Catch 2021 Peak WI Fall Foliage In Last Weeks Of October

MILWAUKEE, WI — Fall is already underway in Wisconsin.

While the autumn equinox has come and gone, you still have plenty of time to enjoy a family outing to the pumpkin patch. Your window to catch the best views of fall foliage in Wisconsin, however, is growing smaller by the day.

As October nears its end, the leaves in some parts of Wisconsin are just days away from peak splendor, according to the 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

Many of the state's northern counties have already passed peak status, according to Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report. Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Racine and Dane counties will reach full fall colors in the third or fourth week of October.

If you’re hoping to catch the best views of fall foliage in Wisconsin, the week of Oct. 24 may be the perfect time for a road trip. That’s when fall foliage will be at or near peak throughout much of the state.

In general, leaves are likely to peak later than usual this year because of prolonged drought conditions across a large swath of the United States. In affected states, leaves may turn from green to brown and skip the brilliant color wheel before “giving up” and falling to the ground.

If you’re not sure where to get the best views of the changing leaves in Wisconsin, the following are some of the top places to consider:

• Eagle. Try the Nordic Trails, Scuppernong Trails, or the Ice Age Trail in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Travel Wisconsin said.
• Milwaukee. The city has plenty of opportunities to spot fall colors, like on N. Lincoln Memorial Drive or in Humboldt Park in the Bay View neighborhood.
• Racine. The city is "jam-packed" full of activities during harvest season, Travel Wisconsin said.
• Ozaukee County. The county has trails, parks and nature preserves for people to enjoy, Travel Wisconsin said.
• Washington County. The county shares Kettle Moraine State Forest with Waukesha and has many scenic drives, Travel Wisconsin said.