Finding Fall Colors in Pepin County
A Wisconsin road trip to view the beauty of the Autumn colors is a fall tradition. The second or third week in October is often a good time to get out and view the colors, but it can be unpredictable. Be sure to check out the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report for an updated look at where the trees are in their color bloom.
Where the destination is the journey, explore the backroads, forests, and waters of Pepin County for that perfect view of fall colors. Let’s go take a ride.
Mississippi River Scenic Overlooks – Pepin, WI & Stockholm, WI
The Great River Road is a beautiful drive anytime of the year, but in the fall it can be breathtaking. When traveling the River Road through Pepin County there’s a few stops we would suggest for the view. Just north of the town of Pepin, you will find a pull off on the Lake side that gives an expansive view of the water and our Minnesota neighbors. Continuing North, you will find another such pull off outside of Stockholm. Peaceful and clean with a view of river bluffs, you’ll want to see this view in full fall color.
Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads – Arkansaw, WI
Semple Road is a short, but idyllic slice of Pepin County. It’s a winding country road with hills, farmland, and a feeling of being deep into the driftless. Which are some of the reasons why the Wisconsin DOT has labeled it a Rustic Road. It’s just under 3 miles of pastoral views. A good place to pull off and get a few photos (traffic depending) may be the bridge at Missouri Creek. Watch for wildlife, if you’re lucky you will see some deer, turkey, and maybe even a bald eagle on your drive.
Chippewa River – Durand, WI and Ella, WI
If you’re looking for a paddle adventure for your fall color tour, the lowest portion of the Chippewa River is beautiful with forested hills and bluffs lining the river. The paddle from Durrand to Ella is a lovely one. There is a boat launch into the Chippewa River downtown Durand and if you choose to make the paddle down to Ella, there is a boat landing on County N. Reviews have stated that, in some people’s opinion, this can be the prettiest stretch of the Chippewa.
Five-Mile Bluff Prairie State Natural Area – Pepin, WI
This prairie sits atop 300 foot river bluffs and the view is absolutely incredible at the height of fall color. But it will take some serious hiking to get up there. Expect a steep grade, and making your own way up to the top of the prairie. If you’re up to the challenge, the stunning panorama will be quite the reward. You can see for miles, overlooking both the Chippewa and Mississippi Rivers.