Scenic Fall Color Drives & Stops in Wisconsin's Driftless Region

Scenic Fall Color Drives in Wisconsin's Driftless Region

Photo Credit: Maple Ridge Orchard, courtesy of Explore Monroe County

Scenic Fall Color Drives & Stops in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region

When autumn arrives, Wisconsin’s Driftless Region transforms into a vibrant landscape of crimson maples, golden oaks, and brilliant orange hillsides. Monroe County offers scenic backroads, where winding highways, quiet valleys, and charming small towns make every mile part of the experience.

Conveniently located just over two hours from Minneapolis-St. Paul and about four hours from Chicago, Monroe County is an easy fall getaway for anyone looking to experience Wisconsin’s spectacular autumn colors without the crowds. When searching for peaceful country roads and looking to visit roadside orchards, unique attractions, and scenic stops, these three self-guided drives showcase the very best of fall in Monroe County.

Take the Scenic Route Through Amish Country

One of the most memorable ways to experience fall in Monroe County is to explore its beautiful Amish countryside. South of Sparta, rolling farmland and wooded hills create a picture-perfect backdrop as horse-drawn buggies share the road with passing visitors. The town of Cashton is surrounded by Wisconsin’s largest Old Order Amish community, and along the drive, you’ll spot well-kept Amish farms and have plenty of opportunities to stop at locally owned Amish stores featuring handmade furniture, quilts, baked goods, jams, maple syrup, and seasonal treats.

Your route begins in Sparta, traveling south on Highway 27 to Cashton, then east on Highway 33 to Ontario. Continue north on Highway 131 before turning north on County Highway T toward Norwalk, then head west on Highway 71 through Norwalk before returning to Sparta. It’s an easy, relaxing drive that perfectly captures the peaceful beauty of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region

Explore Monroe County’s Twisting Backroads

If you enjoy scenic roads with plenty of curves and elevation changes, this drive follows portions of a favorite motorcycle route. During the fall, every bend reveals another spectacular view as hardwood forests, winding valleys, and colorful ridges surround you.

Begin in Tomah, heading south on Highway 131 before turning west on Highway 71 toward Wilton. Continue south on Highway 131 before following Highway Z west and Highway P toward Kendall. From there, travel north on County Highway W toward Clifton, then west on County Highway A, north on County Highway N, west on County Highway CA, and finally west on Highway 12 back to Tomah.

The route offers countless opportunities to pull over for photos, admire sweeping valley views, and enjoy the peaceful scenery that makes the Driftless Region unlike anywhere else in Wisconsin.

Discover Hidden Gems in Northern Monroe County

Northern Monroe County offers a scenic drive filled with colorful forests, peaceful country roads, and a few unexpected roadside discoveries. As you travel through the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, brilliant fall foliage creates a stunning backdrop for an afternoon drive.

Begin in Sparta and head north on Highway 71 before continuing north on Highway 27 toward Cataract. Along the way, take a short detour to visit the remarkable Wegner Grotto, a nationally recognized folk art site featuring intricate sculptures crafted from colorful stones, glass, and concrete. Return to Highway 27 and continue south on County Highway B, then head south on County Highway Q toward Angelo, where you’ll find one of Monroe County’s most unusual roadside attractions, the fiberglass mold graveyard, home to the giant molds once used to create oversized fiberglass figures seen across the country. Complete the drive by heading west on Highway 21 back to Sparta.

Combining scenic vistas, vibrant autumn colors, and unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else, this route is a memorable way to experience the quieter side of Monroe County in the fall, whether you’re traveling solo or planning a romantic weekend getaway.

Experience Fall at Its Most Colorful

Sometimes the best way to experience autumn is simply by slowing down. Roll the windows down, pack a thermos of coffee, stop at a local brewery or cheese shop, browse a country store, or take an unplanned detour to discover something unexpected. In Monroe County, every scenic drive becomes an adventure, especially when the hillsides are glowing with the colors of fall.

Never been to Monroe County?

Located in Wisconsin’s scenic Driftless Area, Monroe County offers unforgettable outdoor adventures, unique attractions, and charming communities waiting to be explored. From the Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail, America’s first Rails-to-Trails bike trail, to the Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bicycle Museum and the famous Warrens Cranberry Festival, there’s always something new to discover.

Explore the top 10 things to know about Monroe County and start planning your visit!