FALL Fun in Jefferson & Walworth Counties

Published On: Thursday, August 25, 2022 – By Katy Wimer and Kellie Carper – Categories: Blog, Explore Jefferson County, Fall – Tags: Fall 2022, fall fun, family fun, farmers' market, festival, Halloween, outdoors, trails –

Fall fun abounds in Jefferson and Walworth counties. With stories, hikes, fall harvests, and spirits, the communities in our area offer a whirlwind of autumn adventures for you, a group of friends, or family time. Pick your favorite or try them all for a fall to remember.

Events

The Storytelling Festival – Sept. 23rd-25th

Immerse yourself in the magic of autumn and let Whitewater’s storytellers and artists enchant you at this year’s Storytelling Festival. From children’s stories to Sip & Tell, an artisan market to art galleries, there’s a little something to inspire everyone.

Fall Jefferson Auto Swap Meet And Car Show – Sept. 23rd-25th

The Madison Classic’s Fall Jefferson Car Show and Auto Swap Meet is one of the largest car shows in the Midwest! Thousands of car parts and car accessory vendors make it a great place to buy or sell car parts. For those looking to buy or sell cars, the Cars for Sale Corral is full of 100’s of cars of all makes and models. Or simply wander around and check out the fun, classic cars!

Ice Age Trail Mammoth Hike Challenge – October

Hike, walk, run, or backpack 42 miles of the Ice Age Trail during the month of October and visit 3 Trail Communities to earn a hiking certificate and a limited-edition patch. Log your miles over days, weekends, weeks, or one big adventure. You have the entire month of October to do it!

Fall Color Festival – Oct. 1st

Register for a full day of heart-pounding, side-aching, gear-grinding, mountain bike excitement for the entire family. Proceeds go toward building and maintaining fun, sustainable, high-quality, single-track mountain bike trails in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Fall Festival of Color – Oct. 2nd

The Fall Festival of Color is a fun community event for all ages with over 150 vendors selling arts, crafts, local produce, fall flowers, and seasonal and home décor. Enjoy food and live music. All events are located in Common Park -the heart of historic downtown Lake Mills.

Spirit Tour – Oct. 7th-8th

The city of Whitewater, known as “Second Salem”, is famous for the “Witches of Whitewater” legends and its rich spiritual history. From stories of witches and ghosts to alleged murders and occult practices, the Spirit Tour is for you. Enjoy a night of lore and unique, behind-the-scenes access to haunted sites throughout Whitewater.

Haunts

Shockwave Haunts – Weekends in October

If you like being scared out of your mind and appreciate haunts made from scratch with real actors instead of automatons, head to Shockwave Haunts this year. Offering haunted houses like no other in the middle of Whitewater’s countryside, you’re guaranteed to look over your shoulder for a day or two after.

Skully’s Terror – Weekends in October

If you’re looking for a haunt created by a “diabolical genius”, Skully’s Terror is for you. With scares around every corner, you can “expect to be terrified by the unexpected”.

Fall at Old World Wisconsin

Farmhouse to Brewhouse: Seasonal Beer Dinners featuring Wisconsin Breweries – Aug. 27th & Sept. 24th

Includes an early look at the brand new Brewhouse, beers from local Wisconsin breweries, a tasting sample of some of the first brews created at Old World Wisconsin, and a delicious four-course meal including locally sourced meats and vegetables.

Legends & Lore – Fridays & Saturdays in October

Troves of supernatural tales brought to Wisconsin over the generations come to life at this always spooky, sometimes scary, Halloween event.

Fall Color Drive – 60mi (1.5-2hrs)

This drive takes you along Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive through the gorgeous Kettle Moraine State Forest, backroads through the beautiful rolling countryside and prairie of southern WI, and past a number of waterways in Jefferson County. Stop for lunch or dinner along the way or simply take in the stunning colors of autumn.

Agritourism

Throughout fall, enjoy apple & pumpkin picking, corn mazes, apple cider donuts, craft brews, fun with farm animals, and checking out area barn quilts!