How to throw yourself into the fall

Summer is over, and the days are getting shorter and the temperature colder. But autumn can be a season for fun at UW–Madison, as long as you know how to do it right. Some tips:

Visit a pumpkin patch, corn maze or Haunted House

Photo: Aerial view of trilobite corn maze

Overhead view of the Treinen Farm Corn Maze, featuring a 480-foot trilobite within a Wisconsin “Cabinet of Curiosities.” The idea for the maze came from the UW–Madison Geology Museum, and it was designed by Angie Treinen. Courtesy of UW–Madison Geology Museum

It’s a perfect time to meet up with friends and get outdoors in the crisp weather. There are many farms that are open throughout the fall offering them, from Cross Plains to Stoughton to Cottage Grove. This year a Cross Plains corn maze is in the shape of Bucky Badger. For only $10 you can try to complete the challenge of the Bucky Maze, http://www.enchantedvalleyacres.com/corn-mazes/ Or, try the trilobite maze at Treinen Farm in Lodi, inspired by an idea from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Geology Museum.

Enjoy a walk on Lakeshore path

Surrounded by autumn colors, pedestrians make their way along the Lakeshore Path in 2014. Photo: Bryce Richter

Did you know that there are actually two trails that make up the Lakeshore Path? What better way to spend your fall than being in the outdoors and exploring? Enjoy the fresh, crisp air on a walk out to Picnic Point. Watch the colors of the leaves change and listen to the crunch on the ground with each step you take.

Attend a Badger Football Game

Badger fans cheer as the Wisconsin Badgers head into overtime play during a night football game against Ohio State in 2016. Photo: Jeff Miller

There are still four more home football games left in the season. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity. A sea of red, Jump Around and being surrounded by fellow Badgers is a great way to spend your Saturday. Remaining home games include:

Saturday, Oct. 21 vs. Maryland
Saturday, Nov. 11 vs. Iowa
Saturday, Nov. 18 vs. Michigan

Apple Picking

Photo: Row of apple trees on The Cider Farm

A row of apple trees on The Cider Farm. John Biondi and Deirdre Birmingham painstakingly hand-grafted the trees that would become their orchard. Photo: Deirdre Birmingham

Choose among many different varieties of apples, along with apple cider, caramel apples and apple-flavored baked goods. There are many orchards located not too far from campus. Honey Crisps are a favorite eating appleand MacIntoshes make for great baking. Take some photos while picking, so you can spread the joy on Instagram.

Bake an apple or pumpkin pie

Use some of your fresh picked apples to bake a fresh apple pie or start preparing for Thanksgiving early by baking a pumpkin pie. Many residence halls have kitchens for you to use.

Watch your favorite Halloween movie

Whether it’s a Netflix movie or one you find while scrolling through your television channels. Find a blanket and cuddle up to enjoy some relaxed time this fall. Also, be sure to check out movies that are showing at the Marquee at Union South. This week you can get the season off to a scary start with The Exterminating Angel and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Thursday and Alien: Covenant and Marjorie Prime on Friday.

Carve a pumpkin

Ming Zhou, right, a graduate student from China studying electrical engineering, and his wife, Qing Chen, carve pumpkins. Photo: Jeff Miller

Nothing says fall like carving and decorating pumpkins. All you need is a pumpkin, knife and a candle to go inside. Don’t forget to save the seeds to make pumpkin seeds. Want to add a Badger flair to your pumpkin? Carve Bucky Badger into it – see here. In addition, the Union South is having a pumpkin-carving event on Oct. 26.

Have a bonfire

Did you know you can rent out a fire circle at Picnic Point? There are six fire rings available to be reserved and they’re free. Bring along some marshmallows and a blanket for a cozy evening. Check out how to reserve one here.