The vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves signaling the arrival of fall make for stunning scenery across the Midwest. One of the best ways to fully experience the incredible colors is by taking a fall foliage cruise on Lake Michigan departing from Kenosha, Wisconsin. From the unique vantage point of a boat, you’re surrounded by the vibrant hues and can fully soak in nature’s show.
Prime Times for Fall Colors
The best times to spot peak fall colors on Lake Michigan are usually during October and November. This varies slightly each year based on weather conditions. Generally, you’ll find the most vibrant colors on trees spanning over the couple weeks from mid-October through mid-November. Monitoring websites that track the fall foliage status can help you pinpoint prime times.
Most experts recommend late October as the best bet for brilliant fall scenery on Lake Michigan. With the summer crowds gone and the weather still mild, it's a perfect time to cruise.
Kenosha Harbor & Simmons Island
You don’t have to venture far from Kenosha to view gorgeous fall scenery. Cruising Kenosha's harbor and shoreline reveals beautiful views of fall foliage framing the waterfront.
Simmons Island on the south side of the harbor offers one of the best vantage points for taking in the vibrant colors. The island's park features paved walking paths and outlook points to gaze at the fall hues reflecting off the still waters. Picnic tables dotted along the shoreline create the perfect spots to enjoy a packed lunch while admiring the dazzling colors.
In addition to Simmons Island, several other parks and outlook points within Kenosha's harbor like HarborPark, the Kenosha HarborMarket, and various marinas offer great views of the fall foliage. Meandering through the maze of boats and piers surrounded by the flaming leaves makes for classic Wisconsin scenes.
Be sure to cruise north past the lively downtown district to spot urban fall scenes. Historic buildings and church steeples set against the fall backdrop create postcard-worthy views.
With vibrant oak and maple trees densely packed around Kenosha's harbor and shoreline, you don't have to go far to immerse yourself in brilliant fall scenery.
Additional Fall Foliage Cruising Destinations
Pike Creek & Petrifying Springs Park
Meandering along the Pike Creek inlet to the north offers sheltered waters surrounded by flaming fall foliage. It feeds into the scenic Petrifying Springs Park where limestone formations add interest.
Racine & Wind Point Lighthouse
Just south of Kenosha, Racine's North and South Beaches showcase vibrant oak trees overlooking the water. Farther south, the historic Wind Point Lighthouse provides panoramic views of the fall landscape.
Milwaukee Harbor & Shoreline
About 40 miles south near downtown Milwaukee lies stunning fall scenery along the lakefront. The vibrant grounds of Veteran’s Park and Milwaukee Art Museum as well as the urban views of the Harbor District make for unforgettable views during fall.
Port Washington & Harrington Beach State Park
The scenic harbor town of Port Washington, about 25 miles north of Kenosha, looks absolutely splendid in the fall. Nearby, the wooded trails and limestone bluffs of Harrington Beach State Park dazzle with color.
Sheboygan & Kohler-Andrae State Park
Sheboygan offers terrific sightseeing northward along the coast about 50 miles from Kenosha. Nearby, Kohler-Andrae State Park boasts sand dunes and forests that shine beautifully in fall.
Tips for Taking In the Fall Colors
- Bring binoculars to spot vibrant trees in the distance
- Travel during the “magic hours” of early morning/evening light
- Look for reflections of colors dancing across the lake
- Capture photos but remember to soak in the views in real-time too
- Pack a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy on shore during peak colors
- Bring warm layers in case it gets chilly on the water
As you can see, you don’t have far to travel from Kenosha to witness Mother Nature’s fall painting in full force. Cruising along the Wisconsin shores of Lake Michigan during October and November is an unforgettable way to fully absorb the sensational scenery. So gather friends and family and head out on a fall foliage cruise before the burst of color disappears for the season!
