Wisconsin is home to beautiful country roads, stunning hiking paths and adventurous biking trails — all wonderful ways to view Wisconsin’s gorgeous landscape painted to perfection in hues of crimson, orange and gold. But this fall, why not take your fall color adventures to the next level? A boat tour featuring Wisconsin’s spectacular autumn views will make this season even more unforgettable for your family and friends.
Set off on a boat cruise in Wisconsin and let someone else be the guide. View the beautiful fall colors from the water on one these boat tours.
La Crosse Queen Cruises – La Crosse
What’s more iconic than a giant paddlewheel boat cruising down the Mississippi? Riding that paddlewheel boat surrounded by showstopping reds, oranges and yellows. Imagine the mighty Mississippi, the trees at peak fall color, bald eagles soaring overhead — that’s exactly the experience you and your family get on the La Crosse Queen. While aboard, explore the open-air top deck, enjoy a meal (depending on the cruise you choose) or sip a cocktail from the lower deck’s bar. Choose from a variety of tours in the fall, from lunch or dinner cruises, pizza cruise or the narrated (and very entertaining) sightseeing cruise.
Apostle Island Cruises – Bayfield
Experience the memorable Apostle Islands through a narrated on-the-water tour. The natural scenery of the area is unlike anywhere else and booking passage on a cruise is the perfect way to explore. Fall color paints the area each year making it the perfect destination to enjoy the treasured, unspoiled landscape. The sights of Wisconsin’s “Crown Jewels” include lighthouses, sea caves, shipwrecks and abundant wildlife. Get that camera ready!
Chief Waupaca – Waupaca
This 60-foot authentic steamwheeler floats guests along eight of 22 lakes that form the breathtaking Chain O’Lakes. The one and a half hour long narrated tours are the perfect way for the whole family to learn about the history of the area and experience the natural beauty together. Cruises are offered on weekends through September and October so you can plan to cruise around peak color for the season.
Dells Boat Tours – Wisconsin Dells
Tours of the Upper and Lower Dells reveal hidden canyons and towering sandstone cliffs complemented by brilliant fall foliage. The two-hour tour of the Upper Dells navigates through the high cliffs and around the spectacular rock formations, while also giving you and your crew the chance to go ashore for the famous dog leap and to explore Witches Gulch. The Lower Dells reveal a wider section of the Wisconsin River, perfect for gazing at the spectacular trees ablaze in peak color on shore.
Lake Geneva Cruise Line – Lake Geneva
A must-do excursion any time of year in the Lake Geneva area. And the fall may be the best time. The views of the fall color on the shores of Lake Geneva while aboard one of the boats of the Lake Geneva Cruise Line fleet make autumn an especially wonderful time of year. The turn-of-the-century replica steamer Belle of the Lake offers narrated cruises with fascinating views of the grand estates that ring Geneva Lake, or ride along one of the few remaining U.S. Mail boat delivery routes in the United States. Whichever tour you choose, the area’s history and season’s backdrop are sure to deliver a memorable excursion.
Original Wisconsin Ducks – Wisconsin Dells
Riders are treated to eight and a half miles of fun and adventure on land and water aboard the famous amphibious World War II “Ducks.” Tours wind through colorful scenery on the Wisconsin River, Lake Delton and wilderness trails. This half-land, half-water tour is a great way for you and your family to explore the natural scenery of the area from two uniquely beautiful angles.
