Discover some of the best fall color in the Midwest as you explore Vilas County. Every September and October (peak color usually arrives at the beginning of October but conditions vary from year to year), the forests of northern Wisconsin erupt in an explosion of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Be sure to keep an eye on this page throughout the season, where you can find fall color updates for communities across Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
When do fall colors usually peak in Vilas County?
The timing of peak fall colors in Vilas County and northern Wisconsin depends on several factors, including weather (mild days and cool nights are best) and climate conditions (dry or drought conditions can put stress on leaves and make them turn and drop earlier). Traditionally, fall colors peak in the Northwoods in the last week of September or the first week of October.Â
Where are the best places to see fall colors in Vilas County?
Vilas County is a land of rugged scenic beauty in northern Wisconsin, and it’s covered by thousands of acres of forest, so there are many excellent places to go throughout the county to catch the fall colors.
- The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are vast wilderness areas that offer amazing fall views at trails, lakes, and campgroundsÂ
- From Vilas County’s only Rustic Road (near Boulder Junction) to tree-lined county highways, there are lots of scenic rides for motorists and motorcyclists to explore in Vilas County in the fall
- Hiking trails and biking trails allow you to take in the wonder of the fall color season at your own pace (don’t forget to download our free trails app)
More fall color resources:
- Stunning fall color hikes in Vilas County
- 4 rides where you can see amazing fall colors in the Northwoods
- 4 ways to enjoy Vilas County’s fall colors
How often is the Vilas County fall color report updated?
Individual communities provide updates for the fall color report shown above, and those updates usually come in weekly, or more often as conditions warrant and peak color approaches.
