January 9

Wisconsin's 16 million acres of forests will soon transform from bright green to vibrant seasonal hues, and travelers can use the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report to find the best fall color and plan their getaway. With more than 25,000 views so far, the award-winning report has seen a steady increase in website traffic since July, nearly two months earlier than last year's Fall Color Report. The report, which officially launched a few weeks ago offers an interactive map with links to nearby events, lodging and dining; local travel tips, such as scenic drives and seasonal activities; and the ability to share, tag and rate photos.

ALL COLOR REPORT FACTS

Fall foliage fans interested in tracking the state's changing color can access the report from their mobile device to make travel decisions on the go, or text "WI Fall" to 468311 to receive alerts. Visitors can also sign up to have the Fall Color Report emailed to them every Thursday in time to make weekend plans. More than 100 fall color reporters throughout the state provide updates for all 72 counties, making the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report the most timely and comprehensive report available. It is updated "virtually live," meaning reporters from chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, tourism organizations, and state parks and forests can update their area's status as conditions change. At a minimum, fall color watchers update once a week.

Text “WI Fall” to 468311 to receive alerts, or check our annual Wisconsin Fall Color Report starting in early September for real-time details from our statewide network of foliage reporters. And read on for all things autumn.

When’s the best time to see changing leaves?

The season starts with an enthralling color climax as deciduous trees and some shrubs prepare to shed their leaves for winter, painting over the state in a vibrant patchwork from north to south. Though peak foliage times are difficult to predict with precision, the parade of pigment starts at the top of the state, typically in mid-September, and ends along the southern state line around late October.

What mix of colors will the season’s palette hold?

As the sun beams with less intensity and the nights become longer and cooler, leaves stop producing chlorophyll, gradually unmasking pigments that were there all along but overpowered by the more dominant green.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, here are the hues you can expect to see from some common hardwood trees:

Oaks: Red, brown or russet
Hickories: Golden bronze
Aspen and yellow-poplar: Golden yellow
Dogwood: Purplish red
Beech: Light tan

Maples are more of a mixed bag, with the red varieties flashing brilliant scarlet leaves, sugars turning orange to red, blacks glowing yellow and striped nearly colorless.

Some deciduous trees, such as elms, drop their shriveled leaves without any color display aside from drab brown, Forest Service experts say.

This Weekend's Events

September 26

10:00 - 2:00pm

Chili Blast

Main Street (Downtown Merrill)
Merrill

September 26

Registration begins at 8am

Colorama Bike Tour

Stange's Kitchenette Park

September 26

Begins at 1pm