Few places bring fall to life like the brilliant colors and rare birds at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. It is one of the best places in the Midwest to experience fall foliage and birdwatching together. Home to all 15 species of cranes from around the world, the foundation offers miles of walking trails surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. During October, the changing leaves provide a brilliant backdrop for spotting cranes and other migratory birds that pass through the area. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers looking to enjoy crisp air, brilliant foliage, and unique wildlife all in one stop.
Baraboo is a charming southern Wisconsin town surrounded by wooded hills and protected natural areas, making it perfect for fall getaways. Hiking trails at Devil’s Lake State Park, Parfrey’s Glen, and Pewit’s Nest offer sweeping views of fiery red and gold canopies. The Baraboo Hills are also a hot spot for birdwatchers each fall, with sandhill cranes, hawks, and songbirds filling the skies. With its small-town appeal and easy access to some of the region’s top natural attractions, like the International Crane Foundation, Baraboo is ideal for a fall weekend escape.
The Ringling House is the best Bed and Breakfast in southern Wisconsin for fall travelers. Less than a ten-minute drive from the International Crane Foundation, our Inn is also surrounded by mature oaks and maples that light up in color each October. Our B&B is a peaceful retreat for birdwatchers and leaf peepers alike. Guests can enjoy coffee on the porch while spotting birds in the garden or unwind with local wine by the fire after a hike. Each guest room at our historic Inn blends historic elegance with modern comfort. Book your stay today!
The International Crane Foundation: Fall Adventures
Fall in southern Wisconsin is a vibrant spectacle of color and wildlife, and the International Crane Foundation is the perfect place to experience both. Located on 300 acres between the Baraboo Hills and Devil’s Lake State Park, the foundation is the only place in the world where visitors can see all 15 species of cranes in one place. While the cranes here are not migratory, the skies are alive with passing herons, eagles, blackbirds, swallows, and more.
The International Crane Foundation is open daily from May 1 through October 31. It’s one of the top-rated attractions in the region, and it was ranked the #1 thing to do in Baraboo on TripAdvisor. The landscape comes alive in October as restored prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands turn gold and crimson. Visitors can participate in daily guided tours during the summer months or on weekends in the fall at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., or explore the trails and habitats independently. Be sure to schedule at least two hours and bring a camera and binoculars, especially for the panoramic views from the Sauey Family Overlook.
Beyond its cranes and conservation work, the International Crane Foundation is also a hidden gem for fall foliage and birdwatching. With over three miles of trails winding through landscapes shaped by more than 30 years of restoration, this property bursts with autumn color by early October. You’ll find native ecosystems teeming with life and quiet places to pause, like the peaceful Zen Garden. The International Crane Foundation’s creative approach to saving cranes from extinction is inspiring, and visitors often leave with a deeper appreciation for the birds and the land they depend on.
Other Great Places to See Fall Foliage in Wisconsin
- Devil’s Lake State Park is the most visited Wisconsin State Park. Towering bluffs and a glacial lake make this one of the best fall hikes in the state; go on weekdays to avoid crowds. It’s one of the best places to find Wisconsin fall colors near our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast.
- In early to mid-October, the calm waters of Mirror Lake State Park reflect a stunning display of fall foliage, with maple, oak, and pine trees glowing in shades of red, gold, and orange.
- Pewit’s Nest offers a short, scenic hike through a sandstone gorge framed by brilliant fall colors, making it a quiet favorite for autumn walks and a quieter alternative to some of the more well-known parks.
- Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area, rising 200 feet above the Wisconsin River valley, is a must-see spot for autumn explorers in Southern Wisconsin. In early October, the oak- and basswood-dominated forest and red-cedar prairie communities burst into shades of red, orange, and gold, making the overlook one of the region’s best vantage points for fall foliage.
- The Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive is a 30-mile backroad route that winds through colorful bluffs and forested ridges, offering vibrant Wisconsin fall foliage in early to mid-October. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the region’s most striking high points and overlooks.
- Blue Mound State Park sits atop the highest point in southern Wisconsin and offers stunning fall views from two 40-foot observation towers. Vivid foliage stretches across the Driftless landscape. With over 20 miles of trails and excellent birdwatching, it’s a top destination for leaf-peeping between October 1 and 15.
The Best Bed and Breakfast in Southern Wisconsin
Choosing our bed and breakfast in southern Wisconsin is the perfect spot for a fall getaway, where charm and hospitality combine to create a memorable vacation. Just a short walk from downtown Baraboo and only minutes from the International Crane Foundation’s 300‑acre sanctuary, our historic B&B puts you in the heart of autumn adventure. Wake up to a delicious homemade breakfast, then head out for Wisconsin fall foliage drives in the Baraboo Hills or a morning of birdwatching among cranes and woodland species—all easily accessible from your doorstep.
Each room at our bed and breakfast in WI is thoughtfully appointed with comfort and character, but the Charles and Edith Room, pictured above, stands out for its timeless elegance. Named after two of the home’s original occupants, this suite features cozy vintage décor, a plush king-size bed, and large windows that frame the changing leaves in the garden. With a comfortable sitting area and private ensuite, it feels like your home base for leaf-peeping expeditions or early morning strolls before you grab binoculars and cameras for a day at the Crane Foundation.
After a day of crisp-air hikes, birdwatching at the International Crane Foundation, and exploring the Baraboo Hills, returning to the Ringling House means unwinding by the fireplace in the common living room or enjoying a glass of local wine on the porch surrounded by fall colors. The hosts share insider tips on lesser-known scenic drives and top birding spots, helping you explore the area like a local. Staying here not only offers luxurious comfort but also turns your Baraboo getaway into a seamless experience of nature, heritage, and hospitality. Reserve your room now!
