Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, baked goods and hayrides... these are a few of my favorite things. What do they have in common? They can all be found in Wisconsin during fall! Our friends at Something Special from Wisconsin have helped us create the ultimate list of ways to enjoy everything the season has to offer. Happy trails.
Rim's Edge Orchard, Colgate
A pick-your-own apple orchard just northwest of Milwaukee, Rim's Edge Orchard spans 55 acres and offers more than 20 types of apples, including fan-favorite Honeycrisp, SnowSweet and Cortland. To top off your fun fall day, pick up some apple cider, honey, maple syrup and, because no stop at the orchard is complete without it, a delicious caramel apple.
Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center, Warrens
Did you know that Wisconsin produces 60 percent of the world's cranberries? Or that Warrens is the Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin? And that Warrens hosts the world's largest cranberry festival? The Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center provides a unique and entertaining experience for anyone looking to learn about Wisconsin's cranberry industry, featuring a museum, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a gift shop featuring cranberry products from Wisconsin. Cranberries are in season in late September and early October, so this is the perfect fall getaway.
J. Smith Farms, Kenosha
A third-generation family farm, J. Smith Farms opens its Pumpkin Farm in the fall for families and school groups to enjoy the best autumn activities, including a hayride, corn maze, jumping pillow, petting zoo, baked goods and, of course, pumpkins perfect for pies, carving and decorating.
Rainbow Ridge Farms, Onalaska
While Rainbow Ridge features a variety of farm favorites, this Coulee region farm and bed and breakfast offers a must-see pumpkin patch. Rainbow Ridge Pumpkin Patch is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, offering hay rides, games, crafts and a farm store. If you're not yet convinced, they've been voted the second-best place to take children to by Midwest Living.
Creek Bed Country Farmacy, Poynette
Are you up for the challenge of Wisconsin's largest corn maze? Visit Creek Bed Country Farmacy for 18 acres of twists and turns, as well as hay rides, a pumpkin patch full of pumpkins, gourds and squash (not to mention a pumpkin slingshot), plenty of family-friendly activities and a gift shop.
Apple Holler, Sturtevant
With a pick-your-own orchard featuring apples, pears and pumpkins, as well as a selection of delicious bakery and deli items, unique gifts and an on-site restaurant, Apple Holler really has it all when it comes to fall fun. Enjoy hay rides and outdoor attractions at the Family Farm Park, and then enjoy a home-style meal in a cozy setting.
Learn more at somethingspecialwi.com. Which of these fall fun destinations have been your favorite? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
Rim's Edge Orchard, Colgate
A pick-your-own apple orchard just northwest of Milwaukee, Rim's Edge Orchard spans 55 acres and offers more than 20 types of apples, including fan-favorite Honeycrisp, SnowSweet and Cortland. To top off your fun fall day, pick up some apple cider, honey, maple syrup and, because no stop at the orchard is complete without it, a delicious caramel apple.
Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center, Warrens
Did you know that Wisconsin produces 60 percent of the world's cranberries? Or that Warrens is the Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin? And that Warrens hosts the world's largest cranberry festival? The Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center provides a unique and entertaining experience for anyone looking to learn about Wisconsin's cranberry industry, featuring a museum, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a gift shop featuring cranberry products from Wisconsin. Cranberries are in season in late September and early October, so this is the perfect fall getaway.
J. Smith Farms, Kenosha
A third-generation family farm, J. Smith Farms opens its Pumpkin Farm in the fall for families and school groups to enjoy the best autumn activities, including a hayride, corn maze, jumping pillow, petting zoo, baked goods and, of course, pumpkins perfect for pies, carving and decorating.
Rainbow Ridge Farms, Onalaska
While Rainbow Ridge features a variety of farm favorites, this Coulee region farm and bed and breakfast offers a must-see pumpkin patch. Rainbow Ridge Pumpkin Patch is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, offering hay rides, games, crafts and a farm store. If you're not yet convinced, they've been voted the second-best place to take children to by Midwest Living.
Creek Bed Country Farmacy, Poynette
Are you up for the challenge of Wisconsin's largest corn maze? Visit Creek Bed Country Farmacy for 18 acres of twists and turns, as well as hay rides, a pumpkin patch full of pumpkins, gourds and squash (not to mention a pumpkin slingshot), plenty of family-friendly activities and a gift shop.
Apple Holler, Sturtevant
With a pick-your-own orchard featuring apples, pears and pumpkins, as well as a selection of delicious bakery and deli items, unique gifts and an on-site restaurant, Apple Holler really has it all when it comes to fall fun. Enjoy hay rides and outdoor attractions at the Family Farm Park, and then enjoy a home-style meal in a cozy setting.
Learn more at somethingspecialwi.com. Which of these fall fun destinations have been your favorite? Share with us on social media using #discoverwisconsin.
- Kristen Finstad is a crew member of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.