FIVE WAYS TO EXPLORE WISCONSIN’S GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE FALL
With summer winding down and the fall quickly approaching, everyone is looking for ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors before the winter months.
The fall months in Wisconsin are typically mild and offer plenty of opportunities for individuals and families to stay active in their spare time. Here are five can’t-miss outdoor activities to keep in mind for your clients:
Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkins are a staple for the fall season, whether you are carving jack-o’-lanterns, making pumpkin pies, or sipping on a pumpkin spice latte.
If you want to visit a local pumpkin patch, Wisconsin offers an abundant amount of options. Pumpkins range in size, shape, color, and even texture. There is no shortage of opportunities for you to find that perfect pumpkin.
Waldvogel’s Farm describes itself as Wisconsin’s largest pumpkin farm with more than 60 attractions. Individuals can take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick out their pumpkins, which go up to $5 each. The Fall Festival opens Sept. 19 with admission $11 per person for ages 3 and up.
Treinen Farm in Lodi, Jim’s Pumpkin Farm in Germantown, Vesperman Farms in Lancaster, and Schuett Farms in Mukwonago also are popular destinations for pumpkin picking.
Once you find a pumpkin, there are plenty of great websites and options to generate inspiration for creative carving designs.
Bobbing for Apples
Visiting an orchard allows you to take in the sights and smells of fall while gathering fresh fruit for your favorite fall drinks, snacks, and desserts. They also are an excellent option for families, as they typically offer fun activities and fresh bakery items.
The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago is a popular orchard destination in southeastern Wisconsin. It is well-known for its apple pie baked in a paper bag, which multiple media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and Food Network, have coined as “the best pie in America.” The orchard also offers a variety of pies and other apple-related food items. The Elegant Farmer is holding its Autumn Harvest Fest, featuring apple picking and plenty of family activities, on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 12 to Oct. 25.
Apple Holler in Sturtevant, which is less than 30 miles south of Milwaukee, is one of The 25 Top Places to Go Apple Picking Across America, according to USA News Travel. The nearly 80-acre farm features seasonal activities and fields filled with pick-your-own apples, peaches, pears, and pumpkins. They also have a bakery with a variety of freshly made items, including donuts and pies. Apple Holler is open and allowing individuals to pick fresh fruit, as they offer 30 different types of apples throughout the season.
Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon and Peck & Bushel, an organic apple farm, in Colgate also are popular destinations for apple picking.
Seeing the Fall Foliage
Each year, the fall views at Holy Hill in Hubertus are breathtaking. Holy Hill, located 30 miles north of Milwaukee, features views from above the tree canopy, especially if you climb to the top of a 178-step observation tower. Once you are at the top of the tower, you can even see the Milwaukee skyline on a clear day. It has become a staple in southeastern Wisconsin for observing the fall colors. There are 435 acres of scenery to see and hike through. Arrive early to Holy Hill to avoid crowds.
Lapham Peak in Delafield, Pike Lake in Hartford, Parnell Tower in Plymouth, and Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Grafton are other popular destinations.
Exploring State Parks
Besides visiting Holy Hill and other local areas, state parks feature plenty of opportunities to hike and observe nature. Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s largest state park and offers incredible views from 500-foot bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Devil’s Lake is in Baraboo and includes nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnic areas, and camping opportunities.
Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau, and Perrot State Park in Trempealeau are other popular state parks people visit in the fall.
Golfing
Wisconsin offers individuals a chance to play at some of the best-regarded courses in the world. There also are plenty of affordable and charming local courses. There is no better time for golf in Wisconsin than in the fall. Besides the beautiful scenery, the weather is cooler and golf course rates typically are lower than in the summer.
Whistling Straits in Sheboygan is one of the top championship courses in the United States. The Straits course at Whistling Straits has hosted three PGA Championships and is the 2021 Ryder Cup host site. The course also runs along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Erin Hills in Erin was the site of the 2017 U.S. Open Championship and is one of the top-ranking courses in the U.S. The course sits in the Kettle Moraine and gives golfers a challenge. It offers incredible views and plays homage to nature’s challenges. Erin Hills offers cheaper rates — $70 off its summer rates – for about two weeks starting Oct. 5.
If you seek an affordable and relaxing alternative, check out the multitude of local courses scattered throughout Wisconsin.