Fall Foliage Schedule and Top Ideas Where to Propose in Wisconsin
Fall foliage in Wisconsin, and near Terrace 167, which is located in the Holy Hill area 20 minutes north of Milwaukee, is a breathtaking experience! Here’s what recent and reliable sources say about the best time of year to catch those gorgeous hues across the state:
Peak Timing by Region
Northern Wisconsin: Leaves begin their transformation in late September to early October. TMJ4 NewsDestination Door County
Central Wisconsin: Expect peak color around mid-October. TMJ4 NewsUW-La Crosse
Southern Wisconsin (including West Bend area): The most vibrant colors typically arrive in the third week of October, with the color peak stretching into late October in some counties like Jefferson and Ozaukee. TMJ4 News
Door County (Northeast Wisconsin Peninsula): Renowned for its stunning autumn palette, peak colors usually occur from late September through mid-October, often earlier than other parts of the state. Destination Door County
Scenic Drives:
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
Runs 115 miles through the Kettle Moraine State Forest, from Elkhart Lake to Whitewater.
Twisting roads, glacial hills, lakes, and endless fall color — arguably the most famous fall drive in Wisconsin.
Closest access: Kettle Moraine Northern Unit (near West Bend).
Highway 42 – Door County
From Sturgeon Bay up to Northport, winding through charming villages like Fish Creek and Sister Bay.
Door County is legendary for fall color, and this drive hugs both the Green Bay and Lake Michigan sides.
Great River Road (Highway 35)
Follows the Mississippi River along the western edge of Wisconsin.
Bluffs explode with color in mid-October, and small river towns like Alma, Stockholm, and Pepin add charm.
Highway 33 – Baraboo Hills
Runs east–west through rolling countryside, including the scenic Devil’s Lake area.
Stunning bluffs, farmland, and lakeside views.
Hikes:
Holy Hill National Shrine (Hubertus – just west of West Bend)
Famous for its observation tower and panoramic views of fiery treetops.
Short hiking trails around the shrine make this a local fall favorite.
Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve (Grafton, ~20 min from West Bend)
Trails wind through hardwood forests and lead to dramatic Lake Michigan bluffs.
Amazing for sunrise/sunset fall foliage.
Lapham Peak (Delafield, Kettle Moraine Southern Unit)
Trails for all skill levels plus a 45-foot observation tower that lets you see 20–30 miles of rolling color.
Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)
Iconic Wisconsin hiking — bluffs towering over the lake with fiery reflections in the water.
Try the East Bluff Trail for some of the best views.
Viewpoints & Lookouts
Holy Hill Tower (Hubertus) – Can’t be overstated: a must-see in October.
Rib Mountain State Park (Wausau) – Panoramic overlooks plus Granite Peak ski hill area.
Peninsula State Park (Door County) – Climb Eagle Tower for sweeping views over the bay and islands.
Grandad Bluff (La Crosse) – Overlooks the Mississippi River valley — especially gorgeous at sunset.
For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Terrace 167 on Pinterest, Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok
Schedule a tour today!
We would be honored to assist you.
📧 Email us: Terry@Terrace167.com
🌐 Visit our website: Terrace167.com
Terrace 167, located near Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Oshkosh, Appleton and Madison, Wisconsin is a locally owned wedding venue. We have been in the business for 9 years. We love supporting other locally owned venues and are dedicated to using our platform to support them. In every blog we write, we will include 5 to 10 locally owned wedding venues that use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue!
Bluestone Estate Eden Farms Weddings El Tango Reception Hall Dream Ranch Events Livingstone Event Space Make It Jamaica Thistledome House Oxbow Acres Sparks Museum & Event Center