Barthel Fruit Farm
Orchard · Wisconsin
The Barthel family has been growing fruit in Mequon since 1840, and the farm still runs on that scale: u-pick rows of peaches through August and apples from September on, a bakery that changes its menu with the season, and a greenhouse out front. It is a working farm first, with none of the theme park additions some orchards have picked up.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Color nearby peaks: October 15–October 19
Color builds from October 2 · mostly bare by November 7
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Barthel Fruit Farm’s own coordinates and elevation (253 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Barthel Fruit Farm 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
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
National parkPeak October 11
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: 21 Lake Superior islands · largest NPS lighthouse collection · sea cave boat and kayak tours
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Barthel Fruit Farm peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 15–October 19 (best estimate October 17). Color starts around October 2 and is mostly bare by November 7.
- What is Barthel Fruit Farm best for?
- Milwaukee area families who want a working farm, not a theme park.
- How do I get to Barthel Fruit Farm?
- The closest city is Milwaukee, about 16 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of Wisconsin's fall lineup.
Own or manage Barthel Fruit Farm? Update your listing or get in touch.