The short version: Hike Lapham Peak, walk the Milwaukee River Greenway, see Halloween on Brady Street, and book a candlelight hike at a Wisconsin state park before the season ends.
This is my fall list for Milwaukee. Travel Wisconsin's fall color report has the current read on the leaves. Here's mine.
Lapham PeakOne of my favorite places to hike in the fall, and gorgeous out there. The Ice Age Trail runs right through it, and the tower at the top is the view you came for. See the Wisconsin DNR page for Lapham Peak for hours and the vehicle pass, and the Ice Age Trail Alliance for the trail itself.
Fall walks in the cityWalking the Milwaukee River Greenway trails is a wonderful way to take in nature right in the heart of the city. The Urban Ecology Center is a good place to start. Trails can be muddy, so wear shoes you don't love.
If you can still rent a kayak, getting out on the water is a great way to see the leaves.
Halloween on Brady StreetBrady Street is where everybody hangs out in costumes throughout the day. Still weird, thank God. The Brady Street walking guide has the route.
Candlelight hikes in Wisconsin state parksLate October is candlelight-hike season across the Wisconsin state parks. Check the DNR events page for this year's dates, and bring a vehicle admission pass.
On my wishlistWehr Nature Center at golden hour, then dinner somewhere glowing. It's been on my wishlist for a decade. No one has ever taken me. Take me. Check the park's own page for hours and this year's fall events before you plan around them.
Markets and eventsThere are always makers markets going on, and we're heading into the holiday season. The best sources for current events are OnMilwaukee and Visit Milwaukee.
Want a weekend planned?I'll plan yours. Tell me where and when. Request a trip or book a Creative Burn.