October 19, 2026
Fall in Wisconsin’s Northwoods is a season worth slowing down for. The mornings are crisp, the lakes are quiet, and the forests are transitioning from vibrant autumn colors to the peaceful landscape that comes just before winter.
While peak fall colors may be behind us, that doesn’t mean the adventure is over! In fact, late October can be one of the most relaxing times to explore Price County. The summer crowds have faded, the trails are quieter, and there’s still plenty to see and do before the first snowfall.
Whether you’re a longtime resident, a frequent visitor, or someone looking for a last-minute Northwoods getaway, here are five ways to make the most of the season in Price County.
1. Take the Scenic Route 🍁
Sometimes the best way to enjoy the Northwoods is simply to get in the car and see where the road takes you.
Price County is full of scenic backroads, winding highways, and beautiful stretches of forest that offer a different kind of beauty as autumn winds down. Even after the brightest leaves have fallen, the golden tamaracks, peaceful lakes, and wide-open views make late October a wonderful time for a drive.
One destination worth visiting is Timms Hill, located near Ogema. Standing at 1,951 feet above sea level, it’s Wisconsin’s highest natural point. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, enjoy the wooded landscape, and climb the observation tower for a view of the Northwoods.
Another great option is to explore the roads surrounding Phillips, Park Falls, Prentice, and Fifield. Along the way, you’ll find small communities, lakes, rivers, and plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.
Pack a camera, grab a coffee from a local business, and spend an afternoon exploring somewhere new.
Local tip: Keep an eye out for tamarack trees! Unlike most conifers, tamaracks turn a brilliant golden-yellow in autumn before dropping their needles.
2. Explore the Trails Before Winter Arrives 🌲
Before the trails become covered in snow, there’s still time to enjoy a hike, walk, or outdoor adventure.
Price County offers a wide variety of trails and public lands, making it easy to find an outdoor experience that fits your interests.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which stretches into Price County, offers extensive opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the Northwoods. The forest is especially peaceful this time of year, with fewer visitors and plenty of opportunities to experience nature.
For a shorter outing, consider exploring the trails around Timms Hill or visiting one of the area’s local parks and nature areas.
Late fall is also a great time for wildlife watching. With fewer leaves on the trees, it’s often easier to spot birds and other wildlife moving through the forest.
For those who enjoy motorized recreation, Price County’s ATV and UTV routes offer another way to explore the region, where routes remain legally open. Always check current trail conditions, seasonal closures, and local regulations before heading out.
Remember: Fall hunting seasons are underway throughout Wisconsin. If you’re spending time in the woods, wearing blaze orange or another highly visible color is a smart precaution, even if you’re not hunting.
Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can review the Wisconsin DNR Hunting Regulations for season dates, licensing requirements, and other important information.
3. Discover a New Favorite Local Restaurant 🍔
One of the best parts of exploring Price County is discovering the locally owned restaurants, supper clubs, cafés, and taverns that give our communities their Northwoods character.
After a morning hike or scenic drive, take some time to stop for lunch, dinner, or a warm drink.
Whether you’re craving a classic Wisconsin fish fry, a hearty burger, homemade comfort food, or a relaxing supper club experience, you’ll find plenty of options throughout the county.
And don’t limit yourself to the places you already know!
If you usually dine in Phillips, consider taking a drive to Park Falls, Prentice, or one of our smaller communities. You might discover a new favorite restaurant or a hidden gem you’ve driven past dozens of times.
Many of our local establishments are family-owned and operated, and supporting them during the quieter travel months makes a real difference.
Make it an adventure: Choose a community you don’t visit often, find somewhere new to eat, and spend a little time exploring the surrounding area.
You never know what you might discover!
🍽️ Hungry for more? Explore Where to Eat in Price County to discover local restaurants, cafés, supper clubs, fish fries, and more!
4. Spend an Afternoon Shopping Small 🛍️
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and there’s no better time to start thinking about shopping local.
Price County’s small businesses offer a variety of unique products, gifts, and services that you won’t always find at larger retailers.
From boutiques and gift shops to sporting goods stores, antique treasures, home décor, and locally made products, there’s plenty to discover throughout our communities.
Take an afternoon to stroll through downtown Phillips or Park Falls, explore the shops in Prentice, or stop at businesses along your travels through the county.
Shopping locally isn’t just about finding something special. Every purchase helps support local jobs, families, and the businesses that contribute to our communities throughout the year.
And with the holidays approaching, it’s a great opportunity to get a head start on gift shopping while avoiding the last-minute rush.
Looking for a fun idea? Make a day of it! Invite a friend, grab lunch at a local restaurant, and spend the afternoon visiting businesses you haven’t explored before.
You might be surprised by everything available right here in Price County.
🛍️ Ready to shop local? Browse Shopping in Price County to discover boutiques, gift shops, specialty stores, and other local businesses.
5. Plan One Last Northwoods Getaway 🏡
Who says you need to wait until summer to plan a vacation?
Late fall is a wonderful time to escape the everyday routine and enjoy a quieter side of the Northwoods.
Imagine waking up to a cool morning overlooking a peaceful lake, enjoying a warm cup of coffee, and spending the day exploring the surrounding communities without a packed schedule.
Price County offers a variety of lodging options, including lakeside cabins, vacation rentals, resorts, hotels, and other accommodations.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family getaway, a hunting trip, or simply a few days away from the hustle and bustle, there’s something special about visiting the Northwoods during the slower seasons.
Spend your morning exploring a trail, your afternoon visiting local shops, and your evening enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant.
For those who love fishing, late fall can also offer opportunities to get out on the water before freeze-up, weather and conditions permitting. Be sure to review Wisconsin DNR fishing regulations before heading out.
And if your favorite outdoor activity is simply sitting by a fire and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, that’s perfectly fine too!
Sometimes the best Northwoods adventures are the ones without an itinerary.
🏡 Make it a weekend! Explore Where to Stay in Price County to find cabins, resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds for your next Northwoods getaway.
A Little More Time to Enjoy the Northwoods
As October winds down, it’s easy to start looking ahead to winter. Soon enough, our lakes will freeze, snowmobile trails will become the focus, and communities throughout Price County will begin preparing for another season of winter recreation and holiday festivities.
But there’s no need to rush through the final weeks of fall.
There’s still time to take that scenic drive, visit a new restaurant, explore a trail, or spend a weekend enjoying everything that makes Price County special.
And while our outdoor activities change with the seasons, one thing stays the same: the welcoming communities and local businesses that make the Northwoods such a wonderful place to visit.
🌲 Find Your Adventure in Price County!
Whether you’re exploring Phillips, Park Falls, Prentice, Ogema, Fifield, Catawba, or Kennan, there’s always something waiting to be discovered!
From outdoor recreation and scenic destinations to dining, shopping, and lodging, Price County offers something for every season.
Don’t let fall slip away without one more Northwoods adventure!
🎣 Looking to catch the biggest fish in Price County? Whether you’re casting a line, exploring the trails, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, there’s an adventure waiting for you!
Before heading out, be sure to check the latest Wisconsin DNR Fishing Regulations and Wisconsin DNR Hunting Regulations.
📍 Find Your Adventure in Price County!
Explore Phillips, Park Falls, Prentice, Ogema, Fifield, Catawba, and Kennan.