What’s on your fall wishlist? Chances are, you can find it all in Walworth County, Wisconsin. The beauty of Lake Geneva is just one aspect of this abundant autumn destination. An explosion of fall color combined with spectacular scenery and fun family entertainment makes for a memorable visit!
“Walworth County is a great place to be in the fall,” says Walt Chadick, Director of Programs and External Affairs for Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. “Plus, you can do all the things included here in one day.”
Ready for your fall tour through Walworth County? We’ve got you covered with unique-to-the-area activities the whole family will love.
Photo credit: Walworth County Tourism Bureau
Fall Color Boat Tours – Lake Geneva/Delavan
Make your visit extra special with a fall boat tour. The two-hour Fall Color Cruise on beautiful Geneva Lake spans the entire lake. You’ll enjoy shoreline views of the area’s stunning fall foliage and grand homes.
The Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s Fall Color Cruises run daily from Oct. 1-31. Buy tickets online or at the Riviera Docks in downtown Lake Geneva.
Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan also offers fall foliage tours on the beautiful Lake Lawn Queen. Tours are open to the general public and you can buy your tickets online. The boat’s open-air upper deck offers panoramic views of the Delavan Lake shoreline.
Snake Road – Lake Geneva
Located right outside of downtown Lake Geneva, Snake Road is one of Walworth County’s most beautiful paths. This winding road borders some of the region’s finest estates that line the lakefront.
“I visit Snake Road four or five times every fall,” says Chadick. “From the beginning to end of this road are horse meadows on one side and mansion gates on the other. The whole road is covered by a canopy of trees changing color. You’ve left the hustle and bustle of life and entered an enchanted forest of autumnal splendor.”
Yerkes Observatory – Williams Bay
One of the most iconic buildings in the area, the world-famous Yerkes Observatory with its striking dome offers several ways to enjoy a fall visit. What’s more, they’ve completed a $13 million restoration.
A tour inside the building reveals the world’s largest refractor telescope inside a refurbished structure that is truly legendary. The shape of the Milky Way was discovered by astronomers here and the Observatory’s 125-year history energizes new programs during its reawakening and imagining.
“The telescope at Yerkes was the first in the world to take pictures of Saturn, comets, asteroids, planets and more. Inside our building we have 180,000 glass-plated pictures of space,” says Chadick.
For fall nature lovers, Yerkes’ property also includes majestic landscaped grounds. Chadick describes it as a “50-acre slice of paradise.”
“Our landscape designer was John Charles Olmsted, the son of Frederick Law Olmsted who designed both Central Park in NYC as well as the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair,” says Chadick.
Guided arboretum tours are available on Sunday mornings. Colorful oak trees and peaceful nature trails provide fall beauty. The tour does include a moderately difficult hike, so be aware – it’s better for older kids and teens. You will get the chance to go inside the historic cabins that used to house astronomers and visit Yerkes’ apiary. “This isn’t your typical arboretum tour,” Chadick notes.
TIP: If you can’t make the tour, you can still walk the grounds and enjoy the views for free.
Pearce’s Farm Stand – Fontana/Williams Bay
Only minutes away from Yerkes Observatory, Pearce’s Farm Stand is a family business that has been a Walworth County mainstay for generations. Situated right between Fontana and Williams Bay, you won’t want to miss this local favorite.
The kids will love Pearce’s large jumping bales and a 12-acre corn maze with a design that changes every year. They offer helicopter rides and hayrides to the pumpkin patch in September. You’ll find an array of pumpkins, fresh seasonal produce and homemade baked goods.
“You’ll want to grab some apple cider doughnuts and pumpkins while the kids play on the hay bales,” suggests Chadick.
The Apple Barn Orchard and Winery – Elkhorn
It doesn’t get much more autumnal than the Apple Barn Orchard and Winery. You’ll get that fall feeling when you encounter the more than 4,000 apple trees ripe for the picking. Plus, there is a cozy country store chock full of apple goodness.
Pick your own apples from their wide variety and try some wine made by the Apple Barn’s very own winemaker. Take home some fresh pies, scrumptious apple cider doughnuts and a jug of their famous apple cider.
Train Ride to Elegant Farmer – East Troy
Hop on the train at the East Troy Railroad Museum and take a 10-mile train ride to Elegant Farmer, a kitchen, deli and bakery market. It offers farm-fresh goodies like the famous apple pie in a paper bag. Enjoy the fall colors as you make your trip and learn all about the history of train travel.
“This is a unique train trip that takes you right back in time,” says Chadick. “You’re riding through a small forest area that’s not developed at all. The open-air train resembles a New Orleans streetcar. They even have to stop for traffic and get out to switch the tracks.”
There are so many ways to have fall fun in Walworth County! To find out more, visit gowalco.com.
