It's true that fall is beautiful in several destinations across the country.  Big-name states like Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire are, of course, top travel destinations each fall.  But Wisconsin, too, has earned a solid reputation for leaf-peeping, with visitors coming from all over the country to see the magical, fiery hues of autumn. For those of us in Wisconsin's hospitality industry, keeping an eye out for that draw-dropping and exquisitely beautiful moment when the leaves start to turn from their vibrant greens to varying shades of gold, pink, and amber, is definitely something to look forward to. Each fall in Wisconsin, our Innkeepers look forward to welcoming guests into their Inns and guiding them to the best places to enjoy Wisconsin fall colors. To make this fall one you won't soon forget, you need to act fast.  Use our search tool to find an Inn, and book your fall getaway today.

See Wisconsin Fall Colors in 2019

From the very moment the leaves start to change in Wisconsin, they are tracked by the Wisconsin Fall Color Report.  According to this very useful tool, the best time to see the peak of Wisconsin fall colors is the 2nd week in October.  That doesn't mean it's the only time to plan a fall getaway, though.  In general, Mother Nature's fall show starts in early September in northern Wisconsin, and gradually works its way south. Whether hiking, biking, driving, or otherwise enjoying Wisconsin, these are the best ways to see the fall colors in Wisconsin in 2019.

Scenic Fall Drives in Wisconsin

We love a good scenic drive, and during the fall months, Wisconsin certainly does not disappoint.  Here are some of the most scenic drives around the state:

• Marinette County Waterfall tour in northeastern Wisconsin is delightful during the fall. It features 14 waterfalls over its 125 miles. You can choose how many stops you want to make as you go.
• In northwestern Wisconsin near the Hayward Lakes Area, there are 6 self-guided scenic drives to take. Each of them ranges from 45 - 70 miles, and will take you through some of the most popular areas for Wisconsin fall colors.
• Drive along the Upper Mississippi River valley along the Great River Road, and enjoy the dramatic colors of fall set against the sharply rising sandstone bluffs.
• The fall colors are beautiful on the Bayfield Peninsula, where you'll find the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway.
• Take the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive through both the north and south units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
• Drive along Wisconsin's Door County, a simply spectacular place to visit each fall.
• Take a drive through Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Area, on the Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive.

Other Ways to Enjoy a Fall Getaway in Wisconsin

• Ride the chairlift to the top of Granite Peak Ski Area in Wausau, and take in the fall colors in the Wisconsin River Valley below.
• Hike up to Timm's Hill near Ogema, which is the highest point in Wisconsin, or take one of these great hikes with perfect fall views, put together by Travel Wisconsin.
• Take a hike in one of Wisconsin's beautiful state parks.  Read our recent blog about the best state parks to visit in Wisconsin.
• Go apple picking at one of the area's many orchards. Travel Wisconsin has a great guide to the best orchards.
• Go wine tasting and partake in harvest events at Wisconsin wineries.  Read our recent blog on the best wineries in Wisconsin.
• Go birding at one of Wisconsin's incredible natural areas, such as Horicon Marsh.

Stay at a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

It goes without saying that one of our favorite things to do in Wisconsin is to enjoy a fall getaway at one of the state's incredible Bed and Breakfasts.  Ranging from urban and contemporary to rural and historic, Wisconsin is home to not only the finest Inns in the country but incomparable hospitality that you simply won't find anywhere else.  Our Innkeepers have incredible knowledge about their state and local areas and will be your best guide to making the most out of a fall getaway to one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts.  Use our search tool to find the Bed and Breakfast that matches your personality and interests, and book your fall getaway to Wisconsin today.

When you're looking to explore Wisconsin's wild, natural beauty, there are a lot of places to choose from.  Whether it's exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Door County peninsula, the Great River Road along Wisconsin's western border, the vast miles of untouched state parks and forests all over the state, or the scenic wonders of the Driftless area, Wisconsin is home to some truly incredible scenery. One place that should be on your list of places to explore this summer is Horicon Marsh, located in south-central Wisconsin. It's one of Wisconsin's hottest birdwatching destinations and is a truly peaceful place to spend one or more days this summer. At the end of a long day in this scenic paradise, relax in the comfortable accommodations offered by one of our nearby Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts.

Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

Horicon Marsh, known as the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the country, encompasses 33,000 acres of land; perfect for a day of hiking, boating, birding, photography, fishing, and wildlife viewing.  By far, the most popular activity at Horicon Marsh is birding. This protected land is home to a broad variety of marsh birds, including ducks, geese, pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, and so much more.  In addition to marsh-loving birds, the surrounding woodlands provide excellent habitat for a variety of songbirds, especially during the spring and fall bird migrations. More than 300 species of birds have been found at Horicon Marsh over the years, including a healthy variety of rare and endangered bird species. Beyond birds, there is plenty of other wildlife to enjoy at Horicon Marsh. There are quite a few nocturnal species, but daytime visitors also often see white-tailed deer, muskrats, mink, and river otters in the shallow waters.

There are 5 miles of hiking trails throughout Horicon Marsh, including a 1400 ft. accessible boardwalk, which allows you to explore its features and inhabitants in more depth. The Horicon Habitat Trail is one of the most popular. Cyclists can also enjoy views of the Horicon Marsh from Wild Goose State Trail, along the western edge of the marsh. But, for a truly up-close experience, consider renting a canoe to navigate your way around the marsh. The Horicon Marsh Canoe Trail is an interpretive guide that will help you make the most of your time on the water. You can also take a guided boat tour through Horicon Marsh aboard an environmentally friendly pontoon boat. These tours operate seasonally, from May 1 - October 13, 2019. They offer a variety of tours, including a birding adventure, a sunset cruise, and a seasonal autumn sights tour in September and October. In addition to these experiences, Friends of Horicon Marsh also offers an array of exceptional events and programs, geared toward helping you make the most of your time at this incredible place. 

Plan Now for Fall Migration at Horicon Marsh

Now is a great time to plan ahead for the fall bird migration at Horicon Marsh. It's a bird lovers dream! Horicon Marsh is well-known for its flocks of Canadian Geese. In fact, each fall, the world's largest flock of Canadian Geese migrates through these very lands, with their peak numbers reaching upwards of 200,000 birds! The geese start to show up in early to mid-September, with their population peaking in mid-October. As an added bonus, fall colors also reach their peak around the same time, making for a truly beautiful and memorable getaway. Rooms book up quickly, though, so you'll want to make your plans well in advance!

When it's time to choose your lodging, consider one of our member Bed and Breakfasts in south-central Wisconsin. Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts offer authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences, each with exceptional hospitality that will not disappoint. Find your Inn, and book your getaway today!

Sunny days, cool nights - September is delivering perfect conditions for fall color, starting in the northwoods and marching south.  As you plan your Wisconsin B&B getaway, you might want to log on to TravelWisconsin.com for up-to-the-minute fall color reports; you can even request the report be delivered to your e-mail.  The Department of Tourism has dozens of spotters around the state, so it’s a great little tool.  On your drive, maybe set aside time for a little detour to enjoy a Wisconsin Rustic Road.  Lest you think “rustic roads” is a clever title for unimproved roads, think again. These roads, with their terrific natural features, offer hikers, bikers, and motorists a less-traveled escape into some of the finest scenery the Midwest has to offer. There are more than 500 designated miles of Rustic Roads in 54 counties of the state, many with B&Bs close-by.