A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
Fall is one of the best times to explore Southern Wisconsin. The weather is cooler, the leaves are starting to change, and there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy the season.
Make a Day of Fall at Warm Belly Farm
In Cottage Grove, Warm Belly Farm is ready to welcome fall with its annual Full Harvest Festival. Spend the day wandering through a corn maze, exploring the pumpkin patch, snapping photos in the sunflower field, and enjoying a tractor ride. There are also fresh donuts, food trucks, a beer garden, live music, and plenty of opportunities to simply soak up the season.
Have little ones? There’s plenty for them to do, too! With a private nursing room and Little Bellys play area, it’s easy for the whole family to enjoy a fall day together.
The 2026 Full Harvest Festival runs weekends from September 12 through November 1. Tickets are available online ahead of time, so you can plan your visit before you go! Once you’ve had your fill of fall fun, head into Cottage Grove to check out the local shops and settle in for a cozy meal.
Stock Up on Fall Sweets at Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
Just outside Lake Geneva, Apple Barn Orchard & Winery has been a family-owned and operated farm since 1848. Today, it’s a mandatory fall stop where you can pick your own apples, browse the country store and bakery, and sample wines made right on the farm. And of course, no visit is complete without an apple cider donut.
For an especially memorable fall outing, plan your visit around Apple Barn’s 38th Annual Apple Fest on September 26, 2026. The weekend includes all the regular fall fun, plus live music, coffee, family portrait sessions, fresh flower bouquets, and more!
Take the Scenic Route
While there’s plenty to do at each stop to make a full day out of it, you can easily visit both in the same day. The two are only about a 60-minute drive apart, making for a fun fall road trip through Southern Wisconsin. Along the way, stop in Whitewater for a bite to eat or a little exploring, or take the scenic route and wander the country roads as the landscape starts to fill with reds, oranges, and golds.
Whether you’re looking for pumpkins, apples, wine, donuts, or just a reason to get outside, Southern Wisconsin is a pretty great place to spend a fall day.
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Josie Bartol is a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager at Discover Mediaworks. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
