Fall is my favorite season, and somehow it always feels too short. For me, fall is all about cozy mornings with a steaming cup of coffee, crisp air that makes your cheeks tingle, and colorful adventures that delight every sense. Whether I’m in the mood for a playful night out, a relaxing ride with stunning views, or a whimsical stroll through town, there’s something special about Mount Horeb in the fall. Three of my favorite local things going on around here are Witches’ Night Out, Fall Chairlift Rides at Tyrol Basin, and combining a Troll Hunt with a downtown stroll.
On Witches Night Out, downtown Mount Horeb turns into a little witchy wonderland for one evening. I love seeing the pointy hats, broomsticks, and laughter filling the streets as friends and families gather to shop, sip, snack, and cackle their way through Main Street. Every year, the shops and restaurants pull out all the stops with fun specials and treats. There’s something about the energy on that night — everyone seems lighter, sillier, and a little more joyful. One of my favorite parts is just watching people wander Main Street in costume, discovering surprises tucked into the shops. Witches’ Night Out happens Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and it’s definitely worth marking your calendar.
During the day, Tyrol Basin offers a completely different fall experience with their fall chairlift rides. I love lifting my scarf around my face and closing my eyes for a moment, feeling the warmth of the sun and the crisp air brushing my cheeks. When I open my eyes, I take a deep breath of the autumn air and gaze out at the golden leaves, bright red maples, and rolling Driftless hills. The soft clink of the lift and the chatter of other riders create a comforting soundtrack to the simple joy of the moment. Sunshine warms your face, scarves and sweaters keep you cozy, and the view stretches endlessly, painting a perfect autumn scene. You can stay on the lift as long as you like or hop off at the top to wander, snap photos, and soak in the scenery from above. We try to make it every year, and it never fails to remind me why I love fall so much.
Another Mount Horeb tradition I adore is the Troll Hunt. The whimsical little trolls peek out from nooks and crannies along the streets, in shops, and around park corners. I always find myself smiling when I spot one — they’re such a playful, quirky part of the town’s personality. Sometimes I crouch down or tilt my head to get a closer look, and it’s those little moments that make it feel magical. After spotting a few trolls, I like to wander downtown. There’s always something to discover: treasures in the local shops, a steaming cup of coffee at a cozy café where the aroma of freshly roasted beans wraps around me, a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, or a visit to the Driftless Historium to soak up some local history. I love pausing on a bench or leaning against a railing with my coffee in hand, watching the leaves swirl in the breeze and feeling completely present. Between the trolls and downtown delights, a crisp fall afternoon can easily turn into a cozy, fun adventure.
With witches, trolls, chairlift rides, and charming streets, why not make a weekend of it? We love staying at Sunniva Inn, right in the heart of town. October weekends tend to book up quickly, but November still has openings — perfect for enjoying crisp mornings, colorful afternoons, and all the cozy fall magic without the crowds. It’s a great home base for whimsical adventures and quiet moments soaking in the scenery. Fall in Mount Horeb always leaves me feeling a little lighter, a little happier, and a lot more connected to the season.