The colors of autumn change constantly, AND we like to make every golden moment count. In Wisconsin, fall brings a ton of things to do and more than enough to celebrate — so we’ve put together this list of our 10 favorite fall activities. No matter where you find yourself in Wisconsin this fall, you’ll be able to experience these favorites with the people who are most critical to us.
Insider tip: check out our Autumn Colors Report to plan your adventures in the best colors.
Take the Train
Travel through a forest of fall colors on one of Wisconsin’s historic trains. Each season, railroads across the state showcase Wisconsin dressed in fall attire on scenic routes and themed rides like Mid-Continent Railway Pumpkin specialtywhere tour participants jump out to pick pumpkins mid-trip. Children will never forget such adventures.
Wondering if there’s a train near you? Check these out 5 Scenic Fall Train Rides in Wisconsin.
Pick fresh apples
Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith… whatever you like best, pick straight from the source in a Wisconsin orchard. You can come for the fresh apples, but you’ll stay for everything else the farm has to offer—wagon rides, cider tastings, corn mazes, and a whole host of apple treats are all available on-site. And we like to make picking a amiable competition: Who in your family or group of friends can pick the best apples?
Find your perfect apple pie with these 7 Wisconsin apple orchards to visit this fall.
A Cruise Through Autumn Colors
The open road covered in red, orange and gold, and a car full of the people who matter most to you—fall drives are sluggish and memorable. Hit any of Wisconsin’s many scenic drives and adventure awaits. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway runs along the western edge of the state along the cliffs of the Mississippi River, Highways 42 and 57 in Door County offer a front-row seat to fall foliage on the shores of Lake Michigan, and a network of country roads crisscross the state in between, revealing the best of fall colors off the beaten track. The variety of stops on the fall tour make it a great option for families and friends alike.
Discover more scenic fall drives in Wisconsin that are perfect for traveling with friends.
Get scared
If you hear a strange creaking in the floorboards or feel a slight draft on the back of your neck, it’s probably just the wind. But if you feel that breeze when you’re on Ghost Ship Dells or Door County Trolley Ghost Tourwe can’t say for sure. Fall is the perfect time of year to explore the murky side of Wisconsin’s history on a tour of the state’s haunted hideouts. Although these are not attractions for the youngest, these types of experiences make the greatest memories.
Legend has it that there are a few guests who have never checked out of some Haunted Hotels in Wisconsin — but you’ll have to stay in them to find out.
Cranberry Country Tour
Chances are, your cranberry juice comes from Wisconsin—as does your cranberry sauce and your cranberry medley, since Wisconsin is the nation’s largest producer of the sweet, tart fruit. Fall is cranberry season, and this year’s harvest is in full swing in the bogs throughout Central Wisconsin’s cranberry region. Gather your family or friends to explore the bogs and learn more about the fruit in Cranberry Discovery Center.
We don’t just like cranberries, we celebrate them. See what we mean by giant Warrens Cranberry Festival September 23-25. Cranfest will feature hundreds of vendors spanning three miles, with everything from arts and crafts and antiques to produce and food, all centered around a delightful little cranberry bush. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore a working cranberry bog. So load up the family van or your friend’s sedan and head to Warrens for the festival—it’s sure to sweeten the memories you’ll make together this fall.
If you are looking for some tips on how to visit and taste cranberries, don’t miss these Four Stops on the Wisconsin Cranberry Trail.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Celebrate established Oktoberfest with a stein and a good time in Wisconsin. German heritage runs deep here, and we celebrate it every year by donning a dirndl, putting on lederhosen, and shouting “Prost!” with friends and neighbors. Follow the smell of fresh sausages and come prepared for the polka—we’ll reserve you a spot in the biergarten.
There are many Oktoberfest events happening across the state – discover additional activities for you and your crew at these events.
Dine at a classic Wisconsin supper club
Supper Club Dinner: Cozy and elegant any time of year, but even more so in the fall. Sit down for an iconic old-fashioned and Friday fish fry at one of the many supper clubs across the state – try Timmer’s Center for dinner by the fireplace, Greenwood Supper Club for lofty dessert drinks and Toby for homemade cinnamon rolls — all of which taste best in good company.
If you want to have a journey as captivating as the destination, visit these places 5 Supper Clubs Along Beautiful Fall Trails.
Drink an autumn beer
Wisconsin breweries and cideries are cooking up something special for the fall season, and now’s your chance to get your hands on it before it’s gone! Beer lovers wait all year to get their hands on it New Glarus Deer antlers and Capital Brewery Oktoberfest and local delicacies such as Lakefront Brewery Pumpkin beer and Sand Creek is Hard Cranberry Lemonade (made with Wisconsin cranberry juice) complements the already extensive list of fall flavored beers. Catch up with your favorite people over a fall beer.
Can’t choose just one? Try a little bit of everything in these 6 Great Autumn Beer and Wine Festivals.
Go through several trails
Fresh air and fall colors: a combination born in Wisconsin. Keep it plain as you hike, bike, or paddle through the fall woods — Wyalusing, Willow River AND High Cliff Each state park boasts attractive, colorful views from its trails and waterways.
Keep your camera ready in these Autumn hikes with attractive views.
Floating above the autumn splendor
Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience this fall? Book a scorching air balloon ride and see a Wisconsin usually reserved for birds. WindDancer Balloons in Waukesha, Handcrafted Furniture Balloon Rides in Wausau, Adventures in Peaceful Sky near Oshkosh and Lake Geneva Balloon Company offers flights to a variety of areas. Whether it’s a family adventure or a romantic sunset flight over hills covered in fall colors, these experienced pilots know how to create unforgettable moments for you and your loved ones.
Looking for more adventure in Wisconsin? Travel to Wisconsin Wonder this season for an incredible amount of fun.
