Experience the beauty of autumn with a girl’s trip to Minocqua! Enjoy the vibrant fall foliage, explore charming local shops, and capture stunning lakeside photos with your friends. To help you plan an unforgettable getaway, we’ve put together an itinerary that highlights the best activities and spots to visit this fall. From scenic drives to cozy cafes, this guide ensures you make the most of your time in this picturesque destination.
Start Your Day with a Scenic Drive
What’s more fun than a road trip with your best girlfriends? Start the day with a scenic drive that winds between lakes and forests, showing off all the reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows of the fall leaves. One of the best scenic drives for leaf peeping is the Colorama Tour #1, starting at the Visitor Center then taking you north on Highway 51 to Highway 70 West until you reach Kilawee Road. From there, look out for wildlife as you swing past Mercer Lake, Lower Kaubashine Lake, and beyond. Other great routes to take include Rustic Roads 58, 59, and 60.
Photo Ops Among Fall Foliage
On your Colorama Tour, don’t forget to stop and take advantage of all the photo ops among the fall foliage! Get out to take a selfie of your group by a sparkling lake ringed with colorful trees, or snap a photo of the road covered with fall leaves lined with lush forests and even a waterfall or two. You’ll want to preserve this trip with lots of photos, and there’s no better photoshoot backdrop than Minocqua’s fall colors.
Unique Shopping Stops in Minocqua
Pick up a memento at one of the unique shops in Minocqua. Start browsing for a new fall outfit at Isla Collective, then take some Northwoods cabin vibes back to your home from A Step Up, find gifts and accessories at Flamingo Bay Boutique, and search for hidden gems at local antique shops. Don’t forget to stop by Boardwalk Ice Cream, Fudge, and Gelato to satisfy all your chocolate cravings and grab sweets for later!
Delicious Lunch Around Town
If you haven’t already filled up on fudge, grab a table at one of the restaurants around town. You can take your pick of anything from sushi at Kobe Sushi or tacos at Mavericks Restaurante Mexicano. There are lots of options that will please everyone in your group, and plenty of scenic places for a bite to eat.
Afternoon Lake Tour
No trip to Minocqua would be complete without time on the lake, and what better way to enjoy it with your best girlfriends than an afternoon lake tour? Minocqua Pontoon Cruises offers experiences like an afternoon nature tour, complete with a relaxing cruise around a local lake and the chance to spot local birdlife and wildlife. Afterwards, get warm with apple cider from a local cafe.
Dinner and Evening Relaxation
After a fun day of exploration, it’s time for dinner. For a unique experience, book a table at Norwood Pines Supper Club, where you can split classic dishes like cheese curds, walleye filet, or roast duck in an elegant but homey setting. In the evening, gather around a fire for some bonding time, and scroll through the photos of your memorable fall girl’s trip in Minocqua!
Looking for more activities to do this autumn? Check out our fall guide and events calendar to plan your perfect getaway to Minocqua. Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, shopping, or relaxing by the lake, we have everything you need to enjoy the season.
