Many northern Wisconsin spots are close to peak fall color, but eastern lakeshore still green

Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read

A hefty number of northern Wisconsin locations are on the verge of peak fall color, according to observers for Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report.

The best places to see changing fall color in Wisconsin right now include Hurley, at 85 percent; Forest County, Iron River, Merrill and the Nicolet Wolf River Scenic Byway, all at 75 percent; Land O' Lakes, at 70 percent; and Burnett County and the Phelps area, at 65 percent, according the Fall Color Report as of Sept. 28. The report states Hurley is already at peak fall color. Most other northern locations mentioned are expected to peak the first week of October.

In central Wisconsin, the Clark County observer reports 75 percent; Wausau, 55 percent; Marquette County, Shawano and Stevens Point Area, 50 percent; and Menominee County, 45 percent. Those locations are expected to reach peak fall color during the second week of October.

Leading color spots in southern Wisconsin include Crawford County, 50 percent; Portage, 45 percent; Prairie du Chien, 40 percent; Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Richland County and Wisconsin Dells, 35 percent.

In general, eastern Wisconsin communities along Lake Michigan are still greener than spots farther inland, according to the Fall Color Report map.

The report estimates that Milwaukee, Waukesha and West Bend will reach peak color the third week of October.

SmokyMountains.com's national Fall Foliage Prediction Map for 2023 suggests much of northern and central Wisconsin will reach peak color circa Oct. 9. This prediction map draws on historical leaf peak trends, as well as historical and forecasted temperatures and precipitation data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to calculate when colors will peak in every county across the country.

More: Which Wisconsin trees turn what color, and when, and answers to other questions about fall colors

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin fall colors map: Many northern spots on verge of peak color