Fall bucket list

For those looking to embrace the signature spirit of the season, I recommend following, chasing, and crossing your way through a fall bucket list.

Fall has long since felt like the ultimate reset button—a chance to lean into the transition to crisp air, colorful trees, and cozy vibes. Autumn can be short-lived, but magical nonetheless.

And like I’ve said in the past: nobody does fall like the Midwest. Specifically, Wisconsin. There is so much to see and do and experience, and the Milwaukee area leans into the spirit of autumn.

Whether you’re after cozy nights in or crisp outdoor adventures, these ideas will help make the most of the season.

Visit an apple orchard

Fall and apple orchards go hand in hand. Wisconsin is full of family-owned orchards where you can wander the rows, pick your own apples, and leave with a bag (or two) of fresh fruit.

Favorites near Milwaukee include Barthel Fruit Farm in Mequon or Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, where you can also snag their famous apple pie baked in a paper bag.

Carve or paint pumpkins

A fall bucket list isn’t complete without pumpkins. Whether you love scooping seeds and carving jack-o’-lanterns, or you prefer a paintbrush and some glitter, pumpkins are the ultimate canvas for creativity.

You’ll find them at most local patches, but local Wisconsin spots like Swan’s Pumpkin Farm, Elegant Farmer, or Basse’s Farms make the experience extra fun with hayrides, corn mazes, and cider stands.

Have a fall day at Basse’s Farms

Speaking of Basse’s, let’s dive into it. Basse’s Farms is located in Colgate, WI and has a seasonal Pumpkin Festival worth checking out. It has all the ingredients for a fun fall day, including: family-friendly games and competitions, food and drinks, hayride, corn maze, pig races, a pumpkin patch, and a farm store.

Take a scenic drive for fall colors

Wisconsin has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Midwest. Pack a thermos of coffee, roll the windows down, and hit the road for a color tour.

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive winds through 115 miles of forests, lakes, and prairies, bursting with vibrant leaves by mid-October. For a shorter trip, Lake Geneva and Door County both deliver postcard-worthy views.

Catch a Packers game

Few things are more fall in Wisconsin than cheering on the Green Bay Packers. If you can snag tickets to Lambeau Field, it’s an unforgettable bucket list experience.

If not, however, Milwaukee has no shortage of sports bars to catch the game closer to home. Head to spots like Camp Bar, Kelly’s Bleachers, Leff’s Lucky Town, Jack’s American Pub, Drink Wisconsinbly, Who’s On Third, or The MECCA for high-energy options with plenty of TVs.

Hike at Seven Bridges

Nestled in Grant Park in South Milwaukee, the Seven Bridges trail is a local favorite. The wooden bridges, tree-lined paths, and easy access to Lake Michigan make it especially stunning in the fall, especially as the colors change. Plus, it’s dog friendly!

Explore Cedarburg

Often equated to Wisconsin’s real-life version of Stars Hollow, Cedarburg brings fall charm to life with a cozy small-town feel. Cedarburg is just north of Milwaukee, with a historic downtown, wineries, and a picturesque Cedar Creek.

Do a fall photoshoot

Golden leaves and soft light make fall the ultimate backdrop for photos. Grab your partner (or bestie, parent, or solo!) and take advantage of the season for a casual photoshoot.

Local parks like Whitnall, Lake Park, or anywhere along the lakefront offer gorgeous settings to capture memories you’ll treasure.

Note: my mom and I did this at Atwater Beach with Chelsea Matson Photography and it was so fun! Highly recommend.

Take a lakefront walk

Sometimes the simplest activities bring the most joy. Bundle up in a cozy sweater and stroll Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Start at Veterans Park, wander along the shoreline, and watch the sailboats against the backdrop of fall colors. It’s refreshing, romantic, and totally free.

Head to Divine Consign

If you time it right, you can catch Divine Consign—Wisconsin’s biggest consignment sale. The semi-annual event takes place in September at the Brookfield Convention Center and at the Waukesha Convention Center in November.

Stay updated on dates and times by following Divine Consign on Instagram.

Try a haunted experience

Fall also comes with a spooky side. Wisconsin has no shortage of haunted houses, ghost tours, and eerie attractions.

In Milwaukee, check out the Gothic Milwaukee walking tour for a dive into the city’s haunted history, take a tour of Shaker’s cigar bar, or swing by Novak House in West Allis for a private home-turned public scaring house experience. Alternatively, there’s Abandoned Haunted House Complex in Mount Pleasant or The Hill Has Eyes in Franklin.

(I, as you know, will sit those out.)

Attend a fall festival

Autumn is festival season, and Wisconsin, per usual, knows how to celebrate. Think Oktoberfest-style beer gardens (Estabrook Park Biergarten is a popular choice), harvest markets, and live music with a side of bratwurst.

The Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival in September is a local favorite, featuring arts and crafts vendors, grape stomping, and seasonal treats. Bayfield’s Apple Festival in October is another can’t-miss, drawing thousands for apple everything—pie, cider, caramel, and beyond.

Plus, the big pumpkin: Milwaukee’s Harvest Fair. Held at the State Fair Park, Harvest Fair is a celebration of all things autumn—pumpkin bowling, pig races, fair food, and live entertainment. It’s family-friendly, but fun for all ages. Best of all, admission is free.

Visit Door County

As you can imagine, Door County is stunning in the fall. In addition to the small town charm, forest, and coastal vibes, it’s also known for its fall colors.

The iconic curved Highway 42, for example, is a must-see; between Timberline Road and Ports des Morts Drive, Highway 42 known for its 15 serpentine curves as it nears the Washington Island Ferry dock.

Do a little pumpkin baking

Pumpkin spice isn’t just for lattes; fall is the perfect time to get in the kitchen and bake with pumpkin. From breads and muffins to savory soups, the options are endless.

If baking isn’t your thing, local bakeries have you covered—try Miss Molly’s Café in Milwaukee for rotating fall treats.

China Lights at Boerner Botanical Gardens

This annual lantern festival is one of Milwaukee’s most unique fall experiences. The gardens glow with massive, colorful displays, blending art, culture, and light into a magical evening stroll.

This ticketed event runs from mid-September to early November. Learn more here.

Get crafty

Fall practically begs for creativity. From DIY wreaths to candle-making, autumn crafts bring warmth indoors. Last year, I hosted a girl’s night where we made DIY ghost pillows—it was a hit!

Have a fall movie marathon

Some nights, the best fall activity is staying in. Light a candle, throw on your coziest sweater, and cue up a seasonal movie lineup. Don’t forget a bowl of freshly popped popcorn and maybe a batch of warm apple cider.

Some fall movie suggestions:

Bonus: Colorado fall musts

If you happen to be in Colorado, fall is next level special. Here are a few activities to add to your bucket list:

• Soak in a hot springs (Old Town, Strawberry Park, or Glenwood Hot Springs are favorites)
• Drive on Kebler Pass and McClure Pass to Crested Butte for the most scenic fall foliage
• Go for a hike (the Snowmass Ditch Hike is a must for fall colors)
• Spend time in Glenwood Springs
• Take a fall drive to Sunlight Mountain Resort
• Explore Steamboat Springs

Enjoy fall

Fall is fleeting, but that’s part of its magic. The season reminds us to slow down, to savor the simple joys, and to muster a little joy before winter sets in.

Enjoy these fall bucket list activities! And let me know your go-to favorites and traditions.

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