Fall in Wisconsin showcases our state's gorgeous topography and countryside in such a way that that it almost compels you to get in the car and going for a drive. In fall, when the whole state comes alive in a riot of fall colors, it's especially appealing to hop in the car without a serious destination and go explore - just go where the fall foliage in Wisconsin takes you. Here are 10 fall foliage drives in Wisconsin that highlight gorgeous vistas and an array of colorful leaves.
These are more suggestions than directions - start on these state highways, and then don't be afraid to veer off the beaten path and explore whatever looks interesting. Just make sure you remember your GPS!
I actually already told you about how this is one of the best fall drives in Wisconsin. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile-long path through 50,000 acres of the southern and northern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It's a gorgeous ramble through the interesting countryside and you shouldn't miss it.
You really can't go wrong meandering through the gorgeous countryside up here. Start north of the city heading east on Hwy 8 before heading south on Hwy 51. Then take 29 west of the city and veer off on any of the country roads along here. In town, drive up and around Rib Mountain for sweeping views. It's estimated this mountain is more than a billion years old, so take time to appreciate all the geology around you as well.
This state highway will take through more glacial areas and through tiny towns chock full of charm. When you get to Lake Geneva, spend some time on the paved path surrounding the lake. This is one of the best Wisconsin fall foliage scenic drives.
No matter which way you go, you'll get the full Door County experience covering the bay side and the lakeside. The bay gets protected from harsh weather and the various hardwood trees here explode in color in fall, making this one of the most scenic spots anywhere.
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Take a look at this video of things to see in the fall in Door County by @DestinationDoorCounty:
This is a drive that takes you to numerous waterfalls but also through some of the prettiest fall colors you can imagine. There are "waterfall tour" signs, but if you wander along these two roads, you'll find most of the stops and plenty of trees to keep you happy. You'll think this is one of the most incredible drives to see Wisconsin's fall colors.
You'll find yourself in or near several state parks and natural areas on this drive, so definitely plan to deviate some. But Hwy 113 takes you through rolling hills, near Devil's Lake and through some tall bluffs, all dotted with color.
The Great River Road that follows the path of the Mississippi along the state's western edge is one of the best drives no matter the season but is especially gorgeous in fall. Start up at Maiden Rock and meander through the charming small towns of Pepin, Alma, Fountain City, and Trempealeau. You'll find small cities with big bluffs and spectacular views.
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Take a look at this video of the Great River Road by @Wigrr:
Start in LaCrosse and drive up to the top of Grandad's Bluff for sweeping views then head south to Prairie du Chien for great eagle watching and end up in the unique Potosi Valley for a beer.
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9. Hwy 77 through Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
This is one of those drives where you shouldn't hesitate to take an unplanned turn and go exploring. You can't go wrong exploring the gorgeous Northwoods. Lakes and streams, state parks and public land protect areas that were once forested and now contain a wide variety of trees whose color will delight you in fall.
Hwy 13 follows the Bayfield peninsula out into the lake and will also take you to Brule River State Forest, where there are acres upon acres of stunning trees. This is one of the best fall drives in Wisconsin.
Have you taken any of these fall foliage drives in Wisconsin? Where do you love to explore fall colors in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share your own scenic fall drives in Wisconsin.
Would you rather explore fall foliage on foot? Take this awesome hike that gets you up close and personal the leaves - don't forget to download AllTrails Plus and check out our ultimate hiking accessories list before you hit the trails.
The Badger State has a ton of character, thanks largely to its wonderful citizens. And the ingenuity of the wonderful folks who live here is one of the reason that we have so many interesting, quirky, and even kitschy sights and landmarks to offer travelers. To honor these fascinating manmade wonders, we've put together an itinerary that will take you to half a dozen of our favorite roadside attractions in the state. The whole kitschy road trip through Wisconsin covers about 637 miles in just under 11 hours of driving time. You can follow our itinerary - or customize it however you like - in Google Maps.
There's no restaurant chain more distinctively Wisconsin than Culver's, so it's only fitting to start off this Wisconsin road trip at one of these beloved eateries - the world's largest, in fact. You'll find the gargantuan Culver's of Newville just off of Interstate 90, south of Madison, in Edgerton. This massive restaurant even has a conference space. So, have a look around, then grab a Butterburger and some custard, and let's hit the road.
Wisconsin Dells, as anyone who has visited will attest, is pretty much its own thing. Chock full of quirky attractions and tourist traps, it's clearly the kitsch capital of Wisconsin. A drive along the Lake Delton strip - from the Kalahari to Mexicali Rose - and then into the downtown Wisconsin Dells business area will show you all you need to know.
Another 90 or so minutes west of Wisconsin Dells, in Black River Falls, you'll see a very curious sight on the north side of Interstate 94 - and you'll definitely want to stop. At exit 116, there's a giant orange moose standing near a pond with other woodland creatures, like a massive deer. They're on the grounds of a motel with a restaurant inspired by the statue (or perhaps vice versa) - The Big Orange Moose. Stop in for lunch or dinner, and then wander over and size up the massive moose.
Next, our itinerary will take you to Hayward and the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum. Of course, you'll want to see all that the museum has to offer, but it's a stop on this road trip because it's home to the "world's largest fiberglass muskie." At more than four stories high and half a city block long, this beast is truly impressive - you can actually walk inside this leviathan and survey your surroundings from its maw.
By the time you reach Hayward, you'll probably be ready for a break. Fortunately, there are several excellent hotel options in and around the town, so you can relax, explore the area and hit the road refreshed.
On the next stop, you'll visit a cryptid of Wisconsin's Northwoods - the infamous Hodag. First "discovered" in 1893, the Hodag has since become intertwined with the history and cultural identity of Rhinelander. You'll find Hodags and Hodag references all over town, but a stop at the statue outside the Rhinelander Chamber/Visitor Center offers the best photo op with one of the beasts.
6. Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, Butik & Stabbur - Sister Bay
The final - and longest - stretch of this road trip will land you in Sister Bay at the iconic Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, Butik & Stabbur. This eatery has been a Door County institution for decades and is definitely a worthy stop for the food alone. The reason it's included in this particular itinerary, though, is that the restaurant's roof is covered in grass - grass kept trim by a herd of goats that hang out on the roof and graze all day. Only in Wisconsin, right?
We think this road trip is a wonderful way to explore all the quirks and wonderful surprises the Badger State has to offer. How many of the places on this kitschy road trip through Wisconsin have you visited? Are there any you would add? Let us know in the comments!
The Badger State is so blessed with landmarks, sights, and natural beauty that coming up with the best road trips in Wisconsin can be overwhelming. Wisconsin is home to cosmopolitan cities, charming small towns, two great lakes, Northwoods, Big Woods, the Mississippi River, Door County, the Apostle Islands - and too much more to name here. So, where do you even begin when it comes to planning a road trip? Not to worry - we’ve got you covered with almost a dozen of our favorite Wisconsin road trip ideas that will keep you exploring year-round. Before heading out, be sure to pack all your road trip essentials - and don't forget the snacks - then hit the road to explore these 11 Wisconsin road trip ideas for yourself!
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For a Wisconsin road trip map that you can use to follow along on your smartphone, tap on the "Route" link at the beginning of any of the following 11 Wisconsin road trip ideas.
Route: Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve > Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit > Dodge County Ledge Park > Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center > Edgewater Park
Distance: 63 miles
Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time
Although this may be the shortest Wisconsin road trip itinerary on this list, feel free to take as long as you like on this scenic day trip. Not only will you experience some of the most dramatic natural beauty the state has to offer, from the Great Lakes to the largest cattail marsh in the country, but you’ll also have the opportunity to hit some lesser-traveled hiking trails, explore shore scenic shorelines, and maybe glimpse some rare bird species - these are some of the prime birding areas in Wisconsin. Be sure to put this weekend trip on your Wisconsin bucket list!
Route: Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit > Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest > Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest
Distance: 270 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours driving time
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This three-day road trip to three state forests in Wisconsin highlights some of the best nature that the Badger State has to offer. Although the trip is designed as three days, you could certainly plan it in a way that allows a little more time in each forest, where you’ll find plenty to explore. If you are looking for weekend road trips in Wisconsin, this is one of our favorites.
Route: Newport State Park > Peninsula State Park > Cave Point - Clay Banks State Natural Area > Whitefish Dunes State Park > Potawatomi State Park
Distance: 56 miles
Trip Time: 1.5 hours driving time
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Follow this itinerary for a trip through five state parks in Wisconsin’s iconic Door County. As one of the Upper Midwest’s premier destinations, Door County is renowned for its history, dining, and entertainment as much as it is for its natural areas, sandy beaches, and stunning views across Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Although you’ll enjoy this trip any time of year, we think you’ll appreciate it most in the summer or fall. This may just be one of the best road trips in Wisconsin!
Route: Lakeside Park > The Little Farmer > Heritage Orchard > High Cliff State Park > Waverly Beach Bar and Grille > Dockside Tavern
Distance: 83 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours driving time
Start this central Wisconsin road trip around Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago in the city of Fond du Lac. You’ll then circumnavigate the lake in a counterclockwise direction, visiting the small towns and cities on the lake, such as Appleton and Oshkosh, while taking in the natural beauty of the area, like cliffs, bluffs, and beaches. Be sure to stop at the orchards, breweries, and wineries you’ll encounter along the way. This is one of the best road trips you can take for a summer weekend getaway in Wisconsin.
Route: Big Manitou Falls > Little Manitou Falls > Amnicon Falls State Park > Morgan Falls > Brownstone Falls > Potato River River Falls > Superior Falls > Saxon Falls > Long Slide Falls County Park
Distance: 292 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours driving time
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When the snow begins to melt, the state’s streams and rivers swell, making the waterfalls spectacular. That’s why spring is the perfect season for a road trip to the best waterfalls in northern Wisconsin. On this road trip through Wisconsin - the northern part, at least - you’ll start in the northeastern corner, where you’ll find the state’s tallest waterfalls. Then you’ll travel through the Northwoods, skipping from one waterfall to the next, until you’ve seen all the magic that spring brings to Wisconsin’s tallest cascades.
Route: Veterans Park, Milwaukee > Wakesha > Madison > Mt. Horeb > Governor Dodge State Park > Prairie du Chien
Distance: 195 miles
Trip Time: 3.75 hours driving time
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This road trip from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River traces some of Wisconsin’s most fascinating natural areas and historic sites, including the state capitol in Madison. Once you reach Governor Dodge State Park, just south of Spring Green, you’re in Frank Lloyd Wright country. Consider a side trip to Taliesin, Wright’s home and studio. And if you can handle a little mania, pay a visit to the nearby House on the Rock - a bucket list-worthy roadside attraction, the likes of which you will only find in Wisconsin.
For a stretch goal, head north from Prairie du Chien on Wisconsin’s Great River Road, tracing the Mississippi River bluffs, through the state’s charming river towns, to Prescott and the river’s confluence with the St. Croix, along the Minnesota border. There you can stop in at the Great River Road National Scenic Byway visitor information center and learn more about this scenic drive that crosses the country along North America’s longest river.
Route: High Cliff State Park > Peninsula State Park > Kettle Moraine State Forest > Devil’s Lake State Park > Blue Mounds > Wyalusing State Park > Wildcat Mountain State Park > Mill Bluff State Park
Distance: 597 miles
Trip Time: 11.5 hours driving time
Any self-respecting fall road trip in Wisconsin includes Door County. This one, however, is a fall colors marathon that takes you from the beloved peninsula through the Big Woods of the state’s Driftless Area to the magnificent Mississippi River valley. You’ll see the state’s best fall foliage in eight different state parks, forests, and natural areas. You will probably need to set aside a whole weekend for leaf peeping to fit in this entire itinerary. Or you could even split it across two weekends!
Route: Lake Geneva > Cambridge > Madison > Wisconsin Dells > Tomah > Sparta > La Crosse > Chippewa Falls > Hayward
Distance: 468 miles
Trip Time: 8.75 hours driving time
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This Christmas town road trip is an ideal way to put a little light in your Wisconsin winter. The cities and towns on this itinerary offer some of the best holiday decorations and displays in the state. Lake Geneva is a popular holiday destination for folks from as far away as Chicago - and it’s just the beginning of your journey! Break up the trip with a stay at Wisconsin Dells, which not only is an awesome Christmas destination but, as the Waterpark Capital of the World, it can also make you forget that it’s winter for a while.
Route: Choo-Choo Charlies Shriner Diner > SafeHouse > Bronze Fonz > Cedar Park > Bobrowitz Sculpture > Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Distance: 159 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
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This family friendly road trip covers a lot of ground, but it does so in less than three hours of driving time, so nobody is going to get too squirmy in the car. Better yet, there are plenty of awesome sights and activities - as well as opportunities for meals and snacks - along the way to keep both children and adults entertained and satisfied. Who says quick road trips in Wisconsin can't be a ton of family fun?
Road Trip to Wisconsin Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: Cave Point County Park > Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve > Athelstane > Long Slide Falls > Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest > Minocqua > Copper Falls State Park > Apostle Islands National Lakeshore > Amnicon Falls State Park > Big Manitou
Distance: 489 miles
Trip Time: 9.75 hours driving time
This road trip to some of the best landmarks and natural wonders in Wisconsin will take you from the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan and lighthouses of Door County, through Sturgeon Bay, down around Green Bay, to the woods and waterfalls of northern Wisconsin and the waves and rocky shoreline of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior. Along the way, you’ll find some of the best spots in the state for hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking - so be sure to take your time on this trip and experience what Wisconsin has to offer.
Route: Lake Nebagamon > Hayward > Phillips > Mercer > Woodruff > Rhinelander > Athens > Marshfield > Neillsville > Black River Falls
Distance: 385 miles
Trip Time: 7.5 hours driving time
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This road trip will take you to some unbelievable roadside attractions that are located in some of Wisconsin's most charming small towns. From several of “the world’s largest” entries to a mythical beast rumored to roam the Northwoods, you’ll find plenty to delight and amuse as you visit several delightful towns. If you follow the itinerary, you’ll end your trip at Black River Falls. But if you want to keep going for a little bonus Wisconsin agritainment, head 20 minutes down the road to Warrens, and hit the Cranberry Highway for a spell.
Clearly, these Wisconsin road trip ideas are only a few of a near-infinite number of possible itineraries - but we hope you find them useful as you consider your next vacation in the Badger State. If you need to find places to stay along the way, whether hotels and resorts or vacation home rentals, be sure to check out some of our many accommodation suggestions.
Do you agree that these are some of the best road trips in Wisconsin? What are some of your road trip suggestions? We'd love to hear about them!
