golden days - Autumn color abounds in our local parks

Golden was the word of the day at Kinsey Park in Brookfield.

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It could be that every fall is like this. Passionate in its color palette, seductive and comforting at the same time. Maybe I just haven't paid enough attention in years past. Or been in the right place at the right time. But I'm of the mind that this fall, at least here in Wisconsin, has been especially colorful. Everything seems to be a little later, too. Two weeks, maybe? I don't know.  I just know how it seems to me.

Most days I start out with a list of things I should be doing. But then, autumn calls, and I find myself out leaf peeping, looking for some serious fall drama.  And, boy, have I been finding it.

In the past few weeks I have roamed through several of our local parks, oohing and aahing along the way. I've even been to a few spots more than once, and been amazed at the changes just a day or two (and a few cool nights) can make.

Natures paint brush at work in Kinsey Park.

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A special guide gave us a tour of Hobbs Woods Nature Area in Fond du Lac County.

Early in October, we took a short drive to Fond du Lac to visit Hobbs Woods. The trees in the preserve had already begun to transform into the colors of the season: vibrant reds, oranges, and golds lining the trails, and floating along in Parsons Creek.

​As if the beauty of the trails and surrounding nature area weren't enchanting enough, we were joined on our hike by a local black cat. You can read about our guest hiking guide in my post An Unexpected Companion. 

There are approximately 3 miles of trails winding through this 60-acre park and nature area. The outer trails are mostly easy-going, the inner trails that follow along the edges of Parsons Creek are a little trickier. Good hiking shoes recommended.
You'll find the quiet and the beauty worth the effort. 

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Always lovely, but especially stunning in fall, Malone Park, in New Berlin, was decked out in all the colors of the season. Leaves crunching under foot along the trail, chipmunks and squirrels busy collecting nuts for their winter stash.

The creek running through the park was mostly dry, collecting fallen leaves of orange, red, and gold instead of rain. If you're looking for a scenic autumn walk, Malone Park is an excellent choice.

Malone Park in the fall does not dissapoint!

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Schoen Laufen Park in Germantown is filled with the glow of autumn color.

Have you been to Schoen Laufen Park in Germantown, yet? If not, now is a spectacular time to go. Although it's not a large park, it is the perfect size to wander the easy trails and do some leaf peeping.

I took a friend along on a recent walk there, and we were both in awe of the tall trees and the colors bursting forth.  Enjoy the peaceful views on your own, or take a friend along. Either way, it's worth it. 

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Let yourself be charmed by the scenic views at Kinsey Park in Brookfield. This unassuming, pleasant,  neighborhood park, has a hidden secret. The woodland trails just beyond the children's playground are fast becoming one of my favorite go-to spots for a quick afternoon nature walk.

​I've been there twice this fall, and the most recent visit was just golden! As evidenced by the title collage of this blog post, the forest is aglow. Need some fall color? You should go.  

Kinsey Park in Brookfield is a golden treasure in fall.

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Jackson Park in Milwaukee is a stunner in the fall.

Every time I visit Jackson Park, I think I should come here more often. I'm glad I made it back for some seasonal color this October. Jackson Park is gorgeous adorned in autumn tones.

​The trails throughout the park, and around the lagoon, are scenic. Perfect for relaxing on a park bench, or having a picnic on a sunny autumn afternoon. Walking through part of the Forked Aster Trail adds a bit of wilderness as well. It's clear why Jackson Park is a favorite among Milwaukeeans. 

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If you're wanting to wander through a forest, there's no place like home. Follow the yellow-leafed trail  and find yourself immersed in wooded bliss within the Forest Exploration Center, in Wauwatosa.

​This forest in the city is a destination in every season, but in fall, well, the magic falls from the trees. We went this weekend, and the golden splendor was everywhere.

We took a seat on one of the wooden park benches to rest for a moment, and to watch as the leaves danced their way down on the breeze, sounding a bit like softly falling rain.

​There's definitely a cozy, magical vibe here. You're gonna love it. 

Immerse yourself in autumn at the Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa.

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Lizard Mound State Park is peaceful, sacred, and dressed in autumn color.

Recently, a friend and I went to an art fair of sorts in Washington County. On the way there we passed Lizard Mound State Park. Since it was such a beautiful day, we decided to stop there on the way back home. I'm so glad we did! 

Driving into the park, I had to gasp in wonder! The canopy of trees surrounding the parking lot was draped in gold!  Vibrant and plentiful, the leaves were everywhere. On the trees, on the grass, on the parking lot pavement.

We took a walk through the wooded trail, past some of the sacred effigy mounds. Simply stunning. Something about the fallen leaves seemed to accent the Native-American burial mounds so beautifully. They seemed to define the shapes even more within the natural landscape.

Such a peaceful and sacred space. How lucky that we stopped, and were able to enjoy it. I was so enamored, I went back again the next day. 

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As the season travels forward, I'm looking forward to enjoying autumns color as long as it holds on. We Wisconsinites know that the weather can change on a dime here. Whatever happens, the beauty will be there, one way or another. And you can find it, at The Park Next Door.🍁