Every fall, Wisconsin’s countryside bursts into a blaze of crimson, orange, and gold. While you can certainly drink in this colorful palette through the windshield of your car, we think the most incredible views are often found at the tops of observation towers or bluffs within our state parks.

You will have to work a little harder to get there, but we think the sprawling vistas you’ll enjoy will be worth every drop of effort.

Here are our four not-to-be-missed overlooks for enjoying the Wisconsin foliage this fall!

Whitefish Dunes State Park

3275 Clark Lake Rd.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235

While loads of people travel to the peninsular Door County to enjoy the glorious fall colors, many people miss out on the lesser-known Whitefish Dune State Park on the peninsula’s less-popular Eastern coast.

Here you will find the 2.8-mile Red Trail which will lead you to Old Baldy, the tallest sand dune in the park - not to mention the entire state! - stretching 93 feet above the water. Climb the dune and then up onto the observation platform. Your eyes will soon fall upon the sweeping views of Lake Michigan and Clark Lake. As you descend back to the ground, remember you still have more than a dozen other miles of trails and expansive sandy beaches to explore.

Copper Falls State Park

36764 Copper Falls Rd.
Mellen, WI 54546

Only two miles Northeast of Mellen, you will find thundering cascades and waterfalls formed by the Bad River. Nearly nine miles of chilly, fresh flowing water courses throughout the park, forming Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls and Red Granite Falls. Adding to the drama of nature are the canyon walls that soar skyward 60 to 100 feet. Dedicated observation points make it easy to find the best views. There’s even a selfie stand!

Blue Mound State Park

4350 Mounds Park Rd.
Blue Mounds, WI 53517

Sitting on the tallest hill in Southern Wisconsin is the state’s Driftless Area, where you will find the village of Blue Mounds. Untouched by the last glacier, this region is known for its towering bluffs and narrow valleys. It boasts two 40-foot observation towers within the park, one on its East side and one in the West, both showcasing the dramatic views of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway and the Baraboo Bluffs. However, if you would prefer not to climb the towers, simply head to the North side of the park’s picnic area, where there are “windows” that are cut through the trees to offer a lower-level (and just as spectacular) view.

Interstate State Park

1275 State Hwy 35
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

One of Wisconsin’s oldest state parks, opening in 1900 in St. Croix Falls, Interstate Park is perched next to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The entire area lures hundreds of fall fun seekers to visit with its picturesque views of the river and the Dalles (a steep, narrow gorge) of St. Croix. Head out on the 0.4-mile Pothole Trail, which is appropriately named. As you hike to the observation deck, watch for the ancient potholes, which are smooth, round holes in the bedrock formed by glacial meltwaters. Overlooking the river and gorge, snap a photo while at the selfie stand with a large, marked boulder West of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

As Wisconsin’s countryside bursts into a blaze of crimson, orange, and gold this fall, drink in this colorful palette at the tops of observation towers or bluffs from some of Wisconsin’s wonderful state parks. The sprawling vistas you’ll enjoy will be worth every step you take to uncover this great beauty.

Locally distilled in Plover, Wisconsin.

Celebrate Life Responsibly