10 of the Most Beautiful Fall Destinations in Wisconsin

From the incredible weather to the seasonal festivities, there’s a lot to love about Wisconsin in the fall. The best part of all, however, is the vibrant foliage that accompanies the arrival of autumn.

Seriously, folks, Wisconsin is easily one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. during autumn. If you still need some convincing, read on, and I will tell you about some of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in the fall. Some of them are almost too beautiful to believe.

1. The Door Peninsula

Scenic drives are a favorite year-round activity on the stunning Door Peninsula. However, there’s no time like fall to leisurely cruise along the shorelines and forests that have made Door County famous. Though you’ll find wonderful windshield views throughout the peninsula, there are a few routes that are particularly amazing in autumn, including Sister Bay to Northport and Egg Harbor to Ephraim, both via Highway 42, as well as Sister Bay to Bailey’s Harbor to Kangaroo Lake, via Highway 57 and County Roads Q and E.

2. Holy Hill - Hubertus

When seeking out seasonal shades, Holy Hill, home to the National Shrine of St. Mary is a must-visit. Once fall arrives, the basilica, along with the 1,300-foot hill upon which it is perched, is transformed into a vibrant vista that’s nothing short of breathtaking. For a real treat, climb to the top of the basilica’s scenic tower and take in the colorful panorama from above. Be sure to check the basilica's website for the most up-to-date hours and information before you visit.

3. Lapham Peak - Delafield

Lapham Peak is a great place for leaf-peeping in southern Wisconsin. Its 45-foot observation tower is the highest point in Waukesha County and provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding foliage.

4. Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Hartford

Pike Lake, a spring-fed kettle lake, may be the namesake of the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, but it’s far from its only notable feature. The property is also home to Powder Hill, a large glacial kame (an irregularly shaped hill or mound), which offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape and the colorful foliage that fills it in the fall.

5. Rib Mountain State Park - Wausau

Rib Mountain State Park is brimming with seasonal beauty—and one of the best ways to experience the vibrant colors of autumn is a scenic chairlift ride. Granite Peak Ski Resort offers the rides, and since the chairlift moves at a leisurely pace, it’s suitable for everyone from senior citizens to children.

6. Havenwoods State Forest - Milwaukee

The state’s only urban forest, this Milwaukee gem offers a year-round reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. In the fall, it’s transformed into a leaf peeper's paradise, and you can easily take in the sensational seasonal spectacle thanks to the more than 6 miles of trails that wind through the park. Havenwoods State Forest is a must-visit destination in Wisconsin during the fall.

7. Grant Park - Milwaukee

Another Milwaukee must-see, Grant Park boasts sandy beaches, miles of wooded trails, and unbe-leaf-able autumn views. Winding through a ravine and over stone paths and various footbridges, Seven Bridges Trail is the park’s most popular hike. It’s also a great way to take in the bold and beautiful leaves that adorn Grant Park during the autumn months.

8. University of Wisconsin Arboretum - Madison

No stranger to beautiful blooms and greenery, the University of Wisconsin Arboretum is a plant lover’s paradise—and it only gets better in the fall. Miles of trails wind through the 1,200-acre arboretum, making it easy to be enchanted by the spectacular sights of the season.

9. Lodde's Mill Bluff - Sauk City

Designated a state natural area in 1967, Lodde's Mill Bluff is chock full of natural beauty, including the 300-foot bluff for which the natural area is named. Myriad rare and uncommon plants are another notable feature, which means lovely foliage can be found year-round, but most especially in the fall.

10. Geneva Lake Shore Path - Lake Geneva

Undeniably enchanting, this 26-mile trail (don’t worry, you don’t have to hike the whole thing) boasts expansive estates, colorful gardens, bridges, stepping stones—and close-up views of seasonal hues, of course. This is one of our all-time favorite lakes in Wisconsin all year, but the foliage that surrounds it especially inspires even greater awe during autumn.

Looking for more incredible fall views? Check out this amazing autumn getaway in Wisconsin. Or how about our list of the best hikes in Wisconsin?

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.