Planning Your Fall Wisconsin Elopement
You’ve picked, in my opinion, the perfect season to elope - fall! - but now you need to time it perfectly to get the peak colors on full display for your Fall Wisconsin elopement. Here I’ll cover the timing for the fall colors and where you can get the best views. Across most of our state, you’ll find peak colors during October, though it does vary depending on where you are with some places starting as early as late September and other areas going into November. Keep reading for a full breakdown of when and where to find those warm amber and golden vibes.
Northern Wisconsin
Peak Fall Colors: 1st to 2nd week of October
Destinations: Bayfield, Superior, Eau Claire, Hayward, Door County, and Osceola
Having your Fall Wisconsin elopement in the northwest will give you access to 1.5 million acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 169 miles of the St. Croix River, waterfalls, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to explore. For the iconic “Up North” experience, you can head to the Northwoods, the Dark Sky Park of Door County, or stay along the coast of Lake Michigan. Whether you want to explore by trail or by water (or, both!) you’ll have plenty of opportunity for an intimate adventure in nature with plenty of opportunity for fall color views.
My top recommended places
Newport State Park (a Dark Sky Park) - Ellison Bay, WI
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Bayfield, WI
Willow River State Park - Hudson, WI
Central Wisconsin
Peak Fall Colors: 3rd to 4th week of October
Destinations: Milwaukee, Wausau, Sheboygan, Stevens Point, Waupaca
Take in the breathtaking colors during your Fall Wisconsin elopement in the heart of our state. From the lakeshore forests along Lake Michigan and the dramatic bluffs that make up Devils Lake State Park, central Wisconsin is a fall lover's dream. Immerse yourself under a canopy of red and gold leaves or get a birdseye view and see it all from above the tree line!
My top recommended places
Cranberry Highway - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Kohler Andre State Park - Sheboygan, WI
Rib Mountain State Park - Wausau, WI
Southern Wisconsin
Peak Fall Colors: 4th week of October to 1st week of November
Destinations: Lake Geneva, Port Washington, Richland Center, Viroqua, Racine
A Fall Wisconsin elopement in the southern region of our state will certainly not disappoint. You’ll have your choice between soaking in the natural beauty of the Driftless Region to the southwest or experiencing the lakeside cities to the southeast. Regardless of which adventure you choose, there will be no shortage of fall beauty to have as your romantic backdrop.
My top recommended places
Ocooch Mountains - Richland Center, WI
Kenosha Dunes Trail - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Big Foot Beach State Park - Lake Geneva, WI
Quick note: this blog covers an average breakdown of when and where the fall colors will peak. This may fluctuate slightly from year to year, depending on weather factors like strong winds, an early frost, or heavy rain. You can use tools like Travel Wisconsin’s Fall Color Report for real-time updates and predictions.
Ready to start planning your perfect Wisconsin elopement?
