Fall is such a glorious time of the year. Our hearts and bodies are still glowing from the adrenaline of summer, but the weather has just turned chilly enough to throw on that favorite, snuggly sweater. The leaves are turning from green to glorious yellows, oranges, and reds and there’s the scent of warm cinnamon in the air. Fall is a feast for the senses, especially if you live in or are visiting Chippewa County. Although the heat of summer is fading, there are still plenty of things to do outdoors (and indoors) as fall preps us for all the good cheer the winter months promise.
Horseback Trails:
Imagine the crisp autumn air and the soft crunching of the leaves under a horse’s hooves as you navigate trails set amidst gentle rolling hills and beautiful forests. Chippewa County offers miles of scenic horseback trails that wind through picturesque landscapes. The Hay Meadow Horse Trail, which takes riders through scenic northern hardwood forests is one that shouldn’t be missed. The rolling glacial moraine in the area offers constant changes in terrain and landscapes.
Hunting:
The fall hunting season is hard to beat with thousands of acres of county forest, fields, private, and public access lands filled with wildlife and stunning autumn foliage. The Chippewa County Forest, spanning 33,000 acres, offers a vast space perfect for hunting. Beaver Creek Pheasant Preserve is the place you want to be if you’re looking for gamebirds like the Chukar. Don’t forget to check advisory details for dates when different seasons open.
Deer Fly Chase:
If you’re looking for an exciting outdoor event, don’t miss the Deer Fly Chase. Organized by the Friends of Hickory Ridge Trail Association, this mountain bike race and trail run takes place on the trails of Hickory Ridge. Participants can choose between long and short mountain bike races, or a trail run. The event offers great trails, a challenging course, and beautiful country in a friendly atmosphere. Participating in the Deer Fly Chase is a great way to support the upkeep of the trails as all the proceeds from the event are reinvested into taking care of them. You get to have fun and do something awesome for the wilderness at the same time!
Chippewa Steel Hockey:
Hockey fans can catch an exciting game by watching the Chippewa Steel, a junior ice hockey team that competes in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The team is based in Chippewa Falls and plays their home games at the Chippewa Area Ice Arena. The Steel’s games offer thrilling action on the ice and are a great way to support local sports.
Spooky Times:
Can you spot a specter? Bring on the spookiness with flashlight tours offered by the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion. These tours of the 1887 restored and furnished lumber baron’s home provide a unique opportunity to explore the mansion’s grand lifestyle during this spooky time of year. Test your nerves at the Screamin’ Hollow Haunted Trail with half a mile of haunted woods with eerie noises, inexplicable thuds, brushes with ghosts and illuminating flashes of light… Do you dare?
Celebrate the Fall Harvest:
Autumn brings bounties of apples and pumpkins. Translation – autumn bring bounties of freshly brewed cider and warm, spiced pies. Pick the perfect pumpkin at a pumpkin patch, bite into a crisp apple you’ve picked yourself at an apple orchard, or simply find exactly what you’re looking for at a fall Farmer’s Market like the one held every Thursday near the Riverfront Park. Visit a winery to taste their autumn specials or a brewery for cider, pumpkin drinks, and a whole lot more.
Solve a Murder:
Strange things happen in October. Put your deerstalker hat and play Sherlock for a day as you cross-examine actors, the director, the costume designer and a host of other characters to solve a murder at the Heyde Center for Arts.
Trick or Treat:
It’s time for downtown businesses to get to know all the naughty little imps in town at the Chippewa Falls Downtown Trick or Treat. Bring your kids in their chosen costumes for the year as participating businesses hand out candy, or else…
There’s plenty more on the cards this fall with live music, bingo nights, trivia, and even a Fall Beer Hunt for adults with the chance to win some great prizes at the Leinenkugel grounds. Check out the whole list of events on our website today.
Even More to See + Do
There is so much more to explore and experience in Chippewa County. Find more activities here:
Check out the exciting outdoor adventures you can experience:
Chippewa County is always buzzing with exciting events, find out what events are coming up: