Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
National park · Wisconsin
Established in 1970, this Lake Superior park protects 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline near Bayfield, home to the National Park System's largest collection of lighthouses. Fall boat and kayak tours thread sea caves and sandstone cliffs backed by turning birch and maple, usually peaking late September.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 9–October 13
Color builds from September 26 · mostly bare by October 31
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore’s own coordinates and elevation (334 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on the map
More things to do in Wisconsin
Peninsula State Park
State parkPeak October 15
Door County's flagship park, established 1909, covers 3,776 acres and eight miles of Green Bay shoreline near Fish Creek and Ephraim. Climb Eagle Tower or bike the shoreline trails as sugar maples turn against the water. It's the peninsula's most photographed fall scenery, peaking late Sept into early Oct.
Don’t miss: Eagle Tower observation deck · 8 miles of Green Bay shoreline · peak color late Sept to early Oct
Devil's Lake State Park
State parkPeak October 15
Wisconsin's most-visited state park rings a 360-acre lake with 500-foot quartzite bluffs near Baraboo, its 9,217 acres crossed by 29 miles of trail past formations like Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway. Oak and maple color the bluff tops in early October above climbers and lake-trail hikers alike.
Don’t miss: 500-ft quartzite bluffs · Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway · 29 miles of trails
Holy Hill Basilica
ViewpointPeak October 16
A minor basilica built by Discalced Carmelite friars crowns a Kettle Moraine hilltop in Hubertus, where a 178-step observation tower climbs above the church for 360-degree views over turning maple and oak, with Milwaukee's skyline visible some 30 miles off on a clear fall day.
Don’t miss: 178-step observation tower · 360-degree Kettle Moraine views · working Carmelite monastery
The Elegant Farmer
OrchardColor nearby peaks October 19
Founded as a dairy farm in 1946 and now run by its fourth generation in Mukwonago, this market ships close to 10,000 Apple Pies Baked in a Paper Bag nationwide during Thanksgiving week alone. Fall visitors browse the pumpkin patch and harvest market for the same pie fresh off the farm.
Don’t miss: Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag · family-run since 1946 · pumpkin patch and harvest market
Frequently asked
- When does Apostle Islands National Lakeshore peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 9–October 13 (best estimate October 11). Color starts around September 26 and is mostly bare by October 31.
- What is Apostle Islands National Lakeshore best for?
- Lake Superior island and lighthouse tours.
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