Fall color season is just around the corner in Marshfield and throughout central Wisconsin, so we’re here to help. Read on to learn about the best parks to take in fall color, scenic drives in the area, and more.
Parks & other natural areas
Take a short drive southeast of Marshfield (about 13 miles or so, via State Highways 73 and 80) to find the 172-acre North Wood County Park on the banks of the Yellow River in Arpin. Visitors can enjoy the fall colors along scenic walking trails that follow the river—don’t miss the park’s key feature, a 225-foot-long suspension bridge that spans the Yellow River. Anglers and paddlers can find good recreational options on the river or the two small lakes in the park: Lake Kaunewinne (5 acres) and Lake Manakiki (11 acres).
The George W. Mead State Wildlife Area covers more than 33,000 acres in Marathon County, Wood County, and Portage County in central Wisconsin and has more than 70 miles of maintained hiking trails that are a perfect place to take in the fall color show. Located 20 miles east of downtown Marshfield, the wildlife area is overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and protects several different ecosystems, including grasslands, hardwood forests, and wetlands. It’s a popular spot for birding, too: 270 different species have been documented here over the years.
The McMillan Marsh Wildlife Area is also operated by the Wisconsin DNR as part of the Mead Wildlife Area. This 6,500-acre site is located just north of Marshfield near the headwaters of the Eau Plaine River and offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing (including birdwatching in the fall), hiking, and nature photography.
Located 10 miles southeast of Marshfield, Richfield 360 Recreation Area covers 360 acres and is a nice spot to catch fall color in Wood County. The recreation area features 8 miles of nature trails that pass through forests and along Puff Creek.
Find more parks and trails in Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County here.
Fall color drives
The routes to get to some of the Marshfield area’s scenic fall spots can offer some impressive views themselves, too. County Highway S in Marathon County, which is the main entry road to the George W. Mead State Wildlife Area passes through scenic woodlands, and Frey Avenue and Karau Avenue pass through the western edge of the McMillan Marsh.
Events add to fall fun
Check out Marshfield’s events calendar to find farmers’ markets, popular celebrations like Maple Fall Fest, and more throughout Marshfield, Wood County, and Marathon County.
