Wisconsin's Cute Community On The Shores Of Green Bay Is Charming In The Fall

When autumn rolls across Wisconsin, the state transforms into a brilliant patchwork of color. With state parks, family farms, and storybook orchards, it's a great time to visit the Badger State. The options for outdoor exploring are both numerous and world-class, like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore up north on Lake Superior — a great destination for your next kayaking adventure. The deep blues of the Great Lakes make a stunning juxtaposition to the miles of forest leaves burning orange, crimson, and honey gold. Similarly, a drive along the Lake Michigan coast should also be on every color-tour enthusiast's bucket list.

Door County in particular deserves immediate and serious consideration for a visit — any time of year, but especially in autumn. Take a road trip for fall foliage, sandy beaches, and orchards, or enjoy breathtaking hikes along limestone bluffs overlooking the shimmering waters of Green Bay. Beyond the roads and trails, the countryside comes alive with harvest-time energy. Family farms open their gates for corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches, while orchards invite visitors to pick their own fruit, sip warm cider, and sample homemade goods fresh from the oven.

Tucked along Door County's scenic shoreline, Fish Creek, Wisconsin, is a quintessential small town escape. In the fall, it comes alive with cozy inns, vibrant color tours, and miles of trails framed by fiery leaves in Peninsula State Park next door. Put some miles on your hiking boots or simply sit in the harbor with local cider, letting the waves of the bay wash away the noise of everyday life. No matter how it's done, a visit to Fish Creek offers a cozy blend of outdoor adventure and relaxing Midwest warmth.

Almost three hours north of Milwaukee, Fish Creek is a tiny lakeside town of only 1,000 residents, but the world-class beauty of Door County means the population on the peninsula increases tenfold in summer, and it's considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Lucky for leaf-peepers, crowds fade in autumn, but the tourism infrastructure remains. In Fish Creek, stay at a charming lodge like Little Sweden or choose a unique spot with delicious food such as Julie's Park Café & Motel, at the entrance to the nearby 3,776-acre state park.

Spend your days exploring Peninsula State Park's miles of hiking and biking trails — there's seasonal camping available too. Favorite hikes include Eagle Trail, with dramatic 150-foot bluffs and sweeping lake views, and Sunset Trail on the bikes, perfect for a relaxed ride through glowing forests. The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is in the park, and has guided ships through the rocky waters of Green Bay for over 150 years. Visitors can tour the restored keeper's home, furnished with authentic 19th-century artifacts and stories of the families who once kept the light burning. 

As the sun sets, stroll downtown Fish Creek. Buy a gift at Fish Creek Market, grab a tea at Blue Horse Beach Café, or enjoy casual fare and a local beer at The Bayside Tavern. For a unique dinner and some fresh Lake Michigan whitefish, reserve a spot at Pelletier's Restaurant & Fish Boil, and maybe stop by Bridge Up Brewing on the way home for a local draft and live music.

At 70 miles long and with 300 miles of shoreline on three sides, there's so much to explore on Door Peninsula. In autumn, it becomes a perfect mix of scenic drives, crisp air, and local bounty. The county's back-roads wind through forests, rolling farmland, and lakeside villages, each offering a taste of small town charm. Farmers' markets overflow with apples, pumpkins, and handcrafted goods — try the Sturgeon Bay or Sister Bay markets for local honey, jams, and baked treats still warm from the oven. Most operate to mid-October.

Door County's many orchards are a highlight of the season. Pick your own flowers at OneEighty Petals. or wander through apple rows in the 100-acre Lautenbach's farm and enjoy a cider. Nearby in Egg Harbor, the Wood Orchard Market is a must-stop for classic cherry pie and other baked goods. Many farms host fall festivities with hayrides, corn mazes, and live music, creating a festive rural backdrop against the golden landscape.

Wine lovers will find that the peninsula's vineyards come alive this season. Follow the Door County Wine Trail, stopping at wineries like Harbor Ridge or Anchored Roots for tastings of cherry reds and crisp whites paired with local cheeses. Want to enjoy the local beverages to the fullest and not have to find an Uber or designated driver? No problem. Door County Trolley can take you and your friends on a wine tour, a pub crawl, or a chocolate, cheese, and wine pairing outing. Whether you're exploring scenic country roads, sharing a bottle by the fire, or watching the sunset over Green Bay, fall in Door County feels like the Midwest's most colorful celebration of the season.