Few fall experiences in Wisconsin compare to a drive along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This scenic route winds through some of the most vibrant displays of fall colors in Wisconsin, offering a front-row seat to the rich reds, golds, and fiery oranges that paint the landscape each autumn. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive winds from the southern unit of the state forest, cutting through dramatic glacial formations and rolling hardwoods, as it moves to the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit.
Whether you’re local or visiting from out of town, this stretch of road is one of the most inspiring ways to experience peak fall colors and the magic of autumn in Wisconsin. But the beauty of the area extends far beyond your windshield. The Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, just minutes from our Bed and Breakfast, is home to miles of hiking trails, including the popular fall Hike to Parnell Tower. These trails are perfect for stretching your legs and exploring the rugged terrain shaped by ancient glaciers. The Ice Age Trail cuts through this region as well, inviting hikers to follow one of the most iconic long-distance trails in the Midwest.
Fall in Wisconsin is made for outdoor adventures like these, and the crisp air, quiet forests, and colorful foliage create a perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and photographing the ever-changing landscape. After a day of exploring, our West Bend, WI, Bed and Breakfast offers the ideal place to rest and recharge. With spacious guest rooms, thoughtful amenities, and gourmet breakfasts served daily, our Inn is the perfect home base for your couples getaway. Book your stay today!
Your Guide to the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
One of the most rewarding ways to experience fall in Wisconsin is by cruising along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This iconic Wisconsin scenic drive offers uninterrupted views of vibrant forests and the state’s distinctive glacial landscapes. While there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors during autumn in Wisconsin, the drive through the Kettle Moraine State Forest belongs at the top of any fall itinerary. This stretch of road is especially memorable in mid-October during peak fall colors, when the landscape comes alive with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows.
The full Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive winds through six counties and spans about 115 miles from Whitewater in the south to Elkhart Lake in the north. Elkhart Lake is about 45 minutes north of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, which means when you stay here, you’re perfectly positioned near one terminus of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. You can easily complete the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in a day, but you can also turn this scenic drive into a weekend-long adventure, making fun stops along the way and ending with a romantic retreat in the woods.
We’ve highlighted a few of the top attractions to see along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, ending, of course, at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in West Bend.Â
Stops Along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive (South to North)
- Whitewater Lake & Scenic Overlook in the Southern Unit offers peaceful lake views and gentle hiking trails as you get started on the Kettle Moraine Scenic DriveÂ
- The Lapham Peak Unit of the forest features a 45-foot observation tower for sweeping views of Wisconsin fall foliage.
- Old World Wisconsin near Eagle, WI, is an outdoor living history museum with 19th-century buildings and fall events.
- Don’t miss the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area. It’s perfect for a scenic lakeside picnic with photo-worthy fall reflections.
- Head to the Pike Lake Unit near Hartford, where you can hike Powder Hill for an impressive view of the surrounding Wisconsin fall colors.
- Holy Hill Basilica and Tower is one of the best stops to make on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This historic church offers one of the highest public viewpoints in the region.
- Near our Bed and Breakfast, you’ll find the Parnell Tower hike. Climb to the top of a 60-foot tower for 360-degree views of fall in the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
- For an immersive exhibit on this area’s glacial landscapes and a great overview of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, stop in at the Henry S. Reuss Ice Age Interpretive Center.
- Long Lake Recreation Area is a quiet spot for a fall paddle or a lakeside picnic surrounded by autumn color.
- The Zillmer Trail System is a great place for more hiking as you get to the northern end of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Here, you’ll find scenic loops through wooded hills and open meadows.
Â
As beautiful as the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is, it’s just the start of an epic fall adventure in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Staying in West Bend at our elevated couple’s retreat puts you right in the heart of the northern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which is the largest and most expansive section of the forest. This area alone offers more than 30,000 acres of wooded hills, glacial ridges, and open prairie, all bursting with color during peak fall foliage season.Â
More Ways to Enjoy Wisconsin Fall Colors
For a truly unforgettable view of Wisconsin fall colors, we hope you join us for a bit of forest bathing, biking, and hiking, right here at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. From here, you can borrow one of our bikes and head off for a scenic ride through the Kettle Moraine State Forest, you can take a trip to one of the best fall hikes in Wisconsin at Parnell Tower or the Ice Age Trail, or you can enjoy the wooded trails right here on our property.Â
Fall also brings some of the best opportunities for paddling. Several small lakes and waterways within the Kettle Moraine State Forest are perfect for kayaking or canoeing, and local outfitters make it easy to rent gear if you didn’t bring your own. For wildlife lovers, a day trip to the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a must. Located less than an hour away, this massive wetland is a critical stopover for migrating birds in the fall. You’ll likely see thousands of waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and raptors, all set against the stunning backdrop of Wisconsin fall foliage. Bring your binoculars and your camera.
Closer to the Inn, walk across the street and spend time at the Shalom Wildlife Zoo, home to a variety of animals in a unique woodland setting that feels especially magical during peak color season. Or head into the charming town of Cedarburg, where you’ll find boutique shops, historic architecture, fall festivals, wine tasting, and cozy cafés. It’s the kind of small town that’s made for wandering.
When the day is done, there’s nothing better than returning to Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast, the most restful Wisconsin bed and breakfast around. Our wooded property offers its own private display of fall beauty, with winding paths and quiet spaces to unwind. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend or a solo recharge, we provide the space, comfort, and hospitality you need to make the most of your getaway. Fall fills up quickly, so don’t wait to plan your trip. Book your stay today and experience the best of Wisconsin in the fall.
