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Discover the Best Fall Activities and Places to Visit Around La Crosse, WI

Eagle at sunset in Riverside park in La Crosse, Wisconsin at sunset. This is a wonderful place to try fall activities.

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better time to explore the seasonal festivities and outdoor activities in and around La Crosse, Wisconsin. From apple orchards to haunted houses, this area comes alive in the fall with family-friendly fun, scenic spots, and community events that capture the spirit of the season. Here’s a guide to some of the best fall activities and places to visit during this beautiful time of year.

The Hootenanny at Eckers Apple Farm is Full of Fall Activities (October 12th)

Eckers Apple Farm is the perfect place to kick off your fall adventures. On October 12th, Eckers hosts its annual Hootenanny, a fun-filled event featuring live music, food, and drinks amidst the backdrop of beautiful apple trees. But that’s not all – Eckers Apple Farm holds events almost every weekend throughout the fall, making it a great spot to visit regularly. Whether you’re picking fresh apples or sipping hot cider, the farm offers plenty of fall vibes for the whole family.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat & Other Trick-or-Treating Events

If you’re looking for Halloween fun, La Crosse’s Downtown Trick or Treat event is a must-visit. This annual celebration invites kids to dress up and collect candy from local businesses, making for a safe and festive environment. Besides the downtown area, many surrounding neighborhoods also host their own trick-or-treating events, so be sure to check your local listings for times and locations.

West Salem Fall Market Festival (October 5th)

West Salem is home to the annual Fall Market Festival, taking place on October 5th. This lively outdoor market is filled with local vendors selling handcrafted goods, seasonal produce, fall decorations, and more. It’s the perfect place to get a jumpstart on your fall decorating or start holiday shopping early while enjoying delicious fall treats and live entertainment.

Pumpkin and a Pint (October 5th)

For a unique twist on fall fun, don’t miss the “Pumpkin and a Pint” event on October 5th. Enjoy a cold craft beer while you carve your pumpkin – it’s the perfect combination of relaxation and creativity! This event is held at various local breweries and pubs in the area, combining the best of fall flavors with a casual, fun activity.

Apple Orchards Near La Crosse with Fall Activities

The La Crosse area boasts several beautiful apple orchards perfect for a day of family fun or a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Some of the best orchards to visit include:

  • Eckers Apple Farm
  • Ferguson’s Orchards
  • Fruit Acres Apple Orchard
  • Van Lin Orchards
  • Southwinds Orchards

These orchards offer more than just apple picking – many also have farm stands selling fresh apple products like pies, cider, and doughnuts. Be sure to check each orchard’s event schedule for special fall activities.

Pumpkin Patches Make for Great Fall Activities

Nothing says fall quite like a trip to a pumpkin patch! Whether you’re picking the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating your home, these local patches are a must-visit:

  • Hidden Trails
  • Fergusons
  • Schwertel Family Farms

These farms often have additional fall attractions like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos, making them a great family destination.

The Market in Centerville

For those who love exploring local shops, The Market in Centerville, along with Berry Market, David’s Ice Cream, and Muted Tones’ newest location, offer a variety of seasonal products, tasty treats, and unique gifts. Fall markets are perfect for finding locally-made items, enjoying delicious food, and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

DSAW Fall Festival (October 12th)

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) hosts its annual Fall Festival on October 12th. This family-friendly event features games, activities, food, and fun for everyone, all while supporting a great cause. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend time with loved ones and celebrate the season with the local community.

Logan High School Fall Craft Show (October 26th)

If you’re a fan of handmade crafts, the Logan High School Fall Craft Show on October 26th is a can’t-miss event. Local artisans gather to showcase their unique creations, including seasonal decorations, handmade gifts, jewelry, and more. It’s the perfect place to pick up one-of-a-kind items for your home or to get a head start on your holiday shopping.

Dog Daze in the Maze (November 2nd)

For all the dog lovers out there, Dog Daze in the Maze on November 2nd is a fun way to spend a fall day with your furry friend. This event, held at one of the area’s corn mazes, allows dogs and their owners to explore the maze together. It’s a great way to enjoy the fall weather while letting your dog burn off some energy.

Haunted Houses are the Perfect Fall Activities

For those who love a good scare, the La Crosse area has plenty of haunted houses to explore, including:

  • House of Shadows
  • Jaycees Haunted House

These haunted attractions are perfect for thrill-seekers looking to add some fright to their fall evenings. Just make sure you’re ready for the spooky surprises waiting inside!

Fall in the La Crosse area is a magical time filled with fun events, stunning landscapes, and plenty of seasonal treats. Whether you’re out picking apples, exploring a pumpkin patch, or braving a haunted house, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the spirit of autumn with these fall activities. So grab your flannel, sip on some apple cider, and get out there to enjoy all the fall activities La Crosse, WI, has to offer!

Abby Ryan
Author: Abby Ryan

Beth Franklin. New Chamber of Commerce of La Crosse.

La Crosse Area Chamber Announces Beth Franklin as New Chief Executive Officer

We at Around River City are excited to share some fantastic news from the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce. Beth Franklin has been named the new Chief Executive Officer, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for her and the community. Beth has been a vital part of the Chamber since 2019, most recently serving as the Workforce Strategies Director and leading the First Friend Newcomer Connection Program. Over the past six years, she has assisted over 500 newcomers in their relocation to Greater La Crosse, overseen the Thrive in the Heart of the Driftless Region talent attraction campaign, and launched the La Crosse Links community onboarding program. Her dedication and numerous other workforce initiatives have significantly impacted the community. “I graciously accept the offer of CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce,” says Beth Franklin. “In my almost six years at the Chamber, across various roles, I have listened to our members to learn their strengths and challenges and have fostered deep connections in the community. This focus on relationship building has allowed me to be a part of creating and growing successful programs and initiatives that serve our members.” Beth’s influence within the Chamber has already been profound, and as CEO, her impact is set to grow even further. She now has the opportunity to shape the future of the La Crosse Chamber, driving innovation and success on an even larger scale. “I am so pleased to be announcing the hire of our new La Crosse Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer, Beth Franklin,” states Elizabeth Filter, La Crosse Chamber Board President & CEO and President of VARC, Inc. “While this is a new role, the Chamber is not new to Beth. As many of you know, she currently serves as the Chamber’s Workforce Strategies Director and has been a Chamber leader for almost six years. Beth’s dedication to our members, her drive and commitment to the business community’s success, and her innovative and collaborative leadership presence will undoubtedly take the Chamber to exciting new places.” Beth Franklin added, “This is an energizing time. Driving my excitement is knowing that the Chamber has a wonderfully supportive Board of Directors and a high-performing Chamber team who continue to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality programs, energizing events, and overall meaningful support to our members. I look forward to getting to know our members on a deeper level, growing our membership, and implementing more ways to achieve the shared goals of helping our businesses, and our larger community, thrive.” The La Crosse Chamber extends its gratitude to the Board of Directors for their leadership during this transition. With Beth Franklin at the helm, the future of the Chamber looks exceptionally bright. And here at Around River City, we can’t wait to see what she’ll achieve next. Author: Abby Ryan

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