The sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of hot cider and the cinnamon-y treat in the oven, the satisfaction from collecting a giant pile of leaves, and dogs or kids running up to jump in it. These feelings and experiences mark the wonderful season of fall. Its spirit of ghost stories, vines of ivy turning red against historic architecture, and your family's best warm recipes remind us of the great history embedded in this city and its residents. Between Milwaukee’s midwestern charm and the brilliant blue of Lake Michigan, contrasting with new orange hues, history feels alive in a place like this. Here are some of our favorite spots to soak in all that Milwaukee, both past and present, has to offer.
North Point Lighthouse
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the brain behind New York’s Central Park, Lake Park is one of Milwaukee’s natural gems. But don’t be fooled, there are hundreds of thousands of years of history behind its beauty. One of the only remaining prehistoric mounds built by Native Americans in the city lies within its borders. The park’s North Point Lighthouse, constructed in the late 1800s, gave its light to sailors for over 130 years. The lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters have since been restored and turned into a maritime museum, open on weekends. This gorgeous piece of land and Milwaukee history feels even more special in the fall. With the leaves turning colors and a slight chill in the air, there’s no better time to walk and appreciate the grounds that have been home to so many.
Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum
This historic cemetery is the final resting place of hundreds of beer barons, mayors, activists, and veterans who helped build Milwaukee into what it is today. But you won’t find any frights on this hike. The cemetery and arboretum is actually the opposite of spooky, scary and closed off. Take a stroll through the expertly maintained grounds for some quiet time, or join one of their many history tours as the leaves change. Watch the grounds spring to life with food, music and community for their Dia de los Muertos 5K and Festival. It's a celebration to die for!
Cave of the Mounds
Discovered in 1939, the Cave of the Mounds is one of the Midwest’s oldest cave formations. An easy day trip from the city, families and solo explorers alike are in for a treat with this massive underground landmark. The cave offers tours and events for all ages throughout the year, and October is no exception. Visit the cave for their HOLLOWeen Trick-or-Treat tours, where instead of candy, you and your little ones can collect rocks, crystals and fossil fragments. All ages of geology enthusiasts are welcome.
Cedar Creek Winery
Few places are as idyllic as the fall in the historic Cedar Creek Settlement in downtown Cedarburg. This town feels straight out of a Hallmark movie all year round, but especially in autumn. Covered in vines and next to a lovely pond, the Cedar Creek Winery is the perfect place to spend a fall day. Take a tour of their limestone cellars, see the remnants of its past life as a woolen mill and indulge in a wine tasting featuring grapes from all around the country, aged right here in Milwaukee.
Hank Aaron State Trail
This continuous, 14-mile-long trail takes visitors on a journey across Milwaukee County, winding through many important landmarks and neighborhoods. This includes the Soldiers' Home, a community built for veterans and their families to receive the care and connection they needed after the Civil War. This area was home to a library, a theater, churches, residential homes, and beautiful gardens, fountains, and ponds as places of reflection. Hop off the State Trail and take in some beautiful fall foliage.
Looking for even more fall fun? Find autumn excitement, peak leaf peeping and fall in love with Milwaukee.
