Rib Mountain State Park
Central Wisconsin, Wisconsin · 1,917 ft
Typical peak
Sep 27 – Oct 5
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best at sunset
A quartzite ridge standing 700 feet above the Wisconsin River valley, with an observation tower clearing the treeline for a full circle over Wausau and the surrounding hardwood. Oak holds rust color here a week past the maples, which stretches the season.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Take Park Road south from WI-29 at the Rib Mountain exit to the summit lot, then walk 200 yards to the observation tower.
What turns here
- sugar maple
- red oak
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 1Typical color progression for Rib Mountain State Park. No change from Aug 24 to Sep 10. First color from Sep 10 to Sep 19. Approaching peak from Sep 19 to Sep 27. Peak from Sep 27 to Oct 5. Past peak from Oct 5 to Oct 15. Bare from Oct 15 to Oct 29.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 10.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 17
2 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
60°F / 40°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Rib Mountain State Park on October 1, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:27 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 94° | 6:56 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 39 min of low, warm light | 7:35 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:48 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 39 min before sunset | 6:01 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 266° | 6:40 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:09 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 11h 44m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.