Fall Colors, Fall Festivals, Fall Fun in Cottage Grove  

Football season is well underway, summer greens are shifting to orange and red and brown, and people are pulling out their favorite sweaters and sweatshirts. All this can only mean one thing: fall is here. A 2023 survey showed that autumn is overwhelmingly the favorite season, with 45% of Americans ranking it in the top spot.

Cottage Grove has a full calendar of fun fall events and activities to get out an enjoy before the cold and snow inevitably arrives:

  • Warm Belly Farm Full Harvest Festival: Encapsulating dozens of fun fall activities and traditions, the Full Harvest Festival, happening each Friday to Sunday now through October 27, offers fun for all ages and interests. From axe throwing to tractor rides to corn mazes, with donuts and cider and pumpkins and much more, Cottage Grove now has a local offering that rivals the best long-standing fall farm festivals in the area. Check out the festival website for full details, hours and pricing.
  • Glacial Drumlin Trail: With many forested areas along the Glacial Drumlin Trail, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the area’s famous fall colors. The poplar 52-mile trail starts in the heart of Cottage Grove at 200 S. Main Street, where visitors will find parking, picnic areas, restrooms, maps, drinking water, a self-pay station and more. The Fall Color Report from Travel Wisconsin is a great resource to help figure out the best time for an active fall adventure on the trail.
  • Centennial Celebration: The Village of Cottage Grove Centennial Celebration is set for Saturday, October 12 from 11:00am – 3:00pm. All are welcome for this free village-wide block party on Reynolds St., featuring historical memorabilia, food trucks, music, cake and more.
  • Halloween: Pumpkins and ghosts and black cats, oh my! Halloween is always a fun and festive day in Cottage Grove. As you plan your Halloween happenings, we encourage you to think Cottage Grove First and shop local for candy, decorations and party supplies. Trick or Treat hours, as usual, will be October 31 from 4:30 – 7:00pm.
  • Parks, Recreation and Outdoor Activities: Summer may officially be over, but fall offers a great extra window of opportunity to enjoy a host of outdoor activities, from pickleball to skateboarding to enjoying Cottage Grove’s beautiful parks.

With plenty of fun fall activities for those who live in the area, visitors can home base at Comfort Suites to take advantage of all the great seasonal offerings in Cottage Grove and the whole greater Madison metropolitan area.

We’d love to hear from you: are you one of the 45% who loves autumn above all other seasons? What are your favorite fall traditions and activities.