Your Guide to Outdoor Fall Activities in Minocqua

Golden leaves crunch underfoot, a crisp breeze rolls off the lake, and the air carries the faint scent of pine and woodsmoke. Autumn in Minocqua is a season that invites you to slow down, soak up the scenery and spend your days outside. 

Nestled in the heart of the Northwoods, this lakeside town transforms into a painter’s palette each fall, making it the perfect destination for a day (or weekend) of outdoor adventure.  

Here’s a sample itinerary to some outdoor fall activities that help you experience the best of Minocqua’s autumn beauty. 

8:00 a.m. — Sunrise at Torpy Park 

Begin your day with a quiet walk along the shores of Lake Minocqua at Torpy Park, just steps from downtown. In early autumn, the lake’s still surface mirrors the flaming reds, golds and oranges of the surrounding trees. If you arrive before the town wakes, you’ll have the soft light and gentle lapping waves almost to yourself. The park’s paved path makes for an easy stroll, and its benches offer somewhere to sit and sip your coffee while watching the sun spill over the water. 

9:30 a.m. — Fall color paddle on Lake Minocqua 

When the leaves are at their peak, the view from the water is nothing short of spectacular. Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard from one of the local outfitters and spend an hour tracing the shoreline. You’ll glide past boathouses, quiet bays and the occasional loon or bald eagle, whose calls echo across the lake. Dress in layers, as it can be brisk on the water this time of year. 

11:00 a.m. — Scenic hike or bike ride on the Bearskin State Trail 

Once a historic railroad route, the Hiawatha Trail and Bearskin State Park Trail is now a 21-mile crushed-granite path that meanders through forests, wetlands and over wooden trestle bridges. In fall, the canopy glows gold, and the scent of fallen leaves fills the air. For a manageable morning hike or ride, start at the trailhead in downtown Minocqua and head south for 2–3 miles before turning back. Keep an eye out for deer, chipmunks and the occasional fox darting between the trees. 

12:30 p.m. — Picnic lunch at lakeside parks 

Pack a picnic—or grab takeout from one of Minocqua’s cafés—and settle in at a lakeside park such as Torpy or Brandy Park, or slightly further away Tomahawk Lake Hemlocks State Natural Area. Spread a blanket, listen to the water and watch as fishing boats hum softly across the horizon. Wherever you land, a thermos of hot cider or coffee will keep you cozy as you take in the view. 

2:00 p.m. — Afternoon fishing on Lake Tomahawk 

Known for its musky, walleye and northern pike, Lake Tomahawk offers peaceful fall fishing away from the busier summer crowds. Rent a small fishing boat or cast from the public pier; either way, the brilliant foliage backdrop makes the wait between bites more than worthwhile.  

4:00 p.m. — Wildlife watching  

A short drive from Minocqua brings you into one of Wisconsin’s largest state forests, Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, home to over 900 lakes and abundant wildlife. In autumn, trails and boardwalks are lined with color, and it’s common to spot eagles soaring overhead. Bring binoculars for the best chance at spotting loons, osprey, otters and perhaps even a black bear preparing for winter. Looking to nature watch a little longer? Bring your tent (or RV) and set up in one of the 18 area campgrounds. 

6:00 p.m. — Sunset at the Minocqua Chain of Lakes 

End your day back where you started—by the water. The Chain of Lakes glows at sunset, when the low light catches the tops of the trees and reflects them in coppery hues across the ripples. Choose a quiet dock, let the cool evening air settle around you, and watch the last boats of the day return to shore.