Wisconsin's Charming Island State Park Is Brimming With Fall Foliage And River Views

Wisconsin is an all-around underrated destination, particularly for nature. With the forests, inland lakes, the Great Lakes shoreline, like the Apostle Islands up north on Lake Superior or the picturesque peninsula of Door County on Lake Michigan — a beautiful destination that's considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest, the Badger State has a lot more top-notch natural vistas than it gets credit for. All of its forested area combined with quaint family farms, small local vineyards, and storybook orchards, means that Wisconsin is a great place to be when the summer ends. The days get shorter, the leaves give a final colorful curtain call before layering the ground in their autumn hues, and the outdoor activities continue — now featuring cozy sweaters.

There are countless places to visit and enjoy the transitional cool months of fall. Nestled in a rural northwest part of Wisconsin, where the Fisher River meets the Chippewa River, Brunet Island State Park is a haven for explorers seeking fall color, calm, and crisp air. A 3-hour drive northwest of Madison or a two-hour jaunt east from Minneapolis — which has the best mega airport in the U.S. beloved by travelers — the park's 1,300 acres transform every fall into a vivid mosaic of colors reflecting beautifully on the many surrounding waterways.

Riverside camping, beaches, and lagoons surrounded by forest offer relaxing canoeing and nature watching. Hiking trails with arching branches overhead beckon for contemplative strolls. And the surrounding Chippewa County is brimming with quintessential autumn outdoor fun, making a visit to Brunet Island State Park an unforgettable fall getaway.

Fall is the perfect time to go on your next camping adventure, and Brunet Island State Park has modern campsites at its southern campground and rustic sites at the northern campground, many set along the shores of the Chippewa River and its quiet bays — ideal for cozy campfires under a canopy of color. On TripAdvisor, this visitor wrote, "In all my years of camping, this is the best place we ever camped at ... We walked miles on our stay there, absolutely wonderful!" Autumn camping goes until the end of October, and the chilly evenings, lack of crowds, and vibrant colors add a special charm. Day-trips can also be made to the park from nearby vacation rentals or hotels in Chippewa Falls, thirty minutes away, while the town of Cornell next door has supplies, dining, and small town hospitality.

No matter where you stay, the best way to start the day is with a scenic paddle along the park's quiet channels, where mist rises off the rivers and you might spot a deer along the banks — gear can be rented from Cornell or nearby Holcombe. The park also features eight miles of hiking and biking trails. The nearby 20-mile Old Abe State Trail is great for cycling and connects Brunet Island State Park to Lake Wissota State Park, winding along the Chippewa River, across rolling farmland, and through lush forests. 

Whether you're hiking, canoeing, or simply soaking in the autumn brilliance, Brunet Island State Park is a perfect seasonal escape. Be sure to check out the Wisconsin Fall Color Report if looking to arrive during peak foliage — the best times for this county is mid/late October.

Like much of Wisconsin, Chippewa County offers a gorgeous fall escape as the trees turn and the air grows cooler. Pull on your hiking boots and head to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail just south of the park. The Chippewa Moraine Segment of this 1,200-mile route hosts a "Parade of Colors" event at the beginning of October, when nature lovers walk different mile routes through swooping hills awash in amber, crimson, and gold.

Similarly, the 14 miles of Hickory Ridge Trails offer cycling through gently sloping forests, showcasing the best of autumn's colors and stunning reflections off of the little lakes that make every mile unforgettable. For farm-fresh fun, search out local orchards and markets: the county's farmers' markets (in Chippewa Falls and Cadott) are stocked with late-season apples, pumpkins, and fall crafts — check the online events schedule for seasonal availability. For a truly unforgettable experience, head to The Hidden Timber Soul Sanctuary, 35 minutes from Brunet Island, for goat yoga — you read that right: yoga with goats.

When you're ready to wind down for the evening, stop by Dixon's Autumn Harvest Winery or River Bend Winery & Distillery — both craft local wines and host seasonal events. In downtown Chippewa Falls, the historic Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company has tours and seasonal beer releases. There's also an annual Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest in late-September, celebrating German heritage with music, stein-holding contests, and family entertainment. Whether you're hiking through brilliant foliage, paddling the Fisher and Chippewa Rivers, or browsing apple stands, Brunet Island State Park and Chippewa County in autumn deliver a rich mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back charm. Pack layers, bring your camera, and savor the seasonal magic.