Here Are The 12 Best Places For A Bird’s-Eye View Of Wisconsin’s Fall Foliage
It’s almost time. As you drive along these days you may start to see the beginning of the trees turning color. It’s almost fall foliage season. One of the best ways to experience the glorious rainbow of colors is from above. Getting a birds-eye view over the canopy is truly breathtaking and there are spots all over the state that give you the chance. Some require a bit of hiking or climbing, but some of the let you just walk right to the edge of a bluff to see the grandiosity below:
A great spot because you can drive right to the top not far from town and get the best views in the area of all the river valley below. Located at 3020 Grandad Bluff Rd., La Crosse, WI 54601
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There's two easy-to-access lookouts by the picnic areas that give great views of the Kickapoo Valley. More adventurous hikers can try the 1,200 foot climb from the canoe launch area. Located at E13660 State Highway 33, Ontario WI 54651.
You can do a two-for-one trip to this area and hit up Holy Hill and Pike Lake. The tower here gives breathtaking views no matter the season and you'll get to see Holy Hill from another vantage point.
Located at 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53027.
It'll be busy and you'll need to be patient, but the payoff is pretty worth it. Make sure you don't only head here and climb the tower, but take the time to explore the grounds and see the leaves from below. Located at 1525 Carmel Rd., Hubertus, WI 53033.
There's a couple of options along this stretch of the Mississippi River Valley, including nearby Nelson Dewey State Park, but Wyalusing is the gem. Stunning 180 degree views up and down the river valley from atop the bluffs here are hard to beat.
Located at 13081 State Park Ln., Bagley WI 53801.
There isn't currently a tower at Peninsula - the old one was razed and the new one hasn't yet been constructed, but you can still see up and down the coast here where the color are always spectacular. Located at 9462 Shore Rd., Fish Creek, WI 54212.
This is the highest point in southern Wisconsin and you'll find two different towers on each side of this mountain to give you panoramic views. Located at 4350 Mounds Park Rd., Blue Mounds, WI 53517.
A favorite short getaway for those in Milwaukee, this park offers all kinds of trails and this great tower view that you could stare at for hours. Located at W329 N846 County Rd C, Delafield, WI 53018.
One of the state's hidden gems, this requires a climb up 300 steps, but you'll get stunningly close to rocky outcrops, great views and ancient petroglyphs for your effort. Located at 1767 State Hwy 13, Friendship, WI 53934.
This is the state's highest point and the tower here let's you get even higher to look out over all you can survey. It's a 1.5 mile hike, but not a difficult one and if you're in the area, you have to do it. Located at W3206 Co Rd R R, Ogema, WI 54459.
Located just north of downtown Milwaukee, this spot is great to access after walking along the lakefront. The lighthouse is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, students and children aged 5-11. Children under age 4 are free. Children must be at least 5 years old and at least 38 inches tall to climb the tower. Located at 2650 N Wahl Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211.
The mountain here is nearly 2,000 feet tall and the tower takes you up another 60 feet, giving stunning views of the valley below. The Granite Peak Ski Area usually offers trip to the top on their ski lift to help you enjoy the foliage. Located at 4200 Park Rd., Wausau, WI 54401.
Where’s your favorite spot to see the fall colors from above? Let us know about it in the comments! Looking to see a bunch of great colors all in one trip? Check out this fall foliage road trip.
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