With stories, hikes, and spirits, Whitewater and the surrounding areas offer a whirlwind of autumn adventures for you, a group of friends, or family time. Pick your favorite or try them all for a fall to remember.
Area Events
Whitewater Storytelling Festival – Sept. 23
Immerse yourself in the magic of autumn and let Whitewater’s storytellers and artists enchant you at this year’s Storytelling Festival. From children’s stories to Sip & Tell, an artisan market to art galleries, there’s a little something to inspire everyone.
Ice Age Trail Mammoth Hike Challenge – Throughout October
Hike, walk, run, or backpack 43 miles of the Ice Age Trail during the month of October and visit three Trail Communities to earn a hiking certificate and a limited-edition patch. Log your miles over days, weekends, weeks, or one big adventure. You have the entire month of October to do it!
Whitewater Spirit Tour – Oct. 20-21
The city of Whitewater, known as “Second Salem,” is famous for the “Witches of Whitewater” legends and its rich spiritual history. With stories of witches and ghosts to alleged murders and occult practices, the Spirit Tour is for you. Enjoy a night of lore and unique, behind-the-scenes access to haunted sites throughout Whitewater.
Shockwave Haunts – Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28
If you like being scared out of your mind and appreciate haunts made from scratch with real actors instead of automatons, head to Shockwave Haunts this year. Offering haunted houses like no other in the middle of Whitewater’s countryside, you’re guaranteed to look over your shoulder for a day or two after.
Legends & Lore – Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28
Troves of supernatural tales brought to Wisconsin over the generations come to life at this always spooky, sometimes scary, Halloween event.
Thinking ahead…
Shop Small Holiday Market – Nov. 25
Usher in the holiday season by supporting all things local with this free, family-friendly event. Listen to live music, have s’mores at Blitzen’s Bonfire, eat good food from food trucks, enjoy hot cocoa or mulled wine in the Gumdrop Glögg Garden, and ring in the holiday season with a Santa Meet & Greet and/or a carriage ride around downtown!
Agritourism
Throughout fall, enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, corn mazes, apple cider donuts, craft brews, fun with farm animals, and checking out area barn quilts!
- Apple Barn
- Busy Barn Adventure Farms
- Barn Quilts of Jefferson County Tour
- Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company
Area Farmers’ Markets
For those who love to shop small and support local, don’t forget about the autumn bounty at our area farmers’ markets through October!
- Whitewater City Market – Tuesdays 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
- Whitewater Farmers’ Market – Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Fort Farmers’ Market – Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
If you’re planning to stick around the area, book a room at Hamilton House Bed & Breakfast, Fairfield Inn & Suites, or Baymont Inn and take in everything our charming Ice Age Trail Community has to offer.
For more information, visit www.discoverwhitewater.org or email us at tourism@discoverwhitewater.org.