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Looking for Autumn Color in Wisconsin

© Peggy Hoehne

Nationally when someone says anything about autumn leaf colors it seems everyone thinks about New England. The Northeastern states may be more famous, but the Midwest has a good share of colorful autumn leaf shows.

Wisconsin is a popular destination for many in the Midwest during the leaf color season. We are just a short drive from Chicago and many others who know that northern Wisconsin has thousands of acres of state and national forests, meadows, and wetlands crossed with glittering streams, rivers and glacial lakes.

Along the way you can watch eagles soar; see migrating flocks; and listen for the call of the loon. See deer and turkeys before hunting season makes them so leery of people. On warm mornings watch striped gophers scurry around; in the evening catch a glimpse of a raccoon family slipping through the brush on the way to stream.

If gorgeous red, gold, orange and brown leaves and wildlife watching are not enough you can find world class fishing, biking, golf, shopping, and antiquing. Visit an apple orchard for some fresh picked apples, find a market selling pumpkins and gourds, stop for fresh cranberries or Wisconsin grown wild rice. Autumn in Wisconsin tastes very good.

One of the best things about autumn in Wisconsin, according to many, is the Green Bay Packers, but if you don't already have a game ticket you might as well look for a place with a large screen TV because tickets are hard to find and costly if they exist. But if you want to see Lambeau Field you can take a stadium tour, which may include the Packer Hall of Fame, the Practice Fields and more.

Throughout the state you can find excellent restaurants, wineries, and farmers markets. Look for Cranberry Fests, Colorama Festivals, and other celebrations. Museums, artisans, historic sites, and shows are just some of the things you can enjoy in Wisconsin.

Enjoy the colors of Wisconsin from the water or rails

Canoe and kayak trips are available on many of the northern streams. Take a 3-hournarrated cruise of the Apostle Islands through October 10. Take a sternwheeler across eight of Waupaca's 22 lake Chain O' Lakes. Wisconsin Dells offers a variety of cruises into November if the weather permits.

From Door County take the Island Clipper to Washington Island then tour the island by bicycle or moped, or take your car aboard the Washington Island Ferry which makes daily trips to the island year round.