Fall is truly the best time to visit Chippewa County, and we really mean it! With crisp air, colorful views, cozy coffee stops, and plenty of ways to get outside, it’s the perfect place for a fall getaway. Pick apples, hit the trails, sip local wine, and stay awhile while you explore the small-town charm and big fall fun waiting around every corner. Let’s make your fall getaway one to remember.

Fall Colors Worth the Drive

With miles and miles of forest making up our county, you can imagine just how breathtaking the views get when our trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow for the fall. The best way to see these for yourself is to go on one of our many fall colors driving tours!

• Chippewa River Tour: Travel through downtown Chippewa Falls for local shopping, dining, and attractions,  then head north for scenic views of the Chippewa River and Lake Wissota.
• Brunet Island Tour: Explore the Chippewa County Forest, Brunet Island State Park, and the area’s historic pulpwood stacker while enjoying colorful woodland views.
• Ice Age Tour: Drive through the Chippewa County Forest and past the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Interpretive Center, where wildlife, small lakes, and glacial landscapes create a peaceful fall escape.

For the full maps of these driving routes and to see 3 additional tours to take, click the button below!

Even More Driving Routes

A Perfect Day in the Orchard

You can’t visit Chippewa County in the fall without stopping at an apple orchard! All of our orchards are near each other, making it easy to visit them all in just one trip.

• Dixon’s Apple Orchard: Sample the distinctive Champagne apple, a sweet, spicy, and juicy variety originally grown by Fred Dixon, along with other favorites at this Chippewa County orchard. Visitors can also enjoy apple picking, raspberries, cider, wine, and treats at the Apple Hangar and Bar.
• Bushel & A Peck: Choose from more than 30 apple varieties at this scenic, family-friendly orchard, then visit the bakery for homemade pies, cookies, turnovers, and other apple treats. The orchard also features pumpkins, berries, and seasonal fall fun.
• Connell’s Family Orchard: This seven-generation family orchard, established in 1858, offers 30 apple varieties along with pumpkins, raspberries, blueberries, and plums. Visit in fall for a relaxing weekend wagon ride through the orchard.
• Family Roots Orchard: Newly owned by the Geissler family since 2024, Family Roots Orchard pairs apple picking and local apple products with family activities such as mini golf, free wagon rides, and photo opportunities.

Check Out More Agritourism Destinations

Hit the Hiking Trails

• Lake Wissota Loop: This easy 6.2-mile unpaved loop winds through Lake Wissota State Park and nearby trails, offering beautiful lake views and vibrant fall colors.
• Area 178: Hike or mountain bike this 6.1-mile trail along the Chippewa River and Lake Wissota, with scenic views of the Xcel Energy Dam along the way. Some rocky terrain can be challenging, so fuel up beforehand at Whirlybird Coffee Co.
• Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Explore roughly 23 miles of trail through Chippewa County Forest, from the Ice Age Interpretive Center in New Auburn to Brunet Island State Park in Cornell. Glacially shaped landscapes, forested surroundings, and flexible segment options make it easy to choose your own adventure.

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Explore the County by ATV or UTV

It’s time to start your ATV and UTV adventure. The Chippewa County Forest trails are extensive, so here are some spots to begin your journey.

• O’Neil ATV Trailhead: Start your Chippewa County Forest ATV/UTV adventure at this free trailhead off 157th Street in Bloomer, with access to the O’Neil Creek Trail and the scenic Hickory Ridge Trail. Riders can enjoy forest views, nearby lakes, and connections to local paved and gravel routes.
• Bass Lakes ATV Trailhead: This trailhead connects the Hickory Ridge Trail to the larger Chippewa County Forest loop and offers a peaceful place to pause near the Bass Lakes.
• The County Highway M ATV Trailhead: Located off County Highway M in Holcombe, this trailhead offers parking, a restroom, and convenient access to more than 23 miles of forest ATV/UTV trails.

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Sip Into Fall at Local Wineries

Sip your way through Chippewa County with locally made wines and memorable winery experiences.

• Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery: Enjoy 15 locally produced wines, from dry reds to sweet fruit varieties, in the rolling hills of Chippewa Falls.
• River Bend Winery & Distillery: Sample award-winning local wines and relax on the patio overlooking the vineyard.
• O’Neil Creek Winery: Discover unique fruit and specialty wines crafted from the winery’s orchard in a relaxing countryside setting.
• Wisconsin Veteran Farm LLC & Winery: Sip handcrafted small-batch wines and gives 10% of proceeds to veteran organizations and charities.

More Sipping Spots

Stay a Little Longer in Chippewa County

• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites: Stay in the heart of downtown Chippewa Falls, steps from local shops, restaurants, and the on-site Wissota Chophouse.
• Country Inn & Suites: Located along Highway 124, this comfortable hotel offers convenient access to Lake Hallie, Eau Claire, and Chippewa Falls.
• AmericInn Hotel & Suites: Situated on Highway 124, as well as being a short distance from central Chippewa Falls, it is one of the most easily accessible hotels in the area.
• Riverstone Suites: Located near Highway 124 and downtown Chippewa Falls, Riverstone Suites offers spacious accommodations with kitchenettes and convenient amenities.
• Holiday Inn & Suites: Located near US-53, this hotel offers easy access to the area plus a complimentary breakfast buffet.
• Hampton Inn & Suites: This cozy hotel near US-53 provides convenient access to Lake Hallie, Chippewa Falls, and Eau Claire.

More Places to Stay