Fall Magic in the Northwoods: October 2025 Events Guide
As October 2025 unfolds in Wisconsin's Northwoods—encompassing Vilas, Oneida, and Sawyer counties—the region transforms into a tapestry of crimson maples, golden aspens, and crisp lake breezes. This is prime time for leaf-peeping, harvest celebrations, and wrapping up the outdoor season before winter's hush descends. From family-friendly festivals to adrenaline-fueled angling pursuits, the Northwoods offers a packed calendar of events. And for fishing enthusiasts, it's the tail end of musky season, when the "fish of 10,000 casts" lurks in the shallows, drawn by cooling waters and baitfish schools. Here's a roundup of highlights to pencil into your itinerary.
The Greater Wisconsin Musky Tournament: Reel in the Thrill
Musky fishing takes center stage early in the month with the 37th Annual Greater Wisconsin Musky Tournament on October 4–5 in St. Germain. Hosted on a constellation of Vilas County gems like Big St. Germain Lake, Little St. Germain Lake, and Plum Lake, this catch-and-release event draws anglers from across the Midwest for a shot at glory—and hefty prizes. Kick off with tournament fishing from 6 a.m. to noon on Saturday, followed by a lively awards ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Expect seminars on late-season tactics, where pros share tips on targeting post-spawn muskies in weedy bays and rocky points. With Wisconsin's northern musky season running through November 30 (catch-and-release encouraged), this tournament is the perfect launchpad for solo outings. Local outfitters in St. Germain report water temps in the mid-50s°F, ideal for topwater lures and bucktails—pack your gear and join the fever.
Colorama Festivities: Celebrate the Autumn Palette
October's crown jewel is the annual Northwoods Colorama series, a decentralized celebration of foliage that spans late September into early October. In St. Germain, the 67th Annual Colorama on September 20 spills over with weekend vibes: crafters, a farmers market, kids' pumpkin painting, and live music at Community Park, plus the Fall Cruisin' Car and Truck Show. Nearby, Manitowish Waters hosts its Harvest Festival on the same day at Koller Park (10 a.m.–3 p.m.), featuring local vendors, seasonal eats, and a nod to the cranberry harvest—think ruby-red bogs dotting the landscape.
By mid-month, Boulder Junction chimes in with the Interactive Book Walk on October 11 (11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) at the Public Library and Community Park. This whimsical, family-oriented event weaves literature with outdoor exploration amid peak colors, encouraging little ones to hunt for story prompts along wooded trails.
Lakeside Leisure and Community Gatherings
For a more relaxed pace, head to Minocqua or Eagle River for ongoing fall happenings. Minocqua's bustling events calendar teases harvest markets and hayrides, while Eagle River's chamber promotes "last hurrahs" like guided foliage hikes and pontoon cruises on the Chain O'Lakes. In Hayward, though the blockbuster Musky Festival wrapped in June, October invites casual musky hunts on the Chippewa Flowage—world-renowned for trophy fish over 50 inches. Local reports from the Musky Shop highlight October as a transitional sweet spot: muskies finicky but followable in shallow coves, with soft plastics and large minnow imitations shining.
Whether you're casting for muskies at dawn or sipping cider amid rustling leaves, October 2025 in the Northwoods blends adventure and serenity. Book cabins early—fall is fleeting here. For more details, check TravelWisconsin.com or local chambers. Grab your flannel; the woods are calling.