What's better than fall color? Fall color in a city studded with glittering lakes and its surrounding state parks and nature areas.
Visit Madison during the fleeting days of fall, and you'll be in a splendor of vibrant colors in and around the city. Here are some of the most beautiful fall color nature spots both in and outside of Madison. (But, honestly, there are so many, that this is just the shortlist!)
Pro Tip: Peep Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report for down-to-the-minute updates on the status of Madison's fall color.
In Madison
15-minute drive or less from Downtown Madison
6,000 acres of nature with reds, yellows, and auburns — an experience you can (easily) have without traveling too far.
🍁1. UW-Madison Arboretum
🍁2. Yahara River Area
Tenney Park Yahara Place Park
🍁3. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
🍁4. Warner Park
🍁5. Picnic Point
Outside of Madison
25-minute to 1-hour drive from Downtown Madison
Drive. Hike. Stroll. Or roll. These are some of the best fall color views that are totally worth the trip.
🍂 6. Pheasant Branch Conservancy
🍂 7. Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
🍂 8. Governor Dodge State Park
🍂 9. Devil’s Lake
🍂 10. Blue Mound State Park
Bonus spots!
A few hidden gems...
🍂 Indian Lake County Park
🍂 Holy Wisdom Monastery
If that's not enough fall color to get you in that fall mindset, how about checking out a few of these breathtaking fall hikes in Madison.
Plan Your Madison Fall Getaway

Fall in Madison
Stunning colors. Crisp air. Warm beverages. Corn mazes and pumpkins. Fall is an undeniably special...
Enjoy fun on the Farm
Bite into a perfectly ripe apple at these Fall spots. (Photo by @megannicholegrover)