Fall Colors

Rustic Road & Minocqua Fall Color Tours

A jaunt along Rustic Road 58, one of three such state-certified routes in the area, meanders through hardwood and fragrant pine forests, crosses two burbling creeks, one with two beaver lodges, then rolls through cedar lowlands. Rustic Road 60, north of Arbor Vitae, winds through a slice of the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest, where you're bound to spot a plethora of wildlife, plus leads you past the Minocqua area's numerous sparkling, blue lakes.

In the fall, capture the breathtaking beauty of the bright reds, vivid yellows, and warm oranges reflecting off the sparkling water of area lakes, arching over our three local state-certified rustic roads or along the hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.

Generally, peak colors can be seen between the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October. Make plans to stay in the area while visiting the local Colorama celebrations, and you will be sure to experience the glory of the Northwoods in the fall.

Stop by the Visitors Center for information about fall color tours, as well as trail and area maps.

Colorama Tours

Colorama Tour #1

Colorama Tour #2

Colorama Tour #3

Rustic Roads

These rustic roads are a beautiful drive year-round, but the fall colors really make these rustic routes extra majestic.

Rustic Road 58

Fall in the Forest in Northern WisconsinWith approximately 9.6 miles of paved roadway, R-58 skirts many scenic Northwood’s lakes as it winds through scenic pine and hardwood forests. This route also crosses a railroad bed that was used in the 1800's as a mainline to Minocqua, which has now been converted to the Bearskin State Trail for hiking and biking.

Directions

Rustic Road 59

Lakeside Fall ColorsWith a narrow gravel road bed that is much less traveled than Blue Lake Road, R-59 offers frequent glimpses of native wildlife, hidden flashes of early homesteading cabins and great views of shady, tall pines and colorful hardwoods. This trip is approximately 4.5 miles long.

Directions

Rustic Road 60

Fall Colors by the LakeThis winding route travels through the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest. Canopies of coniferous and hardwood trees enhance the scenic beauty of R-60 as it passes near old logging camp sites, hiking trails and an old saw mill located in Star Lake. The entire stretch of this scenic drive traverses heavily wooded areas abundant with wildlife. R-60 offers frequent scenic vistas of numerous, clear Northwoods lakes and dense forestland.

Directions