Where are the most beautiful rural areas of Wisconsin? (Appleton: train, farms)

[RogueMom]

I will be leaving for Wisconsin in one week and will be touring the state for about 10 days. I have never been to Wisconsin before, other than riding through on the Amtrak Train once.

Where are the most quintessential Wisconsin rural areas located? I mean the dairy and farming counties, with the red barns, grain silos, small towns etc. My trip will include stops in Stevens Point, Two Rivers, Appleton, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, but I really want to see the most scenic rural parts of the state as well.

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

[Kandy]

Head up north of Stevens Point to the Rib Mountain/Wausau area and go up to hill to Rib Mountain State Park and check out the breathtaking views. This give a little different view/perspective of the farmland below. The leaves are changing color and it's absolutely spectacular. There is an observation tower where you will see the lay of the land (big barns, silos and pastures below) and this may help you determine where to go next.
Here is a link to the park website:
Rib Mountain State Park - Wisconsin DNR

[RogueMom]

Thanks Kandy - I will check that out. I will be in that area for a day or two anyway.

I would welcome other suggestions as well!

[Julie Upnorth]

While in the Eau Claire area, also check out Chippewa Falls and Menomonee Falls. You can tour the Leinenkugel's Brewery while in Chippewa Falls. The fall colors are starting to turn in that part of the state and that's a special time in WI.

I grew up in Oshkosh which is near Appleton. The Oshkosh public museum and the Paine Art Center along with the EAA museum are all worthwhile.

Be sure to enjoy a famous Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry. I recommend the lake perch.

[Northern Bound]

Granite Peak Ski area has Fall Chairlift Rides.


Fall Chairlift Rides

$8 per person - round trip (when you get on at the base of Granite Peak)

Saturday/Sunday 11AM – 4PM

September 29/30
October 6/7
October 13/14
Hours of operation are subject to change without notice due to inclement weather.
All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 2-5 and under are free.




Granite Peak Ski Area

[RangerDanger]

I would highly recommend the Baraboo area with a stop at Devils Lake. The whole drifltless area is a charm.

[RogueMom]

I appreciate the suggestions very much. Just added Baraboo, Rib Mountain and several other of your recommendations to my stops.

Where are the majority of the dairy farms?

[Drover]

The dairy farms are pretty much everywhere throughout the southern half of the state. The more scenic ones will be in or near the driftless area, which is pretty much everything west of I-94 including Baraboo, La Crosse, and Eau Claire. Given the fact that your tour will be covering a huge chunk of the state, you'll see plenty of dairy farms by default as long as you use state/county roads for your travels rather than interstates.

[ranger17]

depending on what route you end up mapping out, the stretch of 35 from Prairie du Chien to LaCrosse (along the Mississippi River) has some real nice views. There are times one can view bald eagles along that stretch (and even in Sauk City) though i dont recall if this time of year works for that or not.
As noted, Devils Lake State Park has some beautiful views if you take some of the trails up to the top of the bluffs ( most trails are easy enough), and at this time of year it can be cooler which helps on the mosquitos as well.

i'd say overall if you are running around the southern half of the state like mentioned, you'll end up on state hiways and will be able to see plenty of farms and some fall color along the way. Though you've likely been able to see nice views and colors in NC especially as you get into the mountains, there are plenty of spots in WI that can offer beautiful sites as well. Enjoy the trip!

[ImaloneJill]

Fall colors are starting up north-my husband was there this weekend. The area up in the Hayward, Spooner area by the Namekagon River is beautiful! Bayfield/Superior and the state parks in the area have waterfalls. It is so pretty and fairly unspoiled here.
If you go into Spooner, there is a train ride you can take that goes along the Namekagon.
Minoqua, Boulder Junction area is also beautiful, and is off season for tourists.
Door County is a must.