Let’s Go Leaf Peeping!
Let’s go Leaf Peeping! Did you know that there is actually a technical term for people who travel specifically to see the changing colors of the leaves? They are known as Leaf Peepers. This is a wildly popular fall activity for many, inspiring some to travel across the country or even the globe to take in autumn’s spectacular palette of gold, reds, and oranges! While it’s certainly exciting to journey far and wide for the most famous foliage views, we are incredibly lucky here in the Fox Valley to have our own spectacular displays close to home. This year, you don’t need a passport to experience the best of the season—just an appreciation for the local color.
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve-Menasha, WI
Heckrodt is by far one of the best places to take in the fall beauty, although I may be a little bit biased. One of my favorite places in the Reserve during the fall is the Prairie. The waiving prairie grass mixed with the bright yellow of the Aspen trees is something you surely do not want to miss. Don’t forget to venture out onto the boardwalks and wooded trails as well. Here, the canopy above bursts with the reds of maples and the deep golds and browns of oaks, offering a different, more enclosed experience of the fall foliage.
High Cliff State Park- Sherwood, WI
Another notable place in the Valley to visit and admire the fall beauty is High Cliff State Park. Located along the northeast shore of Lake Winnebago, High Cliff is known for the unique geologic feature called the Niagara Escarpment. The Escarpment creates breath taking views of the vast lake and the rolling landscape. One of my personal favorite trails to take during this time of year is the Red Bird trail located up by the viewing tower. This trail gives some great views of trees that are growing within the Niagara Escarpment.
Neenah Memorial Park- Neenah, WI
Want to take a quick peak at the fall colors without having to go very far? Memorial Park in Neenah is the place for you! This park is surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the City of Neenah, but its big, tall Maple trees make you feel as if you are somewhere else. The trails through this park are rather short so it makes a good afterwork or quick morning walk place. An added bonus is that this park is dog friendly, so your four-legged friends can join in on the magic of fall.
Mosquito Hill Nature Center- New London, WI
Mosquito Hill Nature Center in New London is another hidden gem that is only a short drive away. The centerpiece of the park is, of course, The Hill itself. Unlike many flatter landscapes in the region, this elevated bluff provides a unique and breathtaking perspective on the surrounding area. From the top, you can gaze out over a sea of crimson, gold, and orange, as the foliage of the Wolf River bottomlands and surrounding woodlands stretch out below—a photographer’s dream and a memorable sight for any nature lover.
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- Photos by Mosquito Hill Nature Center
Schmeeckle Reserve- Stevens Point, WI
Located about an hour west of the Fox Valley Schmeeckle Reserve is an expansive Reserve located amongst the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Schmeeckle will always hold a special place in my heart as it is where I spent a lot of my time for four years while I went to school in Point. Schmeeckle features many various habitat types including an Oak Savannah and a Lake. Lake Joanis is one of my favorite places to visit anytime of the year but specifically in the fall! The colors of the leaves on the trees reflecting off the lake are something that can only be seen and not described. The lake also serves as a place for many migrating waterfowl and even sometimes has a Loon!
Fonferek’s Glen Brown County Park- Green Bay, WI
While I have never visited Fonferek’s Glen in the fall time, I visited there for the first time last winter and knew I would need to visit again in the Fall. This unique park features many off trail excursions as well as an amazing 30-foot waterfall. There is even a trail that gets you down near the back of the falls. Combining this kind of unique access with the stunning autumn foliage of the surrounding native trees and prairie will make for a completely different and likely much more colorful adventure.
From the familiar boardwalks of Heckrodt to the sweeping vistas of High Cliff, and the peacefulness of Neenah Memorial Park to the elevated wonder of Mosquito Hill, we are truly spoiled for choice. Even a short drive west to the shores of Lake Joanis at Schmeeckle Reserve or a trip to explore the beauty of Fonferek’s Glen offers a unique way to connect with the season.
These local treasures are waiting to be explored, proving that the most spectacular views are often the ones closest to home. The season is brief, but the memories of this colorful autumn are meant to last all year.
Don’t just watch the season change—be a part of it!