Unique Ways to See Fall Color in Marinette County

Experience the Northwoods in full color!

Marinette County is at the top of our list for the best places to see fall foliage in Wisconsin. The lush green forest of summer transforms into a canopy of crimson and gold throughout September and early October. The hustle and bustle slows down, and the Northwoods provides the perfect location for exploration and relaxation.

With Wildman Adventure Resort as your autumn exploration basecamp, you’ll be at the heart of it all. Whitewater rafting, waterfall chasing, exceptional mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking — all right here in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Read on for our favorite ways to enjoy fall colors in Wisconsin.

Okay, so the leaves will be pretty.. but what should I do?

Wisconsin’s fall colors are quite the spectacle in our neck of the Northwoods! No matter where your level of adventure falls between mild and wild, there’s something for everyone! Here are the Wildman Staff’s favorite ways to do a little leaf peeping in Marinette County.

1. Whitewater Rafting to immerse yourself in color from the water!

Want to kick it up a notch from a regular hike by the river? Try putting yourself in the midst of it all by going whitewater rafting! One of the best places to see fall colors in Wisconsin is from the river itself. We think it’s the perfect way to balance sight-seeing with an adrenaline spike.

At Wildman Adventure Resort, you have two world-class rivers to choose from. Try the Menominee River for spectacular views of the bluffs and forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. On this trip, you’ll start with a scenic float beneath tall granite bluffs, then tackle class 4 whitewater rapids in a group raft. If you’re hoping for an individual challenge, try rafting the  Peshtigo River in a single-person raft. Take on class 1-3 rapids while immersing yourself in the stunning scenery around you.

Don’t worry about being cold — we’ll provide all the gear you need to stay cozy out on the water, including wetsuits, insulated neoprene booties, and splash jackets!

2. Mountain Bike at Strong Falls Trails or Piers Gorge State Park

Hoping to earn an adrenaline spike, but prefer to stay dry? We don’t judge. Stay on-site at Wildman, and access amazing mountain biking just a short drive away! If you’re camping, glamping, or staying in a cabin at our Peshtigo River Outpost, you’re just 20 minutes away from Strong Falls Trails, a singletrack mountain biking system featuring 11.5 miles of forested trails. These fast and flowy trails allow you to whiz through the spectacular scenery at your own pace.

If you’re staying in the Cub or Kodiak Cabins at the Menominee River Outpost, you don’t even need to drive to access the trails. Simply bike across the road to Piers Gorge State Park. Here, you can access trails in the Dickinson Trail Network. Our staff are partial to Traveling Riverside Blues, Bear Hunt, and Panorama…. or at least, the view from the top!

3. Zipline or Rock Climb into the canopy of fall foliage 

If you’re looking for the bird’s eye view, the Zipline Tour, Rock Climbing, and Alpine Tower all offer aerial views of the foliage.

4. Chase some waterfalls!

Marinette County is the waterfall capital of Wisconsin, after all! Several of the area’s best waterfalls, including Dave’s Falls, are located between our two Outposts. It’s the perfect way to add a little wonder to your drive. Or, check out Goodman Park and McClintock Park for some stellar waterfalls, just 20 minutes from the Peshtigo River Outpost. Check out our blog about the best waterfalls between Wildman Outposts for the full scoop.

5. Play a round of golf at Bombers Golf Course

What better way to appreciate the crisp fall air than with a casual round of golf? This historic 9-hole golf course is located on the banks of the Menominee River. With cart & club rentals, and a friendly staff, this first-come first-serve course in Niagara, even the casual golfer is sure to have a great time.

Where should we stay?

Look no further! Wildman offers a variety of lodging options including riverside camping, rustic cabins, a Pacific yurt, and deluxe cabins. To truly appreciate the best fall colors in Wisconsin, immerse yourself in it on an overnight trip! Unzip your tent in the morning as the sunrise illuminates golden leaves. When you return home in the evening, warm up next to a crackling campfire and watch the colors change in the forest as the sun sets.

Did we mention that no matter which option you choose, you’ll have private access to hiking, fishing, and (if you’re the cold-plunging type) swimming in the gorgeous Peshtigo River? It doesn’t get much better than that.

Not sure which option is right for you? Let’s break it down.

1. Riverside Tent Camping

You know this one. Pitch a tent at one of our riverside campsites and embrace simplicity. With access to hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store, you can’t go wrong here!

2. Fall Glamping Stays

The word “glamping” comes from a combination of the words “glamourous” and “camping.” We see it as a way to stay close to nature, but with a few more creature comforts. All of Wildman’s glamping cabins have a bed, electricity, heat, and mini-fridge, as well as a private firepit and picnic table.

Family Favorites: Rustic Cozy Cabins. One-room bunkhouses with all the basics that can sleep up to 5 people and use the campground showerhouse. If you really want to give your chance to appreciate fall at its finest without the distractions, this is your perfect getaway!

Best for couples: The Boulder Creek Tiny House and Yurt provide cozy queen beds and amazing views of the forest canopy… even from under the covers. With a built-in skylight in the yurt and a picture window in the sleeping loft of the Boulder Creek, you won’t even need to leave bed to take in all of autumn’s glory.

3. Deluxe Cabin Rentals

For larger groups, check out the Deluxe Cabins at the Peshtigo River Outpost! With options that can sleep up to 15 people (don’t worry, there are smaller choices, too!) and have separate bedrooms, as well as a full kitchen, bathroom, and charcoal grill, you can add a little luxury to your leaf-peeping getaway. You’ll still have access to riverside hiking trail and all property amenities, just with more of the comforts of home.

4. Menominee River Outpost

Staying in the deluxe cabins at the Menominee River Outpost puts you right on site for a casual round of golf at Bombers Bar and Golf Course, whitewater rafting on the Menominee River, ziplining through the colorful fall canopy, or battling it out on the paintball field.

The Cub and Kodiak cabins each sleep 6. Rent out both and use the space as a private basecamp for your group. Each cabin has a bathroom, a full kitchen stocked with dishes.

What are you waiting for? Give our team a ring or send us an email... come see Wisconsin’s fall colors from a new perspective!