As the air cools and the leaves change to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, the Midwest transforms into a picturesque autumn wonderland. From scenic drives through colorful forests to cozy harvest festivals, the region offers a variety of activities that capture the spirit of fall. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here are five must-try fall activities in the Midwest that will make your autumn unforgettable.
1. Take a Scenic Drive Through Fall Foliage
The Midwest is home to some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country. One of the best ways to experience it is by taking a scenic drive through the rolling hills, state parks, and countryside roads that offer breathtaking views of the changing leaves. Some of the top places to drive include:
Door County, Wisconsin – Known for its quaint towns and vibrant trees along the peninsula.
Great River Road, Illinois – This drive runs alongside the Mississippi River, with beautiful views of both water and foliage.
Hocking Hills, Ohio – Winding roads through this state park offer scenic lookouts, rock formations, and forests bursting with autumn color.
Be sure to bring your camera and stop at one of the many roadside apple orchards or farm stands for a truly Midwestern experience.
2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze
Nothing says fall quite like a trip to a pumpkin patch. Many farms across the Midwest offer not only pumpkin picking but also fun activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Some popular destinations include:
Richardson Adventure Farm, Illinois – Home to the world’s largest corn maze, it’s a great spot for a family-friendly day of fall fun.
Sever’s Corn Maze, Minnesota – With themed corn mazes and live entertainment, this is one of the region’s top fall attractions.
Waterman’s Family Farm, Indiana – A charming place to pick the perfect pumpkin, enjoy hayrides, and sip on warm apple cider.
Whether you're searching for the perfect pumpkin or challenging yourself in a corn maze, these farms offer hours of fall-themed fun.
3. Attend a Harvest Festival
Fall harvest festivals are a great way to embrace the seasonal traditions of the Midwest. These festivals often feature local food vendors, craft beer tastings, live music, and more. Here are a few that stand out:
Apple Fest in Bayfield, Wisconsin – This quaint festival celebrates the region’s apple harvest with a weekend full of apple-themed treats, crafts, and entertainment.
Oktoberfest in La Crosse, Wisconsin – Known as the "Midwest's Best Oktoberfest," this celebration offers parades, live polka music, and plenty of bratwursts and beer.
Morton Pumpkin Festival, Illinois – Morton, the "Pumpkin Capital of the World," hosts an annual festival that features pumpkin-flavored everything and a pumpkin pie-eating contest.
These festivals highlight local culture and bring communities together to celebrate the bounty of the season.
4. Explore Midwest Hiking Trails
Fall is the perfect time for hiking in the Midwest, with cooler temperatures and stunning landscapes making for enjoyable outdoor adventures. There are countless trails, but a few stand out as must-tries for fall enthusiasts:
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois – Known for its sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and sweeping views of the Illinois River, this park is particularly beautiful in the fall.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio – This park offers miles of trails through rolling hills, forests, and waterfalls, all showcasing the vibrant fall colors.
Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin – Located in the Baraboo Range, the park’s dramatic cliffs and serene lake are framed by a kaleidoscope of fall colors.
These trails allow hikers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Midwest's natural autumn landscapes.
5. Sip on Local Ciders and Craft Beers
The Midwest is known for its craft beer and cider scene, and fall is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal flavors. Many breweries and cideries release special fall brews, including pumpkin ales, Oktoberfest-style beers, and crisp hard ciders. Here are a few places to check out:
Angry Orchard, Ohio – Famous for their variety of hard ciders, you can tour the orchard, sip seasonal ciders, and enjoy the fall scenery.
New Glarus Brewing, Wisconsin – This brewery is beloved for its craft beers, and their fall selection includes rich malty brews perfect for the season.
Indiana’s Upland Brewing Co. – Their seasonal "Oktoberfest Lager" is a crowd favorite during autumn, pairing well with cool evenings and warm bonfires.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or a cider lover, the Midwest’s breweries offer a variety of fall flavors to enjoy.
From vibrant foliage to festive harvest celebrations, the Midwest is a magical place to experience fall. Whether you're exploring a scenic drive, getting lost in a corn maze, or sipping on a local craft beer, these activities will help you make the most of the season. So grab a cozy sweater, hit the road, and enjoy the best that fall in the Midwest has to offer!
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