As the leaves change and temperatures drop, the symphony of fall colors found across Wisconsin sets the perfect backdrop for road trip adventures. Remember to follow guidance from public health officials and call ahead to check if businesses hours have changed.
Cruise the Colors Giveaway
Our latest giveaway, Cruise the Colors, inspires travelers to get out and experience the beauty of Wisconsin’s natural areas while traveling the state’s gorgeous scenic routes. Three lucky winners will receive prize packages including overnight lodging, a meal at a local restaurant, an outdoor recreation experience like kayaking or sailing, and a Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Sticker.
Listeners can enter to win once a day by visiting TravelWisconsin.com/cruise.
Central Wisconsin – Highway 49 from Waupaca to Rosholt
This Wisconsin scenic drive is a hidden gem. The two-lane highway meanders through fall colors and past friendly small towns, wooded areas and picturesque farmland.
Start in Waupaca and head north along Highway 49. Here you can see vibrant fall color dotted with the lush greens of roadside pines. Stop in the charming community of Iola and learn about the community’s Swiss beginnings and Norwegian heritage at the Iola Historical Village and Museum.
Continue your drive North to Rosholt, where the Wisconsin Territories Farm Market has a greenhouse, farm stand and ice cream counter serving Babcock Ice Cream. End the day at McZ’s Brew Pub, family friendly micro-brewery serving up great pizzas and their newest addition, locally made kombucha!
Southwestern Wisconsin/Driftless Area – Highway 14 from Spring Green to La Crosse
A drive through Wisconsin’s iconic Driftless Region winds through the steep, rugged landscape of the region and charming small-towns.
Start your drive in Spring Green and head through the breathtaking hills and valleys of Richland County. A stop in Richland Center for a cold craft brew at Mel’s Micro Brewpub right along Highway 14. Their refreshing craft beer is brewed onsite and makes for a delicious pit stop. Another must-do stop is Viroqua. The area is the center of an incredible organic farming region. Many of these locally grown ingredients make their way into the area restaurants and markets, such as at the Viroqua Public Market. The indoor space is designed to feel like you are actually outdoors and offers a year-round shopping and dining from local vendors.
End your scenic drive in La Crosse, a city home to glorious riverside views and delicious craft brews.
Southeastern Wisconsin – Highway 83 Scenic Drive – Burlington to Hubertus
A fall drive along Highway 83 meanders over rolling countryside hills, slows down through charming small towns and passes plenty of glacial lakes and waterways.
Start this drive in Burlington, a.k.a. ‘Chocolate City USA’, and stock up on road trip sweets before heading North along scenic farmlands and wildlife areas. Get out for a stretch in Delafield while enjoying their delightful downtown a take a quick hike along the Lake County Trail. The Lake County Trail is a 15-mile trail through very rolling terrain providing scenic views of the mid-kettle moraine area.
Continuing north to Hartford, spend time exploring and learning with stops at the Bobrowitz Sculpture Garden or Wisconsin Automative Museum. End your drive immersed in color at the stunning Holy Hill Shrine in Hubertus . Then follow Highway 67 back south on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive for even more scenic fall color.
For more great fall ideas and resources, visit TravelWisconsin.com or call 1-800-432-TRIP.