WISCONSIN TRAVEL

See fall colors in Wisconsin from above on these observation towers

Chelsey Lewis
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

One of the best ways to see fall colors in Wisconsin is to get above them.  

And in a relatively flat state, one of the best ways to do that is by climbing an observation tower. There are plenty around the state to choose from. 

Colors already started appearing in northern Wisconsin at the end of August. They usually reach peak there around the second week in October and in southern Wisconsin a week or two later. 

Take them in on these towers around southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. 

Southeastern Wisconsin observation towers 

Lapham Peak, Delafield: The 45-foot tower in this unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest sits on the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet) and offers views of the surrounding forest and Lake Country. Like all towers on this list, pets are not permitted up this one (they are allowed on trails around the tower, except for the nature trail), and a state parks sticker is required for admission ($28/year, $8/day).  

Pike Lake, Hartford: Another unit of the KMSF, Pike Lake has an observation tower on top of Powder Hill, the second highest point in southeastern Wisconsin. The highest is Holy Hill, visible on a clear day less than 10 miles south. A state parks sticker is required. 

Fall colors surround glacial kames that are visible from the top of the Parnell Tower in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit.

Parnell Tower, Plymouth: This 60-foot tower rises above the Kettle Moraine State Forest’s northern unit, with views of the area’s glacial landscape including a collection of kames to the west. A 3.5-mile trail loops around the tower, part of which shares a tread with the Ice Age Trail. The tower is popular in the fall, and the parking lot is small, so go early or on a weekday to avoid crowds. A state parks sticker is required. 

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Bayside: The 60-foot observation tower at this nature center provides views of the surrounding woodlands and Lake Michigan. Six miles of trails wind through the 185-acre property, including some that are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Pets are not permitted anywhere in the nature center; admission is $8 for adults, $5 for kids (3-17) and active-duty military and veterans. 

Mequon Nature Preserve, Mequon: The observation tower at this preserve sits between some of the 444-acre property’s restored beech maple forest and wooded wetlands. Five miles of trails wind through the property. The preserve is free to visit and open to leashed pets. 

Sheboygan Marsh State Wildlife Area, Greenbush: It’s 144 steps to the top of this four-tier, 80-foot tower — the state's tallest — in the Broughton Sheboygan Marsh Park and Wildlife Area. Views extend across 14,000 acres of woods and wetlands along the Sheboygan River. 

More observation towers in Wisconsin 

Blue Mound State Park, Blue Mounds: This park has two observation towers perched on the highest point in southern Wisconsin. Each is 40 feet high and offers views of the surrounding Baraboo Hills and Lower Wisconsin Riverway. A state parks sticker is required.

Copper Falls State Park, Mellen: The 65-foot observation tower at this park provides 360-degree views of the surrounding forest, which is slowly growing almost taller than the tower. A state parks sticker is required. 

Eagle Tower, Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek: An accessible 850-foot ramp leads to the top of this observation tower in Door County that offers views of the surrounding park and Green Bay. A state parks sticker is required.

The observation tower at High Cliff State Park provides views of fall colors and Lake Winnebago.

High Cliff State Park, Sherwood: Take in views of Lake Winnebago, the state’s largest inland lake, and the colorful canopy on the limestone cliffs along it from this park’s 40-foot tower. The park’s campground is also a prime fall camping spot, in maple woods that blaze yellow and orange in autumn. A state parks sticker is required.

Hoffman Hills Recreation Area, Menomonie: Before skiers descend on this state property northwest of Eau Claire, it’s a prime spot for leaf-peeping. The park’s 60-foot observation tower is a couple miles from the parking lot on one of the highest points in Dunn County. Pets are not permitted at the park.

Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau: Views from the 60-foot observation tower on top of 1,924-foot Rib Mountain include the Wisconsin River, Wausau and Nine Mile County Forest to the south. The mountain’s Granite Peak Ski Area also offers chairlift rides in the fall for more colorful views. A state parks sticker is required for admission to the park.

Fall colors surround the observation tower on top of Timm's Hill, Wisconsin's highest point.

Timm’s Hill County Park, Ogema: The state’s highest point has an observation tower that provides views of the surrounding Price County forest, plus a few small lakes. The tower is a short uphill hike from the parking lot. The gate for the county park at W3206 County Road RR is open 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. May through October. 

Contact Chelsey Lewis at (414) 224-2144 or clewis@journalsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter at @chelseylew and @TravelMJS and Facebook at Journal Sentinel Travel.