Check out these nearby observation towers to get a magnificent view of the changing leaves:

Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary

1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033

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The scenic tower at Holy Hill is just up the stairs from the parking lot. It stretches 192 feet at its base, and has 178 stairs. It’s actually kind of scary, in a good-adventures-are-kinda-scary type of way. The views are unparalleled. On a clear day, you can even see the skyline of downtown Milwaukee.

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

1111 E Brown Deer Rd, Bayside, WI 53217

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When it’s not rainy or snowy, you can walk a short quarter mile from the main building and climb the 60-ft Observation Tower for a spectacular view of the surrounding area including the lake.

Lapham Peak State Park

W 329 N 846, Delafield, WI 53018

Start your trip at the Hausmann Nature Center where you’ll find a children’s interactive area, great views of the forest, and nature exhibits. From there, it’s a relatively easy hike to the 45-foot observation tower that sits atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level). You’ll see lake country for miles.

Kettle Moraine State Forest Pike Lake Unit

3544 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53086

Be sure to hike to Powder Hill, whose trailhead is about a half mile away from the Nature Trail parking lot. Powder Hill is the second highest point in southeastern Wisconsin, and you can climb the observation tower for a panoramic view.

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