Wisconsin's Only Urban State Forest Is A Beautiful Fall Foliage Gem In Milwaukee

As the weather starts to get a chill in the air and transitions from summer to fall, it suddenly becomes easier to find an excuse for a fall getaway to see foliage. While there are plenty of places to take in the autumnal colors, one of the most picturesque lies just 10 miles northwest of Midwest city Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Havenwoods State Forest is located a short drive away from the state's most populous city, and is the only urban state forest. In addition to breathtaking fall foliage views, Havenwoods State Forest also features over 200 acres with hiking trails, biking routes, and water attractions.

While many may only think of the state forest as a place to spend their summers, it becomes a leaf lover's dream, with miles of colorful views. As the weather cools down, the leaves turn from bright green to shades of gold, brown, orange, and purple. Of course, the peak foliage timing depends on sunlight, temperature, and other natural factors, but the foliage typically reaches its peak in Wisconsin in mid-September through October.

Since Havenwoods State Forest is located less than 10 miles from Milwaukee, travelers can make an entire trip out of the visit, as there are plenty of fall-related activities to do in and near the city. Visitors can roam through rows of pumpkin patches and apple orchards, celebrate Oktoberfest in one of the most German-populous cities in the country, and test out their fear factor at local spooky corn mazes or ghost tours.

Havenwoods State Forest, Wisconsin's only urban state forest, consists of 237 acres of fields and woods open year-round. For visitors looking to fully immerse themselves in the scenes of autumn, they can participate in a variety of nature activities. The state forest features more than six miles of trails for hikers and runners, sprawling wetlands, woods, and grasslands. There are four different trails that range in length, scenery, and difficulty, with the shortest only 0.7 miles and the longest being 2.7 miles. The trails wind visitors through tallgrass prairies, a hardwood forest, ponds, and bridges, offering a nonstop immersive foliage experience.

In addition to trails, the forest also includes a geocaching adventure, picnic areas, dog-friendly walking paths, biking trails, and the Environmental Awareness Nature Center. The "Trek Through Time" geocaching adventure starts at the nature center, and encourages visitors to solve various puzzles while learning more about the historical significance of the state forest. Meanwhile, the nature center is home to seasonal exhibits teaching visitors about both the history of the forest and the animals that live there. Throughout fall, visitors can enjoy various family-friendly events — including animal feeding, arts and crafts, and guided nature hikes.

Regardless of how someone chooses to enjoy Havenwoods State Forest, its location just minutes from downtown Milwaukee lets locals and tourists alike escape the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy a peaceful fall retreat.

Since Havenwoods State Forest is located a short drive away from Milwaukee, there are plenty of ways to plan a trip. Tourists can fly into the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and rent a car for the 16-mile drive from the airport. There are a myriad of motels and hotels, including both chains and boutiques, in and around the greater Milwaukee area.

Once a traveler decides on their accommodations, they can enjoy a variety of autumnal activities for both adults and families that are located in and right outside of Milwaukee. For instance, the Peck & Bushel apple orchard is located 30 miles from the city, where over 30 varieties of organic apples are grown on more than 30,000 trees. If travelers are interested in corn mazes and pumpkin patches, they can make the 30-mile drive to the Elegant Farmer and enjoy the dozens of homemade fall delicacies, from Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag to their signature Pumpkin Apple Bread. 

For tourists looking to stay closer to Milwaukee, there are still no shortage of seasonal fun options. The city's annual Oktoberfest takes place early each October in downtown Milwaukee, and has almost everything offered by the original German celebration. For people looking to embrace their spooky side, they can stay at one of Milwaukee's haunted hotels — including Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast and Pfister Hotel — or learn about the city's mysterious past on a ghost tour. For those looking to continue their foliage hunt, they can take in the sights at Lake Park, Lakeshore State Park, and Grant Park, which are all located near Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee.