Madison's Best Fall Activities
By Sam Georgson, Contributing Writer
There is nothing like autumn in Wisconsin; the days grow shorter and the air turns delightfully crisp. The green leaves begin to transform into wonderfully rich shades of red, orange and yellow before they fall from their branches and descend on the cities. Wood lines the fireplaces, cider fills the fridges and everyone pulls out their favorite sweaters from deep in the burrows of their closets.
It is finally October, and for many of us at UW and other universities that means midterm season. However, October in Wisconsin also brings about the month-long celebration of everything autumnal. Apple picking and pumpkin carving are traditions, and there are so many other local ways to celebrate this seasonal change. So, take a break from your studies by enjoying this beautiful time of year.
If you are looking to start the season off with farm goodies and fresh-picked apples, look no further than Eplegaarden. Located just south of Madison, this old-fashioned Norwegian apple orchard has an expansive garden with a wonderful variety of apples, raspberries and pumpkins. Grab your red wagon, leave your iPhone at home and head to the farm for some down-to-earth fun. Do not forget to stock up on apple butter and fresh cider before you head back home.
If fall festivals are your preference, Wisconsin has quite a selection. The state is home to many family farms that host seasonal activities every day of the week. If you love petting zoos and pumpkin carving, do not miss Eugster’s Farm Market and Petting Farm. This location is home to nearly every farm animal imaginable; take the opportunity to play with kittens, ride horses, feed goats or milk the cows. On weekends, Eugster’s hosts their fall festival, where you can go for a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, or perhaps cozy up in the barn with some of the best apple cider donuts in town. If you stick around long enough, you will even witness the winner of the giant pumpkin contest.
If you are looking for a place that offers fall fun both day and night, Schuster’s Farm is the perfect spot. The Wisconsin-themed corn maze, which expands over eight acres, offers excitement around every corner. They also make a mean BBQ, and if you stay through the evening you can enjoy s’mores around the bonfire. You could even pull out your flashlights for another go at the maze or run through the haunted forest.
Of course, if you are looking for a truly spine-chilling experience, you must head to Screamin’ Acres Haunted Houses — but only if you dare. The feature has won many awards and often makes the list of top-rated haunted houses in the area. There are several different themed attractions to choose from, all equally terrifying. Whether you want to go back in time and explore their spooky farm history or partake in something eerily futuristic by gearing up for their mind-numbing 3D experience, you are sure to find something that will satisfy your horror movie cravings.
If you are seeking a challenge in the maze department, Wisconsin is home to one of the most impressive corn mazes in the nation. Treinen Farm, located in Lodi, is famous for its remarkable corn maze. Each year they create one of the most expansive and challenging mazes in the nation. 2017 offers a particularly special experience because the idea for the design came from UW Madison’s own Geology Museum.
If you take the trip up to Treinen Farm this year, you have the unique experience of being able to navigate your way through a Trilobite. A Trilobite is a now extinct amphibious creature from the Paleozoic Era, dating back 450 million years. The Trilobite is also Wisconsin’s State Fossil, and Treinen Farm honors this history with its incredibly impressive design. Each weekend, representatives from the museum visit the farm to educate maze-goers about Trilobites, including actual specimens to share. The prehistoric activity is worth the drive, but be sure to bring a team of problem-solvers considering this maze is one serious puzzle.
There are dozens of fall farms and apple orchards in Wisconsin, especially in the Madison area, and each has plenty to experience. Whether your favorite autumnal activities revolve around hayrides and pumpkin patches or creepy costumes and haunted houses, Wisconsin has plenty of fall festivities to spice up this time of year. So, pull on your fleece, lace up your boots and grab a mug of cider, because we could all use a little break from our studies.