Fall in Burnett County, Wisconsin, is a season of vibrant color, crisp air, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure and cozy small-town charm! As the leaves begin to turn, locals and visitors alike flock to scenic spots like Governor Knowles State Forest and Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, where fiery reds and golden yellows paint the landscape. The Gandy Dancer Trail, a historic rail-trail stretching through Siren, Webster, and Danbury, offers a perfect way to soak in the picturesque foliage, whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply strolling with a warm drink in hand!
Photo by: Friends of Gandy Dancer Trail
Speaking of warm drinks, Burnett County offers the BEST selection of local coffee shops! Chattering Squirrel Coffee Café in Siren is a local favorite for a fresh cup of coffee and a relaxing atmosphere. The Chattering Squirrel is especially enticing due to its easily accessible drive-thru option, making it simpler than ever to pick up your morning coffee. Right up the road from Chattering Squirrel is Fusion Bistro Cafe Market in Webster. This cozy café and bistro serves fresh-roasted coffee, globally inspired dishes, and homemade baked goods in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax after a morning hike or fuel up before heading out to explore! Fusion also features a curated selection of local wines and craft beers from the St. Croix River Valley, making it a perfect spot to unwind in the evening. In Grantsburg, The Grind Coffee Shop and Boutique offers a cozy, stylish space to sip espresso and browse unique gifts and home décor. It’s a perfect blend of caffeine and creativity, making it a favorite for locals and visitors. And finally, to highlight my personal favorite place to grab a cup of coffee, work, meet up with friends, or read a good book, Crosshatch Coffee & Co in Siren. Its inviting, warm, and modern vibe mixed with exceptional quality make it stand out as a staple business to visit in Burnett County. This locally loved café offers thoughtfully brewed coffee, seasonal drinks, and an array of handmade artisanal leather, pottery, apparel, apothecary, and printed goods. Owners Sarah and Jacqui singlehandedly run the show here, doing all of the background and front-end work themselves, while also making sure each of their customers feels incredibly welcome in their shop! Altogether, Burnett County offers an exceptional lineup of coffee shops for every taste and vibe!
Photos submitted by: Sarah and Jacqui – Owners of Crosshatch Coffee & Co
After you’ve taken your morning trek down the Gandy Dancer Trail and picked up your favorite cup of coffee paired with a fresh-baked good, be sure to expand your fall wardrobe at one of our many local boutiques! In Webster, Charmed features stylish seasonal pieces and accessories with a trendy, small-town flair. Over in Siren, Thread Shed Boutique provides a wide selection of clothing fit for all ages, making it a great stop for cozy layers and everyday essentials. The Syren General Store blends rustic charm with curated clothing and also carries a lovely selection of fall decor, perfect for adding a festive touch to your home. From cozy layers for a crisp hike to stylish outfits for a night out, these shops provide a warm and inviting shopping experience filled with fall fashion!
For sports fans, fall means football, and Burnett County has a few beloved watering holes where you can catch the game. The Rec in Danbury, Pour House in Siren, T-Dawgs Bar & Grill in Grantsburg, and The Pheasant Inn in Siren all offer friendly crowds, cold drinks, and plenty of screens to keep up with your team! But if you prefer to stay home and host your own game-day party, you’re in good company! Stock up on snacks, drinks, and tailgate essentials at Wayne’s Foods Plus in Webster or Fourwinds Market in Siren. Both offer great selections of local favorites and party-ready treats! It doesn’t matter if you’re cheering from a barstool or your own couch, Burnett County makes football season feel like a celebration!
Meanwhile, hunters gear up for the season with thousands of acres of public land available, including the Burnett County Forest and Governor Knowles State Forest. Whether you’re after whitetail deer, grouse, turkey, or waterfowl, the county’s diverse terrain and designated wildlife areas make it a prime destination. Wisconsin’s 2025 hunting seasons kick off in mid-September with archery and crossbow, followed by gun deer season in late November, and extend into early 2026 for small game and turkey. For more information about the hunting seasons in Wisconsin, click here!
From the golden glow of changing leaves to the warmth of a fresh cup of coffee, the energy of game day gatherings, and the thrill of outdoor adventure, fall in Burnett County is a season that brings people together. It’s a time to explore, indulge, and celebrate everything that makes this corner of Wisconsin so special. With its scenic beauty, welcoming businesses, and strong sense of community, Burnett County invites you to slow down, soak it all in, and make the most of autumn’s magic!
Mira Niles, Burnett County Tourism Coalition Marketing Coordinator