Fall Colors for Your Cruise in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a bounty of fall colors. 

This time of year features comfortable weather, breathtaking scenery and some outdoor activities to enjoy just before the snow falls and you're forced to park you classic for the winter. 

Our personal favorite day trip location is
Devil's Lake State Park. Climbing to the peaks offers beautiful views and a bit of a workout before you get back in the car and head home through the picturesque back roads of Sauk County.  For a weekend trip, we head up North to Door County for a visit to Penninsula State Park or Whitefish Dunes to see who can count the most deer and enjoy the lapping of the waves (or pounding waves at Cave Point!). Not to be outdone, the Great River Road (Hwy 35) is an excellent "scenic route" to take for visiting friends from our old stomping grounds on our way up to the Twin Cities or Chetek Chain of Lakes area. A stop in Prescott offers quaint cafe's and antique shopping while the road features scenic overlooks for an amazing view while you stretch your legs or have a picnic. 

Devil's Lake State Park: Spring 2014

Many counties are at their peak right NOW! Check out the Fall Colors Report on the interactive map here: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/fall-color-report This map will also show you activities, events and dining locations near your home or destination. Wine tasting anyone? Or maybe the Circus Museum for the kids? There are many options no matter where you are.

A detailed description of 11 Scenic Drives can be found here. Feel like you need something new? Try a new route for an evening cruise and grab some ice cream at Sassy Cow Creamery in Sun Prairie. Take a new route to get to your favorite destination and maybe you'll find some new eateries or roadside stands. 

Below is a tour featuring one of our favorite places to visit, Devil's Lake State Park. We love hiking the trails and watching for wildlife along the shoreline. This trip and 10 more fall tour suggestions can be found at Travelwisconsin.com:

"Wisconsin River/Baraboo Hills Tour:
The Wisconsin River/Baraboo Hills Fall Tour begins in Lodi and heads west on Hwy 113 for five miles to Cty V and Gibraltar Rock County Park (watch for the signs). The climb to the top is steep and not for the faint-of-heart, but the autumn views are truly spectacular. Two miles further on Hwy 113 and you’ll cross the Wisconsin River aboard the ColSac III Merrimac carferry – it’s free. Hwy 113 then turns north and bisects Devil’s Lake State Park – one of Wisconsin most popular parks with terrific views of the fall color from the bluffs above the deep blue lake. Hwy 113 continues intoBaraboo where the kids will love a stop at Circus World Museum.

For more fall foliage driving, follow Hwy 12 north seven miles to Fern Dell Road west to Mirror Lake State Park. From there the many amusements of Wisconsin Dells – including autumn boat tours through the carved sandstone bluffs of the Wisconsin River – are just minutes away."

If you prefer staying close to home, it's time to get your pumpkins and squash! A short cruise to Waldvogel's Pumpkin Farm near Beaver Dam (or your local pumpkin farm) offers a fun day outside with your grand kids or family.  Enjoy a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, pet the goats, explore the underground mine and navigate the corn maze. Remember to get your pumpkins and a sweet treat while you're there!

Fun for Kids at Waldvogel's

Train tour of Waldvogel's

Pumpkin Cannon at Waldvogel's 

The cooler weather seems to inspire those of us in Wisconsin to conquer the to-do list in preparation for the snowy winter months. You can almost count the days until the final wash and wax, detailing, and kissing your car goodnight for the winter as you tuck her in under her car cover. But before you're forced inside,  get out and enjoy the scenery. After all, it's not snowing yet...right? Better watch the weather before you leave just to be safe. This is Wisconsin!

Where are you headed this fall? Enjoy the drive!

~Molly Gursky

Thank you to Travelwisconsin.com for the links and information!