The Small Town in Wisconsin That Comes Alive in the Fall Season

It's that time of year when thoughts turn to autumn colors, gooey s’mores cooked over a campfire, and fall festivals, too. Are you starting to plan a fall foliage weekend in Wisconsin? You have several options to choose from in the Badger State—there are plenty of wonderful drives where you can experience the leaves changing and communities celebrating the season with music, food, and fun. Let's visit one particular small town in Wisconsin that comes alive in autumn: Baraboo.

Baraboo is located just south of the Wisconsin Dells, serving as a gateway to numerous outdoor opportunities that allow you to experience the area's vibrant fall colors in person. Devil’s Lake State Park, for example, is located just outside of town. As the largest state park in Wisconsin, it is worth the trip any time of year, but the autumn display it puts on—broad swaths of forest clocked in orange, red, and gold—is quite striking. Take the short hike to Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway for some of the park's most spectacular views. You'll find more information, including camping details, on the Devil’s Lake State Park web page.

Mirror Lake State Park is another outdoor oasis near Baraboo where you can witness the colors of fall unfolding in a serene setting. Take a hike or enjoy a quiet paddle on the lake's placid waters.

Another wonderful spot to enjoy the Badger State's natural beauty is Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area. This nature preserve, complete with a gorge and waterfall, offers yet another glimpse at autumn in all its splendor in the Baraboo area. In the summer, Pewit’s Nest is a gem of a swimming hole.

Baraboo's Fall Fair on the Square takes place every October and includes live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and more than 170 artists and crafters displaying their handiwork. Visit the Downtown Baraboo website for more information on the town's seasonal events.

Is there anything that says fall like apple picking? While in Baraboo, you can also get some orchard time in at Ski-Hi Fruit Farm. Apple picking begins in September. If you need a refreshing beverage during your fall trip to Baraboo, consider spending an afternoon at the dog-friendly Baraboo Bluff Winery, with its panoramic views. Join one of the wine walks in the vineyard on Saturdays in October.

In New Freedom, just a quick jaunt from Baraboo, you can enjoy a train excursion from the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. Unique trips in the fall include autumn color tours and Halloween-themed rides.

Come revel in what Baraboo brings us in the brisk months: It's a small town in Wisconsin that truly comes alive in autumn. If you decide to stay more than a day, ponder this Vrbo cabin in Baraboo, situated near the entrance of Devil’s Lake State Park.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall adventures in the Badger State using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.