Share the Road & the Scenery on Three Fall Color Road Trips
Whether from behind the wheel of the family car or from the saddles of a pair of motorcycles, road trips create an ideal setting for some scenic bonding time. These picturesque Wisconsin drives allow you to experience some of the most spectacular fall color across the state. Plus, all three of these amazing routes feature a variety of opportunities for stops to create even more memorable adventures along the way.
FIERY FALL COLORS & CRIMSON CRANBERRIES SHARE THE SPOTLIGHT
If your travels lead you to Central Wisconsin, don't miss the chance to cruise the Cranberry Highway. This 5O-mile stretch of road winds its way from Babcock to Wisconsin Rapids and back. Bring your passenger-seat navigator and marvel as crimson cranberry bogs unfold before you as you roll along this self-guided tour of cranberry country that winds through the charming towns of Nekoosa and Port Edwards. This fall drive is an excellent choice for a daytrip, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
Discover Cranberries
Begin your cranberry adventure in Warrens, the Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin. To fully immerse yourself in this heart of cranberry country, plan your trip to coincide with the three-day Warrens Cranberry Festival. Before you continue on your journey, chat about the day ahead over a cranberry-themed breakfast at the Cranberry Country Cafe. Be sure to pick up a bottle of tart cranberry wine to conjure memories of your trip once you return home.
Natural Beauty Just Off the Road
Located near Babcock, the Sandhill Wildlife Area is a beautiful outdoor area offering both self-guided leisurely strolls or more structured activities. Bring your foodie friends in September, when the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center hosts a "Mushroom Hunting" workshop. If your trip has you catching the end of the fall colors in late October, keep an eye out for sandhill cranes, which fly back to the marshes every evening.
An Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Follow the scenic Cranberry Highway north and stop for an afternoon pick-me-up in Wisconsin Rapids. If you're in need of a jolt - and a don't-you-wish-you-were-here lnstagram post - order the Cinnamon Dolce Latte from Out of the Box Coffeehouse. For a different sort of coffee beverage, grab a table at Two Doors Down Brewing and sip on their Barista Bunny blonde ale, which is expertly finished by aging the beer in whole-bean coffee.
Wade Into Cranberry Culture
Your adventure in Cranberry Country wouldn't be complete without a truly immersive experience. Continue north from downtown Wisconsin Rapids and visit Rooted in Red, a Wisconsin cranberry farm that hosts surreal events throughout cranberry season. Get your crew outfitted with waders and experience the marshes firsthand, or reserve seats at a magical farm-to-fork dinner - either way, you'll leave with incredible photos and memories that you can only find in Wisconsin.
BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF FALL COLORS ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI
Set out to explore Wisconsin's All-American Great River Road, a nationally recognized scenic byway that stretches across 250 miles and through 33 different towns along Wisconsin's western border. The combination of fall color and picturesque views of the Mississippi River makes this perfect for a weekend getaway for couples, friends or families seeking quiet beauty peppered with plenty of scenic spots to stretch your legs. The following trip-starter covers a beautiful 90-mile stretch from La Crosse to Maiden Rock.
Majestic Lookouts
The drive from La Crosse to Maiden Rock features a series of incredible lookouts where you can take in the beauty of a Wisconsin fall. Load up the car in La Crosse and start your drive with an ascent to the top of Grandad Bluff. From this vantage point, take in a panoramic view of the entire area. But the sights don't end there. To the north, hike to the top of Brady's Bluff in Trempealeau. With a more gentle trail to the top, this is an ideal stop for families with younger kids to unbuckle and step out for a little exploration. Near Pepin, you'll want to briefly depart the Great River Road to capture a group photo on the largest natural balcony overlooking the Mississippi at the Buena Vista Park Overlook.
Only-in-Wisconsin Attractions
The Great River Road delivers you to an incredible collection of stop-worthy attractions that will give you plenty of reasons to slow down and savor the journey. Near Fountain City, stop at Kinstone, one of Wisconsin's true hidden gems. Here, serenity seekers can reconnect with the earth by mindfully exploring this sanctuary of standing stones. Gaze in wonder at 19 megalithic sculptures (especially intriguing at the solstice or equinox) or meditate as you walk a stone labyrinth. Up the road, make a stop at Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden and Museum, where huge stone and concrete sculptures pepper the grounds. Built by self-taught artist Herman Rusch as a way to "kill old-age boredom;' the collection contains nearly 40 works, from a miniature Hindu temple to a 260-foot Candyland-like arched fence. Finally, near Pepin, visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum to show the kids what life was like in a simpler time while learning about the famous author's history through her birthplace.
Luscious Libations
Quench your thirst after a day of exploring with a cold pint, an elegant glass of wine or a craft cocktail. In La Crosse, raise a pint with friends to a day well-spent at Pearl Street Brewing Company, which features a variety of legendary local brews. Order the Linalool IPA, which is the only beer brewed with locally grown Northern Discovery hops. For an exceptional wine experience, gather around a table in the cozy Breakwater Wine Bar in Pepin or share a mouthwatering cheeseboard with by-the-glass wine pairings at The Palate in Stockholm. Seeking something a little stronger? The Trempealeau Hotel offers a variety of excellent cocktails, both hot (hot cocoa with coconut rum, anyone?) and chilled (try the rich, smooth Smith & Kearns).
ESCAPE TO DOOR COUNTY AND EXPERIENCE AN ISLAND OF FALL BEAUTY
There is no dispute that Door County scenery is hard to beat - the much-loved Door County Coastal Byway is designated as a National Scenic Byway. For something a little further afield, the 27-mile Rustic Road 119 is the perfect excuse to plan a weekend getaway to this beautiful region. Adding to the appeal, this drive starts over water - with a ferry ride from Ellison Bay.
Natural Wonders
In addition to beautiful views of Washington Island's foliage, this route provides easy access to two of the island's most scenic attractions. At Schoolhouse Beach, stroll along a shore lined not with beach sand, but with smooth limestone rocks, as you gaze across the crystal-clear water. If you find yourself longing for sand between your toes, despite the fall weather, fear not! Sand Dunes Beach Park in the southeast corner of the island provides a serene spot to enjoy tranquil island life. While it is not naturally formed, the Washington Island Stavkirke is a faithful re-creation of an 1100s-era Norwegian church and is an unexpected sight in the Wisconsin countryside.
Bitter-Sweet Memories
During your visit to Washington Island, be sure to plan a stop at Nelsen's Hall and be the first among your friends to join the highly exclusive Bitter's Club. To become a member, you simply need to order a shot of Angostura bitters and "sign" your membership card with a bitters-stained thumbprint. Commemorate your new status with a scoop of what some consider to be the best ice cream on the island at Albatross Drive-In.
Two Wheels or Four?
No one said admiring fall colors had to be a stationary activity. Why not breathe in the fresh air and view the changing leaves as you cycle the route with your best biking buddies. All of Rustic Road 119 is fully paved, and the expanse of Washington Island is bike friendly. Bike rentals on the island are sometimes limited, so consider bringing your own bikes or renting them in one of the towns on the peninsula before taking the ferry.
