Orange you red-y to see fall colors?
In Wisconsin, blink, and you might miss the beauty of fall. The third week of October should be peak fall colors for the Madison area, but we’re not procrastinators here at UW. Get a head start on fall foliage at these spots around town.
Nestled between academic buildings and libraries galore, Allen Centennial Garden allows you to take a quick nature break between classes.
The Allen Centennial Gardens and Agricultural Dean’s Residence are pictured in an aerial view of the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus during autumn on Oct. 5, 2011. The photograph was made from a helicopter looking northeast. Photo: Jeff Miller
Go big with The UW Arboretum, which offers more than 1,000 acres of natural goodness. If you want an educational experience, try the Autumn Woodlands walk or, if you’re feeling a nighttime stroll, the full moon walk may be the one for you.
A runner jogs along Arboretum Drive past a backdrop of golden tree foliage near Gallistel Woods at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum during autumn on Oct. 10, 2012. Photo: Jeff Miller
Picnic Point is beautiful at any time of year, but in the fall you can fight off the chill by reserving a fire pit.
Setting the mood for a special night under on Picnic Point, a toasty campfire helps temper a brisk wind coming off Lake Mendota during autumn. The occasion was a surprise dinner celebrating Bob and Nan Schaefer’s 31st wedding anniversary, an event planned by Bob with the help of his three daughters and one daughter’s fiance. The Schaefers are alumni of the university and residents of Madison. The campus natural area fire pits are managed by Physical Plant and can be reserved free of charge by calling 263-3333. Photo: Jeff Miller
If biking is more your thing, Visit Madison has put together a last of the top 10 trails. Madison is, after all, one of the best cities in the country for biking.
#humblebrag your nature photography skillz with #uwfall — then be inspired by admiring the glory of fall at go.wisc.edu/uwfall
For larger doses of fall color, you might want to consider weekend trips to Devil’s Lake, Witches’ Gulch — short hike, (hour away from campus) or Blue Mound State Park (40 minutes from campus).