Leaf Peeping Spots Across Wisconsin for Peak Autumnal Joy

Oct 14, 2022

This week is prime leaf-peeping season and we’re here with an updated fall foliage report and some great places to check out across the state for prime autumnal activities. In Northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border, fall foliage is beginning to make an appearance and will reach its peak by the 24th/25th. In the Chicago area a little further south, peak fall-foliage viewing will arrive beginning the 24th of October and last through Halloween on the 31st.

We’ve already shared some great places in Illinois to take fall photos on our “Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox with Great Places in Illinois and Wisconsin to See Fall Foliage and Take Wonderful Family Portraits” blog article, but here are some other fantastic fall photo-op suggestions for families to enjoy in Wisconsin. Check out this fall foliage report of Wisconsin to figure out the best places to visit each location on our list for maximum Autumnal Enjoyment!

Let’s plan a mini getaway and take some scenic drives across Wisconsin in search of some lush fall scenery:

Marinette County’s Waterfall Tour – This 125 mile scenic loop drive takes you through 15 waterfalls and cascades in the area. You’ll have ample opportunity to stop off in county parks to stretch your legs and take a scenic hike, walk your furry pals, and take plenty of photos of your family and friends. The trail includes places such as Veteran’s Falls, Strong Falls, Twelve Foot Falls Park, and many more gorgeous vista points.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive – This 115 mile trip will take you through a stunning array of woodlands with ultra gorgeous views of the changing oak, maple, and aspen trees as you wind your way through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. You’ll cover ground across 6 different counties in Wisconsin, and have lots of waterfront to explore from ponds, lakes, and rivers as well as sweeping views of the hills and valleys. Take a day to experience some rowing, fishing, and hiking trails in the area.

Hilltop Color Tour of Central Wisconsin – Taking you through Wausau and Ogema and Neillsville, this central Wisconsin drive will take you to peak seasonal adventures! Your best views will be from the 60 foot observation tower in Rib Mountain State Park, the observation tower in Timm’s Hill, and The Highground memorial nearby to Neillsville. Each of these stop-offs will afford you some outstanding views of autumnal scenery, and are great destinations for family outings, and plenty of nature photography opportunities and great family photo backdrops.

Black River State Forest and Black River Falls – With nearly 68,000 acres across West Central Wisconsin, you’ll find yourself lost in the beauty of nature in the pine and oak forests and glacial beds with vista points from the sandstone hills, 30 foot bluffs, and millions-of-years-old buttes. You’ll also find unparalleled views of the Black River Falls Cranberry Bogs which are incredible just before the seasonal harvest time. And be sure to make your way through the Dike 17 Wildlife Area where you’ll have an exciting opportunity for some serious bird watching as waterfowl and other species migrate and settle in the area. Families can enjoy hiking, offroading on ATVs, and plenty of mountain biking trails.

And last but not least we recommend a wonderful trip to Door County and all that the area has to offer! Set along the edge of Lake Michigan, you’ll fall in love with the nearby state parks of Potawatomi, Peninsula, Newport, and Whitefish Dunes as well as the scenic Washington Island. It’s one of the region’s top attractions for fall travel, and you won’t want to miss out!