WAUSAU, Wis. — The fall colors are really popping in central and northern Wisconsin this year.

One unique way to take in the fall colors in from a chairlift. At Granite Peak Ski Area at the base of Rib Mountain, chairlift rides to take in the fall colors are running each Friday-Sunday through Oct. 17.

So far this season, thousands of people have been coming to take in the colors in motion.

Kelly Luechau and Alex Carlson made the short drive from Kronenwetter to take in the beauty on the chairlift. For them it was well worth the time.

“It's beautiful, I’m deathly afraid of heights but I was like, 'I have to see this because its my birthday,'” Luechau said.

Chairlift riders also get the chance to get off at the top and explore Rib Mountain State Park.

 

Park manager Bayli Christorf said fall is one of the busiest times of year for the park, whether people drive by chairlift, car, or on foot. For her, their is something magical about getting to watch people experience the beauty of the park for the first time. ​

“As they come into the visitors station, you can see a peak of the overview as you greet them and a lot of times it's, 'This is a great view!'” Christorf said.

The Granite Peak chairlift rides require advanced tickets this year due to high demand. To learn more, visit their website.