Fall in Wisconsin is covered in colors worthy of extra oohs and ahhs. A great way to experience this is with a scenic drive. Here are the best fall color drives in Southern Wisconsin.
Hwy 35, Wisconsin's Great River Road National Scenic Byway.
Amy from Onalaska
Amy is a mother of four, grew up on a dairy farm and truly loves this little corner of the world.
Sunfish Overlook is the perfect spot to catch views of Lake Onalaska. Enjoy a sunny, fall day on the patio at Red Pines Bar & Grill - the catfish tacos paired with Pearl Street Brewery's Downtown Brown are a must! This area is perfect for eagle watching - what a thrill. It's equally amazing when you spy a nest, so keep your eyes peeled.
Trip Inspiration
Roller Family from Cedarburg
The Roller family loves to hike, camp and literally can’t sit still for more than two hours at a time.
The Tamarack Trail around Mauthe Lake is fall hiking at its finest. Climb Parnell Tower for expansive views from 60 feet in the air. It gets crowded, so go early! The Hamburger Haus is a classic stop for big ice cream cones and tasty burgers for locals, tourists and Harley riders alike.
David from Wilmot
David is an avid outdoor junkie and loves his job at the Department of Tourism.
The spot for perfect fall color, with a stunning view of the Kickapoo River Valley, is the observation point at Wildcat Mountain State Park. Along the drive, keep your eyes peeled for Amish carriages and locally produced food at area farms. No trip is complete without a local brew and a signature square pizza from the Hillsboro Brewing Company.
Maggie from Wisconsin Rapids
Maggie is a 40-year resident of the Wisconsin Rapids area, and thinks fall makes a great favorite season.
The best place to see fall colors is anywhere overlooking the beautiful Wisconsin River. A short bike ride along the river in Wisconsin Rapids offers charming fall color views. On weekdays, stop by Great Expectations for lunch, (try the chicken salad sandwich on cranberry wild rice bread!) and don't go home without a couple (or a dozen) freshly-made cupcakes.
Beautiful any time of year, these backroads are some of Wisconsin's best spots for fall color, with history and hidden gems tucked along each crest and curve. You can't go wrong with any of the state's 119 rustic roads. View the guide and interactive map to plan your next drive!
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