Great Fall Color

By Dee Nechkash

While we hoped the fall color would trickle in this year, showing itself over the first few weeks of October, most of Southwest Wisconsin has remained green in the warm, wet autumn conditions. Until now.

I thought maybe it was a fluke as I took a windy county road from Platteville to Potosi, with the hillsides draped in vibrant yellows. Everyone had been telling me we wouldn’t have much for fall color, but it is just fashionably late this year! As I snaked my way down Potosi’s Main Street (possibly the longest Main Street in Wisconsin?), more colorful hillsides were revealed. At Potosi Point, a popular fishing and bird watching spot along the Mississippi River, located on the southern edge of Potosi, a pocket of brilliant red and orange leaves lined the Great River Road.

My suggestion: get out and explore the Great River Road. It is a multi-state highway that follows the Mighty Mississippi. Potosi is just one stop along this trail, which winds its way along the bluffs and valleys of the Mississippi River. Learn more about Wisconsin’s part of this All-American Highway at https://www.wigrr.com/ .

Another great option for fall color viewing is Rustic Road 99, which starts at the entrance to Potosi Point. Take this winding road through the hills and valleys along the Mississippi River for some spectacular scenery.