Hello, lovely readers! As I sit here on my front porch with my morning coffee, watching the first hints of autumn creep into my neighborhood trees, I can’t help but get excited about one of my absolute favorite family traditions: fall foliage road trips. There’s something magical about packing up the car with cozy blankets, thermoses of hot chocolate, and a sense of adventure to witness nature’s grand finale before winter arrives.
Living here in the Midwest, we’re blessed with some of the most spectacular autumn displays in the country, and I’m thrilled to share five incredible destinations that have stolen my heart over the years. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a fun family adventure, or even a solo soul-searching journey, these scenic drives offer the perfect backdrop for creating those precious memories that last a lifetime.
Brown County, Indiana: A Midwest Autumn Wonderland
Let me start with what I consider the crown jewel of Midwest fall destinations: Brown County, Indiana. This place holds such a special spot in my heart because it was where my husband and I took our very first fall road trip as newlyweds, and now we return every October with our kids to continue the tradition.
The scenic drive through Brown County State Park is absolutely breathtaking, with over 15,000 acres of rolling hills covered in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. The best time to visit is typically mid to late October, when the sugar maples, hickories, and oaks put on their most dazzling show. I always recommend taking State Road 46 from Nashville to the park—it’s a gentle, winding route that lets you truly savor every curve and vista.
Nashville, Indiana (not to be confused with Tennessee!) is the charming hub of your Brown County adventure. This tiny town of fewer than 1,000 people transforms into a bustling artistic haven during fall season. The main street is lined with local artisan shops, cozy cafes, and galleries featuring work from talented local artists. My family’s favorite tradition is stopping at the Nashville Fudge Kitchen for their famous maple walnut fudge—trust me, it’s worth every calorie!
For families with little ones, the T.C. Steele State Historic Site is a wonderful stop. The preserved home and studio of Indiana’s beloved Impressionist painter offers gorgeous gardens and hiking trails that are perfect for small legs. The Abe Martin Lodge in the state park provides excellent dining with panoramic views of the foliage, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch while the kids burn off energy on the nearby playgrounds.
Great River Road: Minnesota’s Mississippi Magic
Moving north to Minnesota, the Great River Road along the Mississippi River offers one of the most stunning water-and-woodland combinations you’ll find anywhere. This scenic route stretches for miles, but I particularly love the section between Red Wing and Wabasha, where towering bluffs create a natural amphitheater of autumn color.
Peak foliage time here runs from late September through early October, and the drive is spectacular whether you choose the Minnesota side or cross over to Wisconsin. The cottonwoods and willows along the riverbanks turn golden yellow, while the oak and maple forests on the bluffs burst into fiery reds and oranges.
Red Wing is a delightful river town known for its historic Pottery Place District and the iconic Red Wing Shoes factory. The Cannon Valley Trail offers easy walking and biking paths that are perfect for families, with gorgeous river views and plenty of spots for impromptu picnics. In nearby Lake City, you can take a scenic riverboat cruise that provides a unique perspective of the fall colors from the water—something that always makes my kids feel like they’re on a grand adventure.
Don’t miss Frontenac State Park, where the hiking trails wind through hardwood forests and prairie remnants. The overlooks provide breathtaking views of Lake Pepin, and on clear days, you can see for miles across the colorful landscape. Pack some hot soup in thermoses and make it a memorable family hiking day.
Door County, Wisconsin: Lakeside Autumn Splendor
Wisconsin’s Door County peninsula is like stepping into a postcard during autumn. This “Cape Cod of the Midwest” offers over 300 miles of Lake Michigan and Green Bay shoreline, creating a unique microclimate that extends the fall color season well into November.
The scenic drive along Highway 42 from Sturgeon Bay to Gills Rock takes you through charming coastal villages, past historic lighthouses, and through tunnels of brilliant autumn foliage. Peak season typically runs from early to mid-October, when the sugar maples, birches, and aspens create a stunning contrast against the deep blue waters of the Great Lakes.
Fish Creek and Ephraim are two of my favorite stops along the way. These quaint towns offer everything from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to family-friendly resorts. The Peninsula State Park is absolutely magical in fall, with over 3,700 acres of forests, meadows, and limestone bluffs. The Eagle Bluff Lighthouse provides stunning panoramic views, and the park’s golf course (even if you don’t play) offers some of the most photogenic autumn vistas you’ll ever see.
For a unique family experience, take the Washington Island Ferry from Northport. The 30-minute ferry ride itself is a scenic adventure, and Washington Island offers peaceful hiking trails and the famous Schoolhouse Beach, where you can collect smooth limestone stones while surrounded by fall colors. Many families I know make this their annual “unplug and reconnect” destination, and it’s easy to see why.
Hocking Hills, Ohio: Nature’s Autumn Cathedral
Ohio’s Hocking Hills region feels like nature’s own cathedral, with towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests that create an almost mystical atmosphere during peak fall season. The scenic drive along State Route 374 and the connecting park roads offers numerous pull-offs and hiking opportunities that make this destination perfect for active families.
Peak foliage time in Hocking Hills typically occurs from mid to late October, when the mixed hardwood forests—dominated by oaks, maples, hickories, and tulip trees—create a spectacular canopy of color. The contrast between the autumn leaves and the ancient sandstone formations is truly breathtaking.
Old Man’s Cave is probably the most famous attraction, but I always recommend starting your visit at the Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center to plan your route based on your family’s hiking abilities. The Ash Cave trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it perfect for families with young children or elderly grandparents. The Cedar Falls hike is moderate and rewards you with stunning waterfall views surrounded by autumn colors.
The nearby town of Logan offers charming accommodations and local restaurants that serve hearty comfort food perfect after a day of hiking. Hocking Hills Canopy Tours provides zip-lining adventures through the treetops—an absolutely thrilling way to experience the fall colors from a bird’s-eye view. For a more relaxed experience, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers themed fall foliage train rides that are magical for children and nostalgic for adults.
Kettle Moraine, Wisconsin: Glacial Beauty in Autumn
Last but certainly not least is Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine State Forest, a unique landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers that creates some of the most diverse and beautiful autumn scenery in the Midwest. The Scenic Drive through both the Northern and Southern units offers rolling hills, pristine lakes, and dense forests that showcase nature’s artistic talents.
The Northern Unit near Campbellsport and the Southern Unit near Eagle both offer distinct experiences, with peak foliage typically occurring from late September through mid-October. The glacial landscape creates microclimates that extend the season, so you’ll often find pockets of brilliant color even into early November.
What makes Kettle Moraine special is its diversity—you’ll drive past prairie remnants golden with native grasses, through dense oak and maple forests ablaze with color, and around kettle lakes that reflect the autumn canopy like mirrors. The Ice Age Trail has numerous access points along the scenic drive, offering hiking opportunities for every skill level.
Holy Hill in the Northern Unit provides panoramic views from its observation tower, while Lapham Peak in the Southern Unit offers the highest point in southeastern Wisconsin. Both locations are perfect for family photos with stunning autumn backdrops. The Old World Wisconsin outdoor museum in the Southern Unit brings history to life with costumed interpreters demonstrating 19th-century farm life—a wonderful educational component that kids love.
Creating Your Perfect Fall Adventure
As you plan your autumn road trip adventures, remember that the journey is just as important as the destinations. Pack plenty of snacks, bring cozy blankets for impromptu roadside picnics, and don’t forget your camera to capture those spontaneous moments of joy and wonder. Some of my family’s most treasured memories have come from unplanned stops at roadside farm stands, unexpected wildlife sightings, or simply pulling over to let the kids run through piles of fallen leaves.
Consider timing your trips for weekdays if possible, as popular destinations can get crowded on weekends during peak season. Many hotels and bed-and-breakfasts offer special fall packages that include guided tours, seasonal dining experiences, and family-friendly activities. Don’t be afraid to venture off the main routes—some of the most spectacular views are found on quiet back roads that locals know and love.
Most importantly, embrace the season’s message of change and renewal. Fall foliage reminds us that endings can be beautiful, that change is natural and necessary, and that there’s profound beauty in letting go. Whether you’re traveling with a car full of excited children, enjoying a peaceful couples’ retreat, or taking some solo time for reflection, these Midwest destinations offer the perfect backdrop for whatever your heart needs this autumn.
So grab your favorite people, fill up the gas tank, and set out to discover the incredible fall beauty that’s waiting right here in our own Midwest backyard. Trust me—the memories you create will warm your heart long after the last leaves have fallen and the first snow begins to fly.
