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Updated August 22, 2025
Looking for the best fall colors near Milwaukee? Whether you’re after a skyline overlook, a scenic drive, or a family-friendly hike, these spots deliver brilliant autumn views without long treks or tricky parking.
Peak timing for 2025: mid–late October around Milwaukee (weather dependent). For fewer crowds, try weekday mornings during the third week of October.
For even more seasonal ideas, see our complete guide to family fall activities in Milwaukee, and our interactive Milwaukee Fall Fun Map to search by location!
Interactive Milwaukee Fall Color Map
Use our interactive Milwaukee Fall Fun Map (with 🍂 leaf markers!) to find the best places for fall colors, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and more. Zoom in on your neighborhood, or plan a day trip for peak leaf season.
When is Peak Fall Color in Milwaukee?
ExploreFall.com’s Fall Foliage Map 2025 estimates peak color in the northern third of Wisconsin to be around Oct. 7. The state’s central third follows around Oct. 18, and in the greater Milwaukee area and southern Wisconsin by Oct. 28th.
Top Spots for Fall Colors Around Milwaukee
Holy Hill Basilica & National Shrine of Mary (Hubertus)
178-step tower with sweeping fall colors near Milwaukee; skyline visible on clear days.
- The 192-foot tower is a short walk from parking (178 steps; older kids may lead the way, little ones may need help).
- Open May–October, weather permitting; may close for high winds, storms, fog, or slippery stairs.
- Quieter on weekdays or early in the day during peak leaf season.
- Pro tip: Look for the playful “Holy Hill Skeletons” display by Jimmy Zamzow along Hwy 167, just east of Holy Hill.
- Address: 1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak (Delafield)
Short walk to a 45′ observation tower at the highest point in Waukesha County; lake country panorama.
- Start at Hausmann Nature Center and take an easy hike to the 45-foot tower (elev. 1,233′).
- You can also park near the base for a quick ascent; skyline sometimes visible on clear days.
- State park sticker required.
- Make it a hike: see our prettiest fall hikes near Milwaukee.
- Address: W329N846 County Hwy C, Delafield, WI 53018
North Point Lighthouse – Lake Park (Milwaukee)
Historic lighthouse climb with 360° views of Lake Park, Lake Michigan, and downtown.
- Built in 1855; restored in 2007. Guided and self-guided tours; Lunch & Tour option Mon–Thu for larger groups.
- To climb: children must be at least 5 years old and 38″ tall; 84 steps plus a ladder to the lantern room.
- Address: 2650 N. Wahl Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Retzer Nature Center (Waukesha)
Easy-access overlook (Vista on the Orange Loop) plus family-friendly trails.
- Follow the Orange Loop (or a shortcut) to the Vista for expansive Waukesha views.
- Discovery Trail features Exploration Stations for outdoor education, sensory play, and STEM; gateway feature, stone seat-wall gathering space, habitat free-play area, boulder scramble, native plant observation.
- Fall favorite: Scarecrow Lane, a half-mile loop with creative scarecrows made by visitors.
- Address: S14W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53188
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center (Bayside)
Forest and Lake Michigan views from a 60′ observation tower; short ¼-mile walk from the main building.
More details:
• When trails are dry, climb the tower for a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding canopy.
• Family Nature Packs available (scavenger hunt, tracks guide, magnifying glass, Nature Notebook).
• Don’t miss Mystery Lake—turtles and frogs tucked in the forest. It’s stunning!
• Address: 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside, WI 53217
Tip: If you’re up for more color on foot, check out the prettiest fall hikes near Milwaukee.
Parnell Tower – Kettle Moraine North (Plymouth)
60′ wooden tower with views up to ~25 miles on clear days; classic Kettle Moraine fall foliage.
More details:
- On the 3.5-mile Parnell Tower Trail, intersecting the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
- Start at the trailhead near the parking area on County Hwy U (¼-mile west of County Hwy A).
- Picnic area near parking for post-hike snacks.
- Hours: 6 a.m.–11 p.m. Parking closed in winter months.
- State park admission sticker required.
- Address: W7876 County Rd U, Plymouth, WI 53073
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake / Powder Hill (Hartford)
Short hike to an observation tower at one of SE Wisconsin’s highest points; panoramic autumn color.
More details:
- Begin at the Nature Trail parking lot; the trailhead to Powder Hill is about ½ mile away.
- A segment of the Ice Age Trail runs through this unit.
- State park admission sticker required.
- Address: 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53086
Alice Bertschy Kadish Park / Kilbourn Reservoir Park (Milwaukee)
Stair climb to a skyline overlook framed by treetops—excellent fall photo spot.
- Established in 2007 through a public-private partnership; City leases the park to COA Youth & Family Centers.
- Pair your visit with a stroll through Black Cat Alley for vibrant street art; consider a stop at Milwaukee’s cat café.
- Address: 750 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212
Mequon Nature Preserve (Mequon)
510 acres of beech-maple forest and wooded wetlands; observation tower near Pat’s Pond; flat, family-friendly trails.
- Six miles of well-maintained trails; enter from Swan Road, pass Pat’s Pond to reach the tower.
- Free; leashed dogs welcome; sunrise–sunset.
- Address: 8200 W. County Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive (6 counties)
Follow the green acorn signs for a 115-mile scenic drive through nonstop fall color.
- Route begins near Elkhart Lake (Sheboygan County) and ends at Whitewater Lake (Walworth County).
- Expect glacial landscapes, rolling hills, frequent picnic pull-offs and trailheads.
- Pro tip: For iconic Holy Hill views, include a stretch along Hwy K.
- Map tip: Save the official route map to your phone before you go in case the cell signal goes out!
More Fall Fun Around Milwaukee:
- Best places to go apple picking near Milwaukee
- Pumpkin patches near Milwaukee for families
- Corn mazes near Milwaukee (kid-friendly picks)
- Hayrides near Milwaukee (top family spots)
- Fall festivals in Milwaukee and nearby towns
- Family-friendly Oktoberfest events around Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Halloween Family Fun Guide
- Petting zoos and farm parks near Milwaukee
- Sunflower fields near Milwaukee (bloom calendar)
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
