Southern Wisconsin leaf lookin' spots
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Farm outside Lake Geneva. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
I like to say I'm part Wisconsin. So when the crisp fall air comes in and the leaves start to turn, my money is on the cheese state for some great leaf lookin'.
What to expect: Winding, country roads dotted with farms and signs for supper clubs. (And many, many campaign signs because, well, midterms).
Driving the news: Peak fall colors are expected this week and next, according to Explore Fall, so I was a little early when I went last weekend, but I still saw wonderful reds and oranges peeking through.
Caveat: Weather could scramble the timeline a bit. A strong El Niño could raise temperatures and delay some peak colors, according to the National Weather Service.
My itinerary: The Abbey opened in 1963 as a destination for families, with large rooms, a pool, arcade and shuttles to downtown Lake Geneva — sort of like a Midwestern Howard Johnson.
- The Abbey recently updated some of its suites and its signature restaurant, so we had dinner and a good night's sleep.
- Less than 10 minutes from the Abbey in Williams Bay, the Yerkes Observatory is home to the world's largest refracting telescope. Book a tour to go inside, but if you forget to do that (🙋♀️), stroll the peaceful grounds.
- Take Snake Road to get a glimpse of the changing colors, with Geneva Lake in the distance and beautiful, massive homes along the route.
- Stop in downtown Lake Geneva for some ice cream, browsing and a boat tour on the Lake. Expect some crowds on a sunny, 60-degree fall day like the one we had, but not the swarms you expect in the summer.
- Hope on a lake cruise to see Stone Manor and some of the famous Wrigley properties.
If you go: Suites at The Abbey average about $150-$200 a night, with more options closer to downtown Lake Geneva, including smaller, locally owned resorts.