While the weather shifts toward slightly cooler temperatures, Madison offers countless opportunities to explore the gorgeous fall outdoors. From exploring the lakeshore path with vibrant, crisp leaves, visiting the Dane County Farmers Market to buy a pumpkin flavored pastry or decorating for Halloween, there is plenty to do around campus.
On campus, there are plenty of chances to put on a warm sweater and enjoy the outdoor weather. The Dane County Farmers Market surrounding the Capitol remains open through Nov. 8, providing a perfect spot to buy produce, taste fall-related foods and enjoy the city.
Additionally, nothing is better than walking down the lakeshore path surrounded by red and yellow leaves — an aesthetic array of fall colors. It’s also essential to enjoy the calming lake Mendota from Memorial Union. It is the perfect study spot to soak up the final weeks of sun while looking out at the lake.
There are countless orchards and gardens off-campus to enjoy fall activities. Enchanted Valley Acres, located in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, has a pumpkin patch, corn maze, giant slides and wagon rides.
Schuster’s Farm and the Eplegaarden both provide apple cider, caramel apples, pumpkin patches and live entertainment. The orchards are a great opportunity to get away from campus and spend a day or afternoon taking in the fall aesthetic.
Nothing beats a University of Wisconsin-Madison football, volleyball, soccer or hockey game during the fall. The experience of a gameday does not only include attending the game, but also grabbing food, going to a tailgate and celebrating the sport.
One great volleyball tradition involves kids in the stands entering the court to give high fives to the starting lineup. It’s a heartwarming sight that showcases the inclusiveness and culture of UW-Madison’s teams.
Another way to enjoy the fall spirit is to taste some fall-related flavors — pumpkin, apple, cinnamon and more. Trader Joe’s fall foods selections are notoriously delicious and definitely worth trying. Their most popular foods include the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread and Pumpkin-Spice Joe-Joe’s.
Coffee shops also change their menus to partake in the deliciousness of the fall flavors, especially for shops like EBNS. Countless students on campus love the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Apple Crisp Macchiatos and Pumpkin Cream Chai.
Decorating for Halloween can be a great way to incorporate the fall aesthetic and Halloween spirit into your life. Adding a pumpkin or some skeletons into the living space can create a fall vibe.
Target and Walgreens are a great place to start shopping for Halloween decorations, as they already have these items featured in their stores. Additionally, UHS Mental Health Services is hosting a needle felt pumpkin workshop on Nov. 19. With no cost and materials provided, students can choose one hour time slots to learn how to felt.
If you’re ever feeling down or stressed from schoolwork and midterms, partaking in some of these fall activities can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the crisp and spirited feeling of fall before the weather changes seasons.
