Exploring the small towns in Wisconsin is one of the best ways to view fall colors, offering a spectacular display of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows across its rural backroads and scenic byways. The state’s diverse forests, including maples, oaks, and birch trees, come alive each Autumn, creating a rich wave of color that makes Wisconsin a premier location for leaf-peeping. Peak foliage typically occurs from late September to early November, depending on the region and weather, with northern Wisconsin seeing the first bursts of color, followed by the central and southern areas.
Baraboo, located in Sauk County in the middle of the state, is one of the best small towns in Wisconsin for fall colors! Our charming community sits on the edge of one of the most popular Wisconsin Parks, Devil’s Lake State Park, which comes alive with vibrant colors in the fall. The impressive bluffs, a mix of hardwood trees, and a dark blue lake are the perfect setting to soak up all the best autumn. It’s also a great time of year for hiking and rock climbing, as the heat of summer has waned, and there’s a crisp breeze in the air.
The best place to stay near Devil’s Lake State Park is our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast, a restored historic mansion that once belonged to one of the famed brothers of the Ringling family. When you choose to stay at our B&B, you’ll be just minutes away from all of the great hiking and kayaking at Devil’s Lake, but you’ll have a cozy guest room with a hot shower to return to at the end of the day. It’s the best of both worlds: enjoying nature and getting a restful night’s sleep. Book your lodging today!
Small Towns in Wisconsin for Fall Colors: Baraboo, WI
Wisconsin’s natural beauty, paired with its distinct mix of rural landscapes and lake views, makes it a top destination for fall foliage enthusiasts. The numerous state parks, scenic byways, and charming small towns in Wisconsin along the way are the perfect way to experience fall like never before. Besides Devil’s Lake State Park, there’s a handful of scenic drives to add to your itinerary near Baraboo.
Here are the best places to see fall foliage near Baraboo, Wisconsin:
- Devil’s Lake State Park’s rugged cliffs and picturesque lake offer sweeping views of the surrounding hills, draped in autumnal colors. The East Bluff Trail and West Bluff Trail are popular routes that provide panoramic vistas of the lake and the changing leaves.
- Mirror Lake State Park is a fantastic destination to visit in the fall. It offers stunning natural beauty as the vibrant autumn colors reflect off the calm waters of the lake. The park’s dense forests of oak, maple, and pine create a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for scenic hikes and leisurely walks along the many trails. If you’re a kayaker, this is the place to paddle!
- One of the off-the-beaten-path destinations for seeing fall colors is Pewit’s Nest Gorge. A trail leads guests through the gorge and up to a beautiful scenic vista.
- Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is a protected area with an abundance of threatened plants and insects. The parks department stresses that visitors stay on the designated pathways, which are excellent places to see the fall colors.
- Another stunning nature preserve, Baxter’s Hollow, is a 5,000-acre preserve known for its pristine wilderness. It features deep forests, steep ridges, and the meandering Otter Creek, which provides a vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including rare bird species and plant life.
- If you prefer to enjoy the beautiful fall colors on two wheels, the 400 State Bike Trail is the perfect place to do so. This route crisscrosses the Baraboo River. The entire length of the 22-mile trail follows along the river valley from Elroy to Reedsburg.
- Rustic Road Scenic Routes are the best ways to visit the charming small towns in Wisconsin. As you motor down these winding roads lined with fall foliage and scenic outlooks, you’ll have some of the most memorable views of these vibrant colors.
Stay at our Charming and Historic Bed and Breakfast
After you’ve explored the best small towns in Wisconsin with stunning fall colors as your backdrop, you’ll be ready to return to our bed and breakfast in Baraboo. Our historic Inn is one of a kind, with a solid connection to the past; you’ll love to make our thoughtfully restored mansion your homebase. Spend time in our shared spaces with antiques and memorabilia of the Ringling family—the dining table is the original piece that the famed circus family had their meals! You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time; if you’re particularly interested in the home’s history, be sure to ask your Innkeepers for a tour.
Each of our six elegant guest rooms is a perfect home away from home, with comfortable furnishings, cozy beds, and private en suite bathrooms. We offer the ideal combination of modern meets the past, as you’ll have TVs, air conditioning, and wi-fi available throughout your stay. The attention to detail in decorating and preserving the home’s history makes staying at the Ringling House a unique and memorable experience. We’ve carefully curated the experience to provide comfort, elegance, and a glimpse into the past.
At Ringling House Bed & Breakfast, guests are treated to a delightful and freshly prepared breakfast each morning, featuring a rotating menu of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The breakfast typically includes a variety of dishes, such as fluffy pancakes, savory quiches, or farm-fresh eggs, often accompanied by homemade pastries, fresh fruit, and locally roasted coffee or tea. The B&B is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request, ensuring every guest can enjoy a delicious and satisfying start to their day. Join us this fall in Baraboo and book your lodging today!
