When fall in Wisconsin turns the landscape from vibrant green to a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and yellows, it’s time to get outside and start hiking. Looking for the best places to see fall color? Look no further. Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report is back and better than ever with exciting new features, such as a 3-day weather forecast specific to location and activity icons linking to directories with nearby events, things to do, places to stay and dining options. The report is maintained “virtually live” by more than 100 fall color reporters throughout the state, providing updates for all 72 counties.
Here are a few prime locations with views that are well worth the hike or climb.
Interstate Park
Visit Interstate State Park, Wisconsin’s oldest state park, established in 1900.
- Hike the Pothole, Summit Rock or River Bluff trails for the best views of the Dalles of the St. Croix.
- At the observation deck from Pothole or Summit Rock trails, the view looking southwest is of colorful trees, rock formations and water.
- Keep an eye out for the “old man.” We’re referring to the Old Man of the Dalles, a rock formation carved in the bluffs in the shape of an old man’s face.
Timm’s Hill
- Timm’s Hill in Ogema is Wisconsin’s highest geographical point. Sitting at 1,951.5 feet above sea level, you can see 30 miles out from the top.
- In order to get a view from over the treetops, climb 88 steps to the top of an observation tower that sits on the hill.
- The trek is worth it because at this high altitude you’ll see surrounding glacial hills packed with vibrant trees below. To the north is Timm’s Lake and to the south you can see Placid Bass Lake and High Point Village Resort.
Geneva Lake Shore Path
- For a more leisurely stroll walk along the Geneva Lake Shore Path.
- The footpath, which stretches for 21 miles around Geneva Lake, offers beautiful views of water, fall colors and historic mansions that line the lake.
- Lake Geneva’s resort atmosphere made it a popular destination for wealthy Chicagoans, like the Wrigleys, Maytags and Schwinns. You can still see their estates along Geneva Lake.