Adventures Ahead: Weekend Preview – Oct 4 – 6th

This is a crazy busy event weekend in our area. While we don’t have much fall color out there yet, the weather is looking good through the weekend with temps in the 70s. Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the Baraboo Hills this weekend.

Fall Colors?

Well, the bottom line is that there’s not a lot of fun fall color yet. The Baraboo Hills are primarily a mix of faded greens and yellows with just a few sparks of color here and there. That’s the price of warm and dry early fall season. (All photos taken yesterday, OCT 2nd)

In my experience, a dry warm season like this often takes away from “peak” colors because individual trees or zones peak and drop their leaves at different times over the month rather than going all at once, which is best for jaw-dropping color. But we’ll see. Prediction is always more hocus-pocus than science.

Well, the bottom line is that there’s not a lot of fun fall color yet. The Baraboo Hills are primarily a mix of faded greens and yellows with just a few sparks of color here and there. That’s the price of warm and dry early fall season. (All photos taken yesterday, OCT 2nd)

In my experience, a dry warm season like this often takes away from “peak” colors because individual trees or zones peak and drop their leaves at different times over the month rather than going all at once, which is best for jaw-dropping color. But we’ll see. Prediction is always more hocus-pocus than science.

The Art DTour (October 5-14th)

This is an enjoyable, free self-guided excursion through 50 miles of scenic farmland in rural Sauk County, Wisconsin, where you’ll see artworks in the rural landscape, pasture performances, roadside poetry, local food markets and more. This event has always been one of our favorites and a great excuse to just get out and hit the road. You never quite know what you’ll discover along the way, but it always makes for an interesting adventure. More: Wormfarm Institute

Native Art Marketplace On The Art Tour (October 5-6)

If you can’t do the full Art DTour, we’d still recommend stopping at the Native Art Market Place at the Little Eagle Arts Foundation – LEAF Maawakacak Art Studio. A variety of LEAF roster artists will feature their paintings, jewelry, baskets, food, and more! Head south of Devil’s Lake State Park and drive into the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area entrance along Highway 12. Follow the signs to the studio. More: Native Art Marketplace at Maawakacak Studio

Fall Fair on the Square (Saturday, October 5th, 9am-4pm)

If you love fall festivals and browsing arts and crafts, check out the Fall Fair on the Square in Downtown Baraboo on Saturday. Nearly 200 crafters & artists participate and there are lots of food vendors, entertainment, etc. More: Downtown Baraboo

Durward’s Glen Fall Festival & Open House (Sat, Oct 5th)

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and “chill”, we’d suggest visiting Durward’s Glen’s fall festival on Saturday. Located on the beautiful grounds of the Durward’s Glen Retreat Center, this event will feature even more local arts and craft vendors, food, self-guided tours and live Scottish Music by Lochanside. If you’ve never been to the glen, this would be a good time. More: Durward’s Glen Retreat

S’more Fun Trail Run, Mirror Lake State Park (Sat Oct 5th)

This fun trail run includes a Mini Marshmallow 1-mile kids run age 11 & under, 5K run & walk and 10K trail and a half marathon run along the park’s scenic trails. This is a fundraiser with the Friends of Mirror Lake and Mirror Lake to help support the park. More: S’more Fun Trail Run

Badger Trails Weekend At Devil’s Lake State Park

Park visitors will want to remember, that this weekend is the Badger Trails (Scouts) weekend at the park. This means that the park can be unusually busy as the kids generally are pretty active around the park and campgrounds through the weekend. More: Badger Trails, Inc.

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Whatever you do this weekend, have fun, and as always, stay safe!