Things to Do in Fall
Experience Fall in Whitewater, WI
When the leaves begin to change, Whitewater becomes one of southeastern Wisconsin's most scenic fall destinations. Hike through colorful forests in the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, take a scenic drive through the countryside, visit a pumpkin patch, experience Whitewater's haunted history, or spend a crisp fall afternoon exploring downtown.
Whether you're planning a day trip, a family adventure, a hiking weekend, or a spooky fall getaway, there are plenty of ways to experience autumn in and around Whitewater.
Fall in Whitewater, WI
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See the Fall Colors
Surrounded by forests, lakes, prairies, and rolling countryside, Whitewater offers plenty of places to take in Wisconsin's fall colors. Explore the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit, walk along Whitewater Lake, wander through the UW Whitewater Nature Preserve, or head into the hills for panoramic views of the changing landscape.
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Hike the Ice Age Trail
Cooler temperatures and colorful forests make fall one of the best times to hike around Whitewater. Explore more than 25 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail on the Clover Valley, Whitewater Lake, Blackhawk, and Blue Spring Lake segments.
Visiting in October? Take on the Ice Age Trail Alliance's Mammoth Hike Challenge and make Whitewater one of your Ice Age Trail Community stops.
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Drive the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
ometimes the best way to enjoy fall is from the road. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive winds through forests, farmland, glacial landscapes, and small Wisconsin communities, with the southern end of the route near Whitewater Lake.
Make it a longer fall drive by exploring some of the quiet country roads surrounding Whitewater, including Bluff Road and County Highway P.
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Experience Haunted Whitewater
Fall gets a little spookier in Whitewater. Known as "Second Salem," the city has a long history of spiritualism along with legends involving witches, ghosts, mysterious deaths, and other unexplained happenings.
Explore Whitewater's haunted history on your own or experience it after dark during the annual Whitewater Spirit Tour each October.
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Go Apple Picking & Visit a Farm
Pumpkins, apples, corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals, cider donuts, and plenty of fall treats are all within an easy drive of Whitewater.
Spend the afternoon exploring one of the area's family friendly farms, then return to Whitewater for dinner, drinks, or an overnight stay.
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Hit the Trails on Two Wheels
Fall isn't just for hiking. Take your bike into the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit and ride through hardwood forests as the leaves change.
The John Muir and Emma Carlin trail systems offer miles of single track mountain biking, while Whitewater's surrounding country roads provide scenic options for road cyclists.
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Find a Fall Event
Fall brings races, hikes, haunted attractions, festivals, markets, and other seasonal events to Whitewater and the surrounding area.
Run the Discover Whitewater Series in September, take on the Mammoth Hike Challenge throughout October, experience the annual Whitewater Spirit Tour, or see what's happening during your visit.
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Taste the Season
Warm up after a day outside with coffee, comfort food, craft beer, cocktails, or a classic Wisconsin fish fry.
Whitewater's restaurants, cafes, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and pubs make it easy to turn a fall hike or scenic drive into a full day out. For an especially Whitewater experience, stop at Second Salem Brewing Company and continue the "Second Salem" theme with craft beers inspired by local legends.
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Brave Shockwave Haunts
If haunted attractions are more your style, Shockwave Haunts delivers an unforgettable experience. Featuring immersive haunted houses built from the ground up and brought to life by talented actors, this countryside attraction is designed to keep you looking over your shoulder long after your visit.
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