Fall is a beautiful time for a scenic drive in Madison and South Central Wisconsin. With the crisp breeze blowing by and the hills turning red and gold, this time of year practically begs you to hit the open road. These are some of our favorite places to see fall foliage in Dane County and the surrounding areas. 

Fall Foliage Drives In and Around Dane County

Lower Wisconsin River Road - Lodi to Prairie du Chien

Address: Hwy 60, Lodi, WI 53555

Beginning just north of the Dane County line in the city of Lodi, the Lower Wisconsin River Road offers one of Wisconsin's most stunning fall foliage routes. This designated Wisconsin Scenic Byway extends 100 miles along Wisconsin Highway 60, which closely follows the course of the Wisconsin River. With picturesque parks and pull-offs along the way, this route is a perfect introduction to the rolling golden hills of the Driftless Area. The endpoint is Prairie du Chien, where the Wisconsin River meets the Mississippi.

Wisconsin Rustic Road 124 - Mount Horeb to Mount Vernon

Address: Town Hall Rd, Mt Horeb, WI 53572

The Wisconsin DOT has mapped out 760 miles of designated Rustic Roads throughout the state, including several here in Dane County. Wisconsin Rustic Road 124, which follows a picturesque 5-mile stretch of Town Hall Road just east of Mount Horeb, offers a charming drive through wooded hills and valleys. The endpoint is Donald County Park, a perfect spot to enjoy a fall hike and picnic.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Whitewater Lake to Elkhart Lake

Address: Kettle Moraine Dr, Whitewater, WI 53190

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive spans 115 miles in Southeast Wisconsin, traversing six counties and connecting two separate units of Kettle Moraine State Forest. The southern endpoint of this south-to-north route is about an hour east of Madison along the shore of Whitewater Lake. Offering spectacular scenery in any season, the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive winds through rural communities, dense forests, and rolling farmlands, passing dozens of lakes across a landscape carved by ancient glaciers.

Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive - Baraboo Hills

Address: 550 Water St, Baraboo, WI 53913

A 30-mile round trip through the peaks of the Baraboo bluffs, the Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive starts and ends in the city of Baraboo, about 40 miles north of Madison. This drive circles through some of Wisconsin's most rugged and beautiful countryside, with multiple parks and nature areas along the way, including:

• Devil's Lake State Park
• Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
• Owen Park
• Baraboo Hills Recreation Area - Potter Preserve

Highway 33 Scenic Drive - Baraboo to La Crosse

Address: Hwy 33, Baraboo, WI 53913

Ninety-three miles of scenic beauty await along the Highway 33 Scenic Drive, which extends westward from Baraboo to La Crosse. Meandering through the Baraboo Range, Coulee Country, and the Driftless Area, this ribbon of highway offers some of Wisconsin's most resplendent fall foliage. Be sure to stop at Wildcat Mountain State Park, which offers excellent scenic overlooks and hiking trails.

UW-Madison Arboretum - Madison, WI

Address: 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711

To see outstanding fall foliage without leaving Madison, head to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, which features multiple restored forest communities with diverse trees and plant life. A good overview of the arboretum can be seen by automobile along Arboretum Drive, but it's worth stopping to explore walking paths like the charming 1.6-mile Big Spring Loop. 

Ready to learn more about life in Dane County? Contact us today and discover all that Wisconsin has to offer.