Fall is finally almost here!
This means the return of some of my favorite things:
- Football
- Cooler temps
- Halloween
- Changing leaves
- AND EVERYTHING APPLE FLAVORED
My favorite fall trip is visiting Gays Mills, Wisconsin.
My favorite fall day trip is centered around changing leaves and my favorite apple-flavored foods. I have been going to Gays Mills every Fall for years. I love going to Allen’s Orchard and Wilson’s Orchard right here in our backyard each year as well. But there is so much to see and do on the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Gays Mills; it’s a must-take trip.
Here are my favorite things to do in Gays Mills:
Sunrise Orchards
Sunrise Orchards is usually our first stop when we arrive because I don’t want to miss out on their apple cider donuts. I also have to enjoy an apple cider slushie or a cup of warm apple cider while we are there. There is also an area for the kids to play.
Kickapoo Orchard
This is another family favorite. They have a delicious apple pizza. The kids love their sunflower and corn mazes.
Apple’licious Pie Depot
They are a family-owned bakery that offers several delicious pies. I, of course, go for the Crumb Top Apple Pie because the trip wouldn’t be complete without an apple pie.
Things to see and do on the way
With so much to see and do, we can’t possibly fit everything into one day. So we change up our route every year and try to add new experiences.
Dyersville, Iowa
When you think of Dyersville, you think of the Field of Dreams. This is a site every Iowan should see at least once. Dyersville also has other attractions. If your children are into farm toys, you can take them to visit the National Farm Toy Museum and my kids’ favorite, the Tomy Outlet Store.
For adults, there is the O So Good Winery, the Textile Brewing Company, and the Plaza Antique Mall.
Balltown, Iowa
One of my favorite places to eat along the drive is Breitbach’s Country Dining in Balltown, Iowa. It is the oldest bar and restaurant in Iowa. The food is always delicious, and the drive is scenic.
McGregor/Marquette, Iowa
McGregor and Marquette are beautiful, picturesque cities along the Mississippi River. The cities offer several shops and restaurants. Spook Cave sits just outside McGregor and offers a campground and boat tours through the cave.
Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa
Some of my favorite photos of my children happened here in this park. The changing leaves and the backdrop of the Mississippi River make great photo opportunities. We also hike the short distance to the Bridal Veil Falls.
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
There are many fun things to do around the Prairie du Chien area and I hope to explore more of them in the future, but there are a few things we do annually. We love grabbing lunch at Fort Mulligan’s Grill Pub— it has never disappointed. Pete’s Hamburger Stand is also a great popular spot to grab lunch.
While in Prairie du Chien my children love to visit Cabela’s and visit the aquarium. We also have to visit the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign and snap a ton of photos.
Cassville, Wisconsin
The Cassville Car Ferry is one of my kids’ favorite things to do on our trip. A few years ago, we got one of the last trips across the river as the sun was beginning to set. We got the most beautiful photos between the river, the changing leaves, and the setting sun.
Dickeyville, Wisconsin
One last place I have to mention is Dickeyville, Wisconsin. I don’t know what it is about Hauber Brand Meats, but we discovered it years ago and it has become a tradition to visit when we drive through. I have traveled home with a cooler filled with over $100 of beef sticks and brats for family and neighbors.
I know I didn’t capture all the wonderful places to experience and eat along this route, so I would love to hear about your favorite places in this area, as I begin to map out our annual trip!
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