It’s true, summer is coming to an end in Madison, Wisconsin, but that doesn’t mean the good times have to stop as well. Instead, it’s time to start looking forward to a variety of exciting fall activities. When you’re ready to get outside and see what the area has to offer, make plans to check out one of these fun things to do in the fall near Madison.
1. Eugster’s Farm Market and Petting Farm
To experience all those classic and exciting fall activities, travel 15 minutes south of Madison to Eugster’s Farm Market and Petting Farm. If you come for the Fall Festival Weekends, you can head out to the U-Pick apple orchard to fill a bag with your choice of apples, stop by the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin, explore the 8-acre corn maze, walk through the haunted house, take a wagon ride, or stroll through the petting zoo to meet the farm animals.
2. Dane County Farmers’ Market
Held on Saturday mornings on the Capitol Square, the Dane County Farmers’ Market is one of the largest producer-only markets in the country. If you’re looking to fill your basket with some of the freshest fall produce from local farms, this is the place to go. You’ll find apples, corn, eggplant, melons, peaches, pears, peppers, plums, berries, and more. In addition to fresh produce, you’ll also be able to stock up on honey, nuts, jellies, jams, maple syrup, plants, cheese, meat, dairy, and baked goods.
3. Cherokee Marsh Hayride
During the fall, the City of Madison Parks Division offers a schedule of hayrides for everyone to enjoy. One popular option is the Cherokee Marsh Hayride, which tours the Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park. If you decide to take this hayride, you’ll climb aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon to view the beautiful sights of the park. After the ride, volunteers from the Friends of Cherokee Marsh will offer a free, short nature hike. While you’re there, you can also enjoy free marshmallows to roast on the fire and hot cider.
4. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but it’s especially lovely in the fall. As you stroll around the 16-acre outdoor display garden, you can take in the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves. The garden also hosts a variety of special fall events. This year, GLEAM: Art in a New Light is back by popular demand. This exhibition features stunning light installations around the gardens.
5. Schuster’s Playtime Farm
Another fun place to visit this fall near Madison is Schuster’s Playtime Farm. During the fall season, you can ride the wagon out to the 14-acre pumpkin patch, practice your aim firing an apple cannon, get lost in the 8-acre corn maze, take a thrilling walk through the Haunted Forest, and enjoy savory treats that include caramel apples, cider donuts, kettle corn, and hot apple cider.
When you’re interested in having some fun around Madison this fall, be sure to check out a few of these outstanding events.
“Fall color Madison, WI, October, 2011” via Flickr by Richard Hurd. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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