8 Fall Art Crawls & Studio Tours Across Wisconsin
Each fall, artists across Wisconsin open their studios and galleries to visitors who want a behind-the-scenes look into the process of working artists. Pair this with a drive through stunning fall scenery, and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable autumn memories. Read on to discover seasonal art crawls and studio tours to experience with your favorite people.
Fresh Art Tour - Fall Tour
Combine a picturesque road trip with a tour of 27 art studios and galleries in Western Wisconsin for the ultimate fall outing. The Fresh Art Tour leads you along the Great River Road, a national scenic byway that follows the Mississippi River and becomes lined with vibrant hues each autumn. You’ll visit charming towns such as Pepin, Maiden Rock and Stockholm, exploring handmade art pieces in every medium you can imagine. Browse ceramics, jewelry, textiles, photography and much more while embracing all things fall.
Hidden Studios Art Tour
Meet working artists, discover your new favorite gallery and enjoy fall foliage at the Hidden Studios Art Tour in Central Wisconsin. This self-paced driving tour follows the rolling hills of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and leads to hidden gem studios you might otherwise miss. Explore each unique creative environment, talk to the artists about their work, watch demonstrations and enjoy peak fall colors with your crew.
Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour
Just north of Milwaukee, the Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour takes you along Lake Michigan to experience enchanting studios and workspaces of some of Southeastern Wisconsin’s finest artists. Between studio stops, you’ll pass pumpkin patches, apple orchards and plenty of gorgeous lake views. Don’t forget to stop for a photo-op in Cedarburg at Covered Bridge Park, home to one of the last original wooden covered bridges in Wisconsin.
Northwoods Art Tour
Make your Northwoods fall getaway even more magical by mixing in some local art. Whether you love quilts, sculptures, paintings, glass art or mixed media pieces, there’s something for everyone on this tour that features over 50 area artists. From Mercer and Minocqua to St. Germain, Eagle River and Rhinelander, you and your group can start anywhere on this tour and visit as few or as many studios as you like, all the while soaking up the awe-inspiring fall color.
Earth, Wood & Fire Artist Tour
Connect with nature and working artists on the Earth, Wood & Fire Artist Tour in South Central Wisconsin. Brilliant fall foliage will be the backdrop to your drive between the charming cities of Cambridge, Deerfield, Jefferson, Johnson Creek and Lake Mills, where regional artists open their studios and shops to showcase their craft. Explore welcoming communities, learn about painting, sculpture, wood, jewelry, textiles and pottery, and start your holiday shopping on this scenic driving tour.
Ellison Bay Arts Fall Art Crawl
Discover a new way to enjoy the autumn splendor of Door County. This festival and art crawl is contained in the charming city of Ellison Bay, making it easy to wander from one gallery to the next. Enjoy refreshments while you browse pieces inspired by the unique landscape of the peninsula. End your tour at Island Orchard Cider with a craft beverage made from apples on nearby Washington Island.
Sturgeon Bay Art Crawl
Also in Door County, the city of Sturgeon Bay puts on its own fall art crawl each year, welcoming the public into the studios and homes of over 30 area artists. From printmaking and sculpture to woodworking and jewelry, browse and purchase original work and wander the idyllic small town draped in dramatic hues.
Fall Art Tour
Each October, Southwest Wisconsin invites visitors to explore the studios of renowned artists across Mineral Point, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Baraboo. Over three days, painters, sculptors, potters, jewelers, woodworkers and more open their doors to demonstrate their craft, sell their work, and offer a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into their creative process. Free and open to all, the tour winds through scenic countryside, including a rare glimpse into the restored breweries, one-room schoolhouses and historic storefronts where some of Wisconsin’s best-known artists work.
Discover more awesome autumn events at these food and wine festivals perfect for fall.
