When it comes to putting on nature’s brilliant fall color show, Walworth County, Wisconsin, knows exactly how to do it. Luckily for families in Chicagoland, just a half tank of gas will put you right in the midst of that spectacular fall beauty and small-town charm where locals love to roll out the red carpet.
To help you plan a weekend trip (or longer), there’s no better way to get the insider info needed to enjoy all that Walworth County has to offer than from a Walworth County native who’s proud to call it home.
So we tapped into Tessa Springer’s vast knowledge for the seven things that will make you fall for fall in Walworth County, or Walco as it’s affectionately known.
“I feel like you come here to just breathe, to take a minute and not be in the hustle and bustle, to just get that fresh air,” says Springer, treasurer of the Walworth County Visitors Bureau. “There is something to do all of the time. I just love it here.”
Here are her seven ideas to get your colorful — and fun — visit to Walworth County started.
1. Head to Lake Geneva for Geneva ZipLines & Adventures.
With more than 100 acres of family outdoor fun, Geneva ZipLines & Adventures offers nine zipline courses, set to differing comfort levels, its “jungle gym in the sky” high ropes course with 16 fun and challenging obstacles ranging from 18 to 32 feet above ground and a climbing tower. It’s worth a trip just for exhilarating fun spent in nature, but especially don’t miss the unique Pumpkin Drop Fall Festival, Springer says. Held Oct. 21-23 and Oct. 28-31, this event has you race side-by-side on the zipline and drop a pumpkin over a target as you are flying by. It’s literally a pumpkin-smashing good time.
2. Walk the Lake Geneva Shore Path.
Because there isn’t a road to drive around Lake Geneva itself, the only way to truly see it in all its fall majesty is by walking on the Shore Path. The path, which skirts the lake and passes through private estates along the shore, really puts on a show this time of year, Springer says. The full path is 21 miles long — something Springer has done twice — but families might best enjoy jumping on the path in one of the towns around the lake, with a plan to stop at a park and restaurant after a few miles on the path. It is pup-friendly for those on a leash, but can be hard at some points for strollers because it is not paved. Make sure to download the Visit Lake Geneva app, which tells you the closest restrooms, parks and water fountains to your location.
3. Enjoy all the fruits of the fall harvest.
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery in Elkhorn is a popular destination for many Chicagoland families. In addition to pick-your-own apples, its bakery is packed with fresh pies and apple cider doughnuts, plus it has a country store and also a master winemaker on-site with wine tastings from its own winery — with apple wine, of course — for adults.
Another spot the locals love — and one Springer thinks all families will love to discover — is Pearce’s Farm Stand in the town of Walworth. The family farm features a playground, hay bales for climbing and a maze to get lost in along with pick-your-own pumpkins, flowers and a bakery. Springer says she’s visited it to both fill a few hours and a full day for her family.
4. Take a hike.
Walworth County and fall hiking go hand-in-hand, she says. Among Springer’s favorite hiking spots is the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay, which offers six trails through natural habitats and forest that range from an easy walk among the trees to a major hike.
She also loves the Ice Age Trail, which starts in Whitewater and travels 1,000 miles through 30 Wisconsin counties. Dating back to the Ice Age that left the unique trail after the ice melted and one of only 11 national scenic trails in the country, Springer says it features paths for day hikes, camping and snowshoeing. Also on her list is the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Whitewater, but for a smaller, easier hike or bike ride for families, she suggests entering near La Grange.
5. Take a scenic drive.
One of Springer’s favorite drives in the fall is the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive near Whitewater Lake. “It is gorgeous. Maybe I’m biased, but fall is the best season to go do that just because you cannot beat all the leaves and the trees,” she says.
Another favorite option is Bowers Road in Elkhorn, which is filled with beautiful properties and farmland. “It’s nice to have options to see the fall colors and not have to do all the walking if that’s not your thing,” she says.
6. Hop on the East Troy Train to The Elegant Farmer.
Families looking for a super unique way to see the fall colors — and with littles obsessed with trains — might want to head to the East Troy Train Museum’s historic train depot for a 25-minute train tour to The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago. Not only has The Elegant Farmer been featured on The Food Network for its unique apple pies baked in paper bags, visitors are in for a food experience as they revel in the gourmet treats or pick their own apples and pumpkins.
7. Go up, up, up!
If your bucket list looks anything like Springer’s, your family will love Lake Geneva Balloon Company’s fall tours floating up and over the Lake Geneva area. Springer says it doesn’t get more picture perfect in the fall than clear skies, blue water and fall colors. Your family might especially love being part of the balloon crew and getting on-the-job training as part of the experience.
Other tips to keep in mind
“There is enough here that you could plan every hour of your whole weekend,” Springer says. “However, my biggest tip is not to plan every hour. You are getting away to breathe.”
Instead, look for the little mom-and-pop places and let yourself stumble upon some of the many unique things happening in all the communities that make up Walworth County, she says. Don’t hesitate to ask a local for their tips while exploring.
“We really are that hometown pride,” she says, adding she loves it when someone stops her for advice. She says she takes huge pride in being able to help families find the hidden and not-so-hidden gems in the place she loves.
And should the weather not exactly cooperate the weekend of your getaway, Midwesterners know to just wait a few minutes and it will change. While you wait, Springer recommends checking out the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, which is very family-friendly, the Lake Geneva Clue Room escape experience and Safari Lake Geneva.
There are plenty of lodging options throughout the county after your busy leaf-peeping adventures, she says, from Airbnbs, to camping, to one-room motels to five-star hotels. Literally, she says, there’s something for every family.
There’s so much more to discover about #WalCo in the fall. Visit gowalco.com to learn more and make your own plans.
