Late October in Vilas County is one of those wonderful in-between seasons in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The brightest fall colors may be beginning to fade, the leaves are crunching underfoot, evenings arrive a little earlier, and communities from Boulder Junction to Eagle River are getting ready for Halloween.
It’s also an excellent time for a Northwoods weekend getaway. You can spend the afternoon hiking beneath the last autumn leaves, take a scenic drive past quiet lakes, join a Halloween celebration, and then warm up over a Wisconsin Friday fish fry.
If you’re looking for things to do in Vilas County in late October, here are a few ideas for building a weekend around fall, Halloween and one of Wisconsin’s favorite Friday traditions.
Find a Friday Fish Fry in Vilas County
Before heading to a Halloween event or exploring the Northwoods, make Friday night part of the trip.
Vilas County has a long Wisconsin supper-club, resort and tavern tradition, and Friday fish fry fits naturally into a weekend here. Communities including Eagle River, St. Germain, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Land O’ Lakes, Presque Isle, Phelps, Conover, Sayner-Star Lake and Lac du Flambeau offer plenty of places to explore.
The Friday Fish Fry Guide helps diners find fish fries throughout Vilas County and across Wisconsin. Check the Vilas County listings before your trip to find participating restaurants, menus, locations and other restaurant information.
Whether you’re planning a full Northwoods weekend or simply looking for somewhere to go Friday night, start with a Vilas County fish fry and build the rest of the weekend from there.
1. Haunted Halloween in Boulder Junction
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 3–7 p.m.
Boulder Junction gets an early start on Halloween with an afternoon and evening of activities throughout town.
Haunted Halloween includes trick-or-treating at downtown businesses from 3–5 p.m., trunk-or-treating at the Boulder Junction Community Center and several newer additions to the celebration.
One of the biggest is Tall Pines Fright Night, a haunted walk through the first nine holes of the disc golf course. Hayrides, kids’ activities, food and beverages are also planned, with a shuttle wagon connecting the sports and recreation park, community center and downtown area.
It makes October 24 an easy Saturday destination for families looking for a Northwoods Halloween outing.
2. Hallowfest in Downtown Eagle River
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Halloween itself brings a daytime celebration to downtown Eagle River.
Hallowfest is scheduled for October 31 and includes a downtown business scavenger hunt, goodies from the Eagle River Lions Club, a costume contest, a Chain O’ Dance Studio performance and a free Halloween movie at Vilas Cinema.
Because the activities begin late in the morning, families can enjoy downtown Eagle River during the day and still have plenty of Halloween evening left afterward.
3. Zombie Crawl in Land O’ Lakes
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 3–10 p.m.
For an adult Halloween adventure, head north to Land O’ Lakes for the annual Zombie Crawl.
The October 31 event runs from 3–10 p.m. and includes a pub crawl, buses between participating locations, live bands, DJs and entertainment throughout the evening.
Land O’ Lakes sits near the Wisconsin-Michigan border, making this a fun excuse to explore the far northern edge of Vilas County while turning Halloween into a full Northwoods night out.
4. Witches Ball in Land O’ Lakes
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 8–11:30 p.m.
The Zombie Crawl rolls directly into another Land O’ Lakes Halloween tradition: the Witches Ball.
Scheduled from 8–11:30 p.m., the event features dancing along with the crowning of the Zombie Crawl King and Queen. The event listing also notes free bus rides and free zombie makeup.
Together, the Zombie Crawl and Witches Ball give adults a decidedly different Halloween option from the county’s daytime family celebrations.
5. Presque Isle Spooktacular Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 5–8 p.m.
Presque Isle adds another family-friendly stop to Halloween night.
The Spooktacular Trunk or Treat takes place at Pipke Park from 5–8 p.m. and is scheduled to include trunk-or-treating, candy and a Haunted Forest Walk.
That makes Presque Isle a good choice for families who want a Halloween evening surrounded by the quieter scenery of northern Vilas County.
6. Take a Late-October Scenic Drive Through the Northwoods
Halloween events may supply the costumes and candy, but the landscape is still one of the biggest reasons to visit Vilas County in October.
The county promotes several scenic driving routes through forests, around lakes and between its Northwoods communities. One particularly attractive route is Rustic Road 60, a roughly 12-mile road connecting the Boulder Junction area with Sayner-Star Lake-Cloverland through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.
Even after peak color begins to pass, late October brings its own atmosphere: quieter roads, fallen leaves, open views through the trees and that unmistakable transition toward a Northwoods winter.
Pair the drive with lunch, shopping or a short hike and turn the journey itself into part of the weekend.
7. Explore the North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails
Manitowish Waters
For one of our evergreen stops, head to the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters.
The Discovery Center has approximately 12 miles of recreational trails around Statehouse Lake and along the Manitowish River, with routes winding through forest, bog and shoreline habitat. The trail system includes the Bill Lambrecht Memorial Interpretive Trail and a bog boardwalk.
It’s a great late-fall option when the weather cooperates, especially for visitors who want to experience the quieter side of the Northwoods between the county’s busier seasonal events.
8. Hike the Shannon Lake Trail Near St. Germain
St. Germain
Round out the weekend with a hike near St. Germain.
The Shannon Trail offers several loops through gently rolling northern hardwood forest. The route around Shannon Lake is particularly scenic, and the trail system provides options ranging from easy/beginner terrain to intermediate routes.
Vilas County also has dozens of other hiking and multi-use trail options, so this can easily be swapped for another trail closer to where you’re staying.
Build a Vilas County Halloween Weekend
A late-October Vilas County getaway doesn’t need an elaborate itinerary.
Start Friday with a traditional Wisconsin fish fry. On Saturday, explore a trail or take a scenic drive while there’s still daylight, then head into one of the county’s Halloween celebrations.
The October 24 weekend brings Haunted Halloween to Boulder Junction. One week later, Halloween itself fills October 31 with choices including Hallowfest in Eagle River, the Zombie Crawl and Witches Ball in Land O’ Lakes, and the Presque Isle Spooktacular.
Add a little shopping, a lake view, a hike and a good meal, and you’ve got a Northwoods weekend that works just as well for a day trip as it does for a longer fall getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vilas County in Late October
What is happening in Vilas County for Halloween 2026?
Several Halloween events are scheduled around Vilas County. Haunted Halloween takes place in Boulder Junction on October 24. On October 31, visitors can choose from Hallowfest in Eagle River, the Zombie Crawl and Witches Ball in Land O’ Lakes, and the Presque Isle Spooktacular Trunk or Treat.
Where can I find a Friday fish fry in Vilas County?
The Friday Fish Fry Guide includes restaurant listings to help diners find Friday fish fries in Vilas County and throughout Wisconsin. Check the Vilas County directory before heading out for current restaurant information.
Are there things to do outdoors in Vilas County in late October?
Yes. Weather permitting, late October can still be a good time for hiking, scenic drives and exploring the Northwoods. Vilas County has extensive public lands and trail systems, including trails near Manitowish Waters, St. Germain, Boulder Junction, Eagle River, Presque Isle and other communities.
Where can I see fall scenery in Vilas County?
Scenic roads and trails run throughout the county. Rustic Road 60 near Boulder Junction and Sayner-Star Lake is one option, while the North Lakeland Discovery Center, Shannon Trail, Van Vliet Hemlocks and other hiking areas provide additional ways to explore the landscape on foot.
Is Vilas County good for a weekend trip?
Yes. Communities including Eagle River, St. Germain, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Land O’ Lakes and Presque Isle are close enough to combine several stops into one Northwoods weekend, with restaurants, trails, lakes, shops and seasonal events along the way.
Event dates, times, locations and activities may change due to weather, scheduling or other circumstances. Please check the official event or organizer website before traveling.