birds and admire the interplay of lake light and forest color. Early to mid-October is the sweet spot here, when the vibrant foliage contrasts dramatically with the deep blue of the lake, creating postcard-perfect scenes.