Looking for the best places to see fall colors this year in Wisconsin and when to see them? Wisconsin is one of the most underrated fall color destinations in the Midwest! We’ve got small mountain peaks and stunning overlooks, lakes, rivers, and even waterfalls!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I live up in the Wisconsin Northwoods. I’ve been working as an outdoor guide and writer with a focus on the Midwest since 2018. Wisconsin is such an underrated state, and I’m stoked to show you around!

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Where to see fall color in Wisconsin

From lake overlooks to waterfalls, here are some of the best places to see fall color in and near Wisconsin:

1) Bayfield, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for the ultimate Wisconsin fall color getaway, look no further than Bayfield, a small harbor town at the northernmost tip of the state. Bayfield is tucked away on Lake Superior and has all of the cozy New England coastal energy you’re looking for in a fall getaway.

In Bayfield, you’ll want to hike the Meyers Beach Sea Caves Trail (above left), check out Applefest, or head over to Cornucopia, Wisconsin on the other side of the peninsula for more beach town charm. Beyond it’s coastal fall charm, Bayfield is also a great place for fall mountain biking at Mt. Ashwabay and more nearby hiking down in places like Copper Falls State Park or on the North Country Trail.

READ: Best Things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin

2) Devil’s Lake State Park

If you’re looking for one of the most iconic places in Wisconsin to experience fall colors, check out Devil’s Lake State Park. Here, you can find nearly 30 miles of hiking trails and epic views from above the lake.

While extremely scenic, keep in mind that Devil’s Lake can be very crowded, with weekend visitors from Chicago as well as Madison making their way to the park. I recommend planning to hit the trails early in the morning or in the evening near sunset, then perhaps spending the afternoon hours at an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.

Beyond Devil’s Lake, you can find nearby hikes at Ferry Bluff State Natural Area, Gibraltar Rock County Park, and Natural Bridge State Park.

3) Wyalusing State Park

Personally, I think Wyalusing State Park is the best state park in Wisconsin. For incredible fall color, snag a campsite up on Wisconsin Ridge overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.

In Wyalusing State Park, you can hike the Sand Cave Trail, the Sugar Maple Trail and Point Lookout. Across the border in Iowa, you can also check out Pike’s Peak State Park. This part of the Driftless Region has really unique Karst Geology, rolling hills, and river valleys that lead to especially dramatic fall colors.

READ: Best Fall Color in Wisconsin

4) Governor Dodge State Park

For small hidden waterfalls, hidden lake overlooks, and beaches at the edge of the forest, head to Governor Dodge State Park in the Driftless Region. Here, you can find some of the best fall color in southern Wisconsin.

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5) Perrot State Park

If you’re looking for some of the best fall color in Wisconsin with Appalachian Trail vibes, head over to Perrot State Park on the Mississippi and Brady’s Bluff to the long-trail style shelter at the top. You can also hike Perrot Ridge for gorgeous views of fall color and the Mississippi below.

6) Driftless Region Road Trip

For the ultimate Wisconsin fall color experience, hop in a car and head out on a road trip! Wisconsin’s Driftless Region is probably one of the best fall color road trip options in the midwest, with classic river bluffs, waterfalls, caves, and hollows. Snag a local rental campervan and track down some views!

I recommend base camping in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin and checking out the caves and overlooks nearby including the state park observation towers. From here, be sure to check out Devil’s Lake State Park and Governor Dodge to make a longer trip of your adventure. Another spot to add to your Wisconsin fall color road trip is Wildcat Mountain State Park!

READ: Best hiking in the Driftless Region

7) The Great River Road

For a simple but scenic Wisconsin fall color adventure, check out the Great River Road. Begin your adventure in the north up at Interstate State Park on the St. Croix River. Here, you can hike the scenic Ice Age Trail terminus and check out the dynamic river from the cliffs above.

Head south from Interstate State Park and check out the beautiful waterfalls at Willow River State Park, then continue south to Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area, then spend some time exploring Perrot State Park. If you still have gas in the tank I recommend continuing south to Wyalusing State Park.

READ: Best hikes on Wisconsin’s Great River Road

8) Copper Falls State Park

Copper Falls State Park is one of the most classic Wisconsin fall color destination for it’s scenic trails and bridges, lookouts, and of course waterfalls. Copper Falls has great camping and a variety of relatively easy hikes, making it a pretty great fall color destination for people looking to experience nature with out necessarily hiking super far.

Copper Falls itself is great but I also recommend checking out some hiking in the nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest including Juniper Rock Overlook, Morgan Falls and St. Peter’s Dome and Corrigan’s Lookout.

READ: Best Fall Color Getaways in the Great Lakes

9) Pattison State Park

One of the best hidden gem Wisconsin destinations for fall color is Pattison State Park in Northwestern Wisconsin near Duluth, Minnesota. Here, you can find two large waterfalls, both of which can be seen from multiple viewing platforms and short walks. If you’re up for a slightly more intrepid adventure (though still beginner backpacking!) check out a short hike into the backpack sites in Pattison.

Check out a map here to start planning your adventure!

10) Cornucopia, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for a cozy fall seaside-like destination without crowds, skip Bayfield and head up to Cornucopia, Wisconsin. Cornucopia is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it style town with all the charm of a New England or Nordic style fishing village with quaint shops on the marina.

Be sure to check out the Corny Fish Shed, Hestekin Pottery and hike the sea caves trail. Other great area hikes include Lost Creek Falls (above, right) and Twin Falls Park.

11) Wisconsin Northwoods Waterfall Road Trip

For the ultimate Wisconsin fall adventure chart out your own waterfall road trip through the Northwoods. Northern Wisconsin has so many hidden waterfalls to choose from, from the classics of Copper Falls State Park to hidden waterfalls throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

My personal favorites are Morgan Falls, Amnicon Falls State Park and Houghton Falls.

READ: Wisconsin Waterfall Road Trip

12) Door County and Peninsula State Park

Door County is probably the most classic Wisconsin fall color getaway destination for it’s adorable coastal towns, cliffs and hiking, winding roads and scenery. Check out Peninsula State Park for scenic hiking over Lake Michigan, Cave Point County Park, Ellison Bluff State Natural Area and consider heading out to Rock Island State Park.

READ: A Weekend Guide to Door County

Looking to leave Wisconsin but not travel far? Check out these fall color destinations:

13) The Minnesota North Shore

Looking for some of the best fall color in the United States but don’t want to head out to New England, consider the North Shore of Minnesota. Here, you can find inland lake overlooks, fall color on Lake Superior, scenic drives, cozy cabin rentals and so much more.

Personally I think the North Shore of Minnesota has some of the best fall color just about anywhere and it’s my favorite spot to visit. On the shore you can find pops of red in Lutsen where there are a variety of maple trees, but beyond that you tend to get the more yellow birch trees. Like most places, fall color on the shore doesn’t all peak at the same time, with the lake keeping the trees closest to the shore warmer a little longer and the maple ridges in Lutsen and Tofte changing near the end of September.

In generally, anywhere from the last weekend of September to the second weekend of October is a good time to find peak or near peak fall color on the North Shore.

READ: Best things to do on the North Shore, Minnesota

14) The Porcupine Mountains

When I visited the Porcupine Mountains for peak fall color in October 2024, I was absolutely blown away by how vibrant the area is. Driving over the ridge from Ironwood toward Lake Superior my jaw hit the floor when I saw the rolling hills of skittle-bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Honestly there are a lot of things I love about fall– I love the way the earth smells and the crisp air and how comfortable it is to hike and the crunch of first frost but I never got the whole “fall color” think until I came here.

Truly I think the Porcupine Mountains, specifically Lake of the Clouds and the Escarpment Trail, might be one of the best fall color hikes in the United States. Typically, you can expect colors to peak near mid-late October. This spot is 100% worth the drive and adding to your bucket list.

READ: Best things to do in the Porcupine Mountains

15) The Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Overall, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is closer to Wisconsin than it is most major cities in Michigan, so might as well take advantage! The Upper Peninsula is huge and a lot of people get the idea that it’s just wilderness and there’s not much to do up in the Yoop. Sure, the Upper Peninsula is more remote than a lot of other destinations but it is definietly worth a visit.

For fall color timing in the Upper Peninsula, consider that the Keweenaw Peninsula changes in early October, sometimes as early as the last week of September, and the rest of the Peninsula is likely to be slightly behind with the inland sections insulated from the fall warming effects of the Great Lakes (land cools faster than water) leaving coastal areas with color later than the comparatively cooler inland fall color destinations. This tends to hold true for fall color timing throughout the Great Lakes Region.

READ: Best things to do in the Upper Peninsula

What to pack for fall hiking in Wisconsin:

In the fall in Wisconsin days can be hot while evenings can be quite cold, even with frost especially the farther north you travel. Consider packing…

• Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
• Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature 
• Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt  and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
• If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie
• A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
• Leggings with pockets!!! 
• A solid day hiking pack
• On rugged trails, trekking poles
• Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
• A solid raincoat
• Binoculars for watching wildlife
• If camping, a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
• A Wisconsin State Park Pass! Can often be purchased in person at State Parks.

READ: What to Wear Hiking for Beginners

Cabin stay ideas for Wisconsin Fall Colors:

Personally I actually haven’t stayed in a lot of cabins in Wisconsin! I live in Northern Wisconsin so most of the time I stay at home when I’m out exploring, or I pitch a tent at a local state park. I do love a good cabin though, and here are some on my wishlist:

• South Shore A-Frame, Cornucopia
• Hayward Haus, Hayward
• Wilder Retreat St. Croix
• Dreamwood Wilderness Refuge, Porcupine Mountains
• Door County Cabins

Explore more fall color ideas in the Midwest…

• Looking to plan a fall color road trip? Check out everything you need to know in this road trip planning guide.
• Zip across the stateline and check out the best fall color in Michigan
• The Great Lakes are home to some of the best fall color the states have to offer. Check out the best fall color getaways in the Great Lakes!

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