Are you craving that crisp Eagle River air and blazing fall colors, but can only get away for the weekend? With autumn quickly approaching, now is the time to plan for your ultimate weekend getaway. Just two days in our neck of the woods is enough to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. Explore everything the Northwoods has to offer – from colorful forests and peaceful lakes to cranberry marshes – with this step-by-step guide.
Here’s how to spend 48 perfect hours in Eagle River this fall:
Day 1: Fall Colors, Fresh Air and Fireside Camping
Arrive and Hit the Scenic Roads
Kick off your trip with a scenic drive through our Northwoods roads. Our fall color driving tour shows off our show-stopping fall foliage. Peak color typically hits during mid-to-late September through early October, so plan ahead to make sure you can take in the landscapes while they’re really showing off their true colors.
Fuel Up for a Forest Hike
After a morning in the car, stretch your legs on a hike on one of our nearby hiking trails.
First, make sure to fuel up with coffee and a bite to eat downtown at Leif’s Café or Eagle River Roasters Coffee House. If you’re looking to turn your midday hike into a fall picnic, consider grabbing a sandwich to-go from Aiello’s on Wall Street.
Pick from one of our many area trails and feel the leaves crunch beneath your feet.
- For a relaxing stroll through a peaceful fall path, check out Franklin Nature Trail.
- Visit Bond Falls, just 45 minutes away, where a 50-foot waterfall awaits.
- Copper Peak features a view that towers over the trees, 450 feet above the top of an old ski hill. From its peak, you can see 2,500 square miles of beautiful treetop views.
Set Up Camp
Explore lodging that keeps you close enough to hear the bird calls and maybe see a deer or two. Whether you prefer sleeping in a tent, a cozy glamping site or a lakeside cabin, we’ve got just the thing to help you feel right at home while still experiencing nature.
- For adventurous folks who like ‘roughing it in the great outdoors, explore camping options at Northern Highland American Legion State Forest and Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
- Prefer having access to amenities like electricity and full hook ups? Hi-Pines Campground, Peaceful Pines Resort, Land O’ Lakes Nature RV Resort and Forest Pond Campground LLC are great local options for those who like to sleep in tents and RVs alike.
- Coady’s Pont of View Lake Resort offers similar perks while providing some amenities like electricity and bathrooms to those who prefer the glamping lifestyle.
- Eagle River’s Last Resort provides that outdoor feel to those who find the cabin life to be more their speed.
Fireside Dinner and an Evening Under the Stars
After a long day soaking in the fall sun and colorful views, there’s nothing better than a nice dinner by the fire. Grill some brats or make your favorite campfire meal. As the sun sets, don’t forget to get out those cozy wool blankets to chase that nighttime fall chill away. Take in the stars overhead with a cozy campfire, complete with s’mores and a good story.
Day 2: Cranberries, Fishing & Fall Fun
Grab Some Grub and Visit a Cranberry Marsh
Grab Some Grub and Visit a Cranberry Marsh
Wake up to the sweet sounds of nature around you and head to Toad in the Hole or Friendship House Family Restaurant to fill up on their freshly made signature dishes and fresh coffee to start your day.
Fall is cranberry season in Wisconsin, and no autumn trip to Eagle River is complete without paying a visit to one of our local cranberry marshes. That’s why we’re home to Cranberry Fest every October! Get to know the process of harvesting cranberries first-hand by signing up for a Lake Nokomis Cranberry Marsh Tour. You’ll get a chance to sample their cranberry wine, made from cranberries grown right on the farm.
Go Fishing in Fall Paradise
As the World’s Largest Chain of 28 Connected Lakes, Eagle River is a premier fishing destination year-round. Fall is a great time to cast a line for walleye, musky and panfish that are typically active during this time.
Take in the picturesque lake by fishing from the shoreline or get all the insider tips from locals by booking with a guide service such as Eagle River Guides Association, Pete’s Guide Service or Colin Crawford’s Guide Service. Either way, the peacefulness of a quiet lake surrounded by autumn color is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.
Dine Downtown and Explore Local Shops
Looking for a tasty meal before you hit the road? Smuggler’s has their crowd favorite smashburgers, that are sure to fill you up. Looking for a traditional burger and Wisconsin signature cheese curds instead? The Craftsman American Tavern is your spot.
Pop into a shop or two on your way out to get a memento from your trip. You’re sure to find a high-quality gift or souvenir at Arrow Gift Shop right downtown. Grandma’s Toy Box and Lyn’s Antiques are great for those who like to search for treasures.
Don’t forget to pack some treats from Tremblay’s Sweet Shop or The Country Store for the drive home!
Bonus Tips
- Check out our events calendar. See what we’ve got planned for the season. Book your trip accordingly if you want to snag a spot on a cranberry tour or attend our arts & crafts show at Cranberry Fest.
- Book your trip early. Fall weekends Up North are popular – especially when an event is going on. Campgrounds, cabins and tours can fill up fast!
- Layer up. Fall mornings and evenings in Eagle River can get a bit chilly. Dress in warm, waterproof layers – and check the weather beforehand.
- Check peak color reports. While late September and early October are typically great times to see the fall foliage, peak color season can fluctuate year-to-year depending on the weather. We recommend looking at our fall color report while you plan your visit.
- Don’t forget to pack your camera. Every curve in the trail offers another holiday card-worthy view. Whatever you have on your itinerary, you’ll want to remember it for years to come.
Two days is all it takes to fall in love with Eagle River in autumn. Whether you’re taking in as much fall color as possible, casting a line or just catching up with friends around a crackling fire, this is the kind of trip that makes memories – and makes you want to come back next year!
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