As the warmth of summer gives way to the crisp autumn air, La Crosse, Wisconsin comes alive with seasonal charm. From vibrant foliage and apple orchards to lively festivals and outdoor adventures, fall in our city offers something for everyone. We’ve gathered the best activities to help you make the most of the season, whether that’s exploring scenic drives, enjoying family-friendly farms, or diving into community celebrations.
🍎 Apple Orchards
Pictured: Eckers Apple Farm, Trempealeau WI
Ecker’s Apple Farm
W27062 State Road 54 35, Trempealeau, WI
Open late August to Thanksgiving Eve, Ecker’s Apple Farm is a pick-your-own orchard, scratch bakery, and beer and cider garden nestled into the bluffs along the Mississippi River near Trempealeau and Galesville. Scratch apple pies and hand-dipped caramel apples are made daily. Live music happens every weekend! Check their website for details.
Ferguson’s Orchards
N17543 Grover Ln, Galesville, WI
Celebrate the day with your family and friends in their huge pick-your-own apple orchard, you-pick pumpkin patch, and exploring the tons of activities including the cow train, pumpkin jumping pad, corn pit and more! Located in Galesville and open August-October.
Fruit Acres Apple Orchard
33309 County Road 1, La Crescent, MN
Fruit Acres Apple Orchards is a Certified Organic orchard located on 400 acres overlooking the Mississippi River Valley in La Crescent, MN. The orchard offers a variety of apples, both modern and heirloom, that visitors can pick themselves during the Fall U-Pick Days.
Van Lin Orchards
4002 Tschumper Rd, La Crescent, MN
Van Lin Orchards is a family- owned orchard located on the bluffs near La Crescent, MN. They offer free admission and provide pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries. They also offer wagon rides, a corn maze and arts & crafts. Open on weekends September-October.
Pinter’s Garden & Pumpkins
2475 State Hwy 9, Decorah, IA
Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins in Decorah is a family-run garden center, bakery and seasonal attraction. Known for expert landscaping, fresh baked goods, and fun fall activities like pumpkin picking and corn mazes, and is a year-round destination for families and garden lovers alike.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches
Pictured: Ferguson’s Orchards
Hidden Trails Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
W4704 Hwy 16, West Salem, WI
Hidden Trails has a pumpkin patch full of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Families can walk through the patch to find the perfect one or explore their complex corn maze. There are also hayrides, fall decorations, and other seasonal activities, making Hidden Trails a great place to enjoy the autumn season together.
Ferguson’s Orchards
N17543 Grover Ln, Galesville, WI
Ferguson’s expansive pumpkin patch offers a fun experience for visitors to roam the fields and pick their own pumpkins directly from the vine. Each paid admission comes with a FREE Season Pass to visit the orchard as many times as you’d like all season long.
Schwertel Family Farms
W27348 WI-54 #35, Trempealeau, WI
Schwertel Family Farms offers a variety of fresh seasonal produce, like sweet corn, pumpkins, gourds, and colorful fall mums. During harvest time, you can stop by their cozy roadside stand to pick up locally grown goods straight from the family. This family-run farm began in the 1950s as a simple stand started by Grandma Millie and it’s been a local favorite ever since.
Tucker & Becky’s Pumpkin Patch
7099 Oboe Ave, Cashton, WI
Tucker & Becky’s is a family-owned pumpkin patch that offers a charming fall experience for all including pick-your-own pumpkins, live music on weekends, wood-fire pizza and a selection of seasonal decorations.
Pinter’s Garden & Pumpkins
2475 State Hwy 9, Decorah, IA
Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins in Decorah is a family-run garden center, bakery and seasonal attraction. Known for expert landscaping, fresh baked goods, and fun fall activities like pumpkin picking and corn mazes, and is a year-round destination for families and garden lovers alike.
👻 Haunted Houses
Pictured: Jaycees Haunted House
Jaycees Haunted House
Clearwater Farm | 760 Green Coulee Rd, Onalaska, WI
Open for the month of October
House of Shadows
501 Osborne Dr, Sparta, WI
Open September 25th through October 31st
🧺 Roadside Stands & Markets
Pictured: Jolivette Family Farms
Southwind Orchards
45440 County Road 12, Dakota, MN
Southwind is a 120-acre, family-owned apple orchard on the hillsides of Dakota and located only 10 minutes from La Crosse. They offer 30 apple variations as well as apple cider, honey, salsas and more in their orchard market. Open 9a-5p daily during the season.
The Market in Centerville
N16045 Kriesel Lane, Trempealeau, WI
Within the Market, there are 4 businesses: The Berry Market is a roadside stand selling fresh, on-side grown berries and produce. The Floral Market is a fresh cut flower farm that offers bouquet cutting and arrangements. Be sure to stop at David’s Ice Cream Parlor, where you can get delicious scoop ice cream, soft serve and sweet treats. Lastly, Muted Tones Market is an on-site boutique that offers a range of clothing, home decor and gift items to shop.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10a-6p, Friday 9a-6p, Sat 9a-7p, Sunday 9a-6p
Crumble & Co. Roadside Stand
N3050 CO HWY OA, Barre Mills, WI
Bringing you local goods every Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the small town of Barre Mills!
Jolivette Family Farms
W3452 State Road 16, West Salem, WI
Jolivette Family Farms is known for their homegrown fruits and vegetables which can now be enjoyed year-round in their West Salem storefront. Open 8a-8p daily.
Bauer’s Market & Garden Center
221 North 2nd Street, La Crescent, MN
Bauer’s Market & Garden Center is a family-owned and operated business, serving the Coulee Region and beyond for 60+ years providing premium gardening products and solid advice to make your ideas bloom into beautiful creations. Open year round hours vary by season – current hours: 8a-6p daily.
🍂 Fall Events & Activities
Pictured: Honey Crisp Hootenanny
Honeycrisp Hootenanny
Ecker’s Apple Farm | W27062 State Road 54 35, Trempealeau, WI
Saturday, October 11th | 12-10 p.m.
Eckers will host its annual Hootenanny, a fun-filled event featuring live music, food, and drinks amidst the backdrop of beautiful apple trees.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Downtown La Crosse | 422 Main St, La Crosse, WI
Saturday, October 25th | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Put on your best costume and head to downtown for some Halloween fun! Local businesses will be handing out candy, turning the streets into a festive trick-or-treat trail. It’s a safe, family-friendly event filled with sweets, spooky decorations, and plenty of smiles. Bring your little ghosts and goblins for a fun-filled day at Downtown Trick or Treat!
Fall Market & Mingle
Leonard St South, West Salem, WI
Saturday, October 4th | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
West Salem’s Fall Market & Mingle returns this year featuring local vendors, artists, food trucks and more! Stroll down the sidewalks of Leonard St and Memorial Dr in the heart of downtown and support local businesses! This event is in conjunction with 12th Annual American Legion Craft show and the 3rd Annual Fall Festival at the Palmer Gullickson House.
Fall & Gift Craft Show
Omni Center | 255 Riders Club Road, Onalaska, WI
October 11th-12th | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Omni Center will hold the 26th annual Fall and Gift Craft Show this October to kick off the holiday shopping season. This year’s show features over 100 vendors, free admission, and a kid’s craft section!
Fall Market on The Mississippi
Fox Hollow Golf Course | W4131 Co Rd O, La Crosse, WI
Saturday, August 23rd | 9 a.m. to 4p.m.
Experience the charm of the Fall Market on the Mississippi, a celebration of creativity, local talent, and community spirit. Browse a unique mix of booths featuring beautiful handmade goods from talented Midwest makers. It’s more than just a market; it’s a day full of art, inspiration, and connection.
Onalaska Fall Pet and Plant Expo
Omni Center | 255 Riders Club Road, Onalaska, WI
Saturday, September 6th | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meet adorable animals in need of loving homes and shop for toys, food, and pet supplies all in one place! Chat with knowledgeable, caring animal advocates who are happy to answer your questions. Whether you’re ready to adopt, need something for your current pets, or just want to enjoy some animal time, this event has something for everyone!
Caledonia’s Fall Fest
211 S Kingston Street, Caledonia, MN
Saturday, October 18th | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Have some family fun and shop from the indoor market vendors to kick start your local holiday shopping while enjoying refreshments and fun for the whole community!
Fall Artisan Market
Palmer Gullickson Octagon Home | 360 Leonard St N, West Salem, WI
Saturday, October 4th | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shop from local makers of handmade and homegrown items at this event benefiting the restoration efforts of the West Salem Historical Society. Additional activities to be announced.
23rd Fall Festival and Awareness Walk
Onalaska YMCA | 400 Mason St, Onalaska, WI
Saturday, October 4th | 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy games, music, lunch, exciting raffles with great local prizes, and more. Don’t miss the inspiring 21 Showcase Red Carpet Walk, celebrating individuals of all abilities. Plus, cheer on the crowning of the 2025 Trailblazer, the team captain who raises the most to support this amazing cause!
Bayfield Apple Fest
Downtown Bayfield, WI
Friday, October 3rd to Sunday, October 4th
The festival’s attractions include: an arts and crafts fair, grand parade, apple peeling and pie contests, raffles, kids’ carnival, dances, live music, and a large variety of food items.
Oktoberfest
La Crosse, WI
September 25th to September 28th
Born in Munich in the 19th century, Oktoberfest first made its way to La Crosse in 1961. What started as a simple community event has turned into decades of tradition and good, old-fashioned fun.
Norskedalen Ghoulees in the Coulees
N455 O Ophus Rd, Coon Valley, WI
Two full weekends of Halloween fun including pumpkin carving, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Ghosts and Toasts, Vintage Ghoulees in the Coulees, and more! 2025 dates TBA.
