By VANESSA SKILDUM

With fall sweeping through Beloit, there are plenty of places to go. Whether you like the fall colors or Halloween, there is somewhere for you. Below are five popular attractions near Beloit to get you started.

1. The Apple Hut 

If you are in the mood for apples, The Apple Hut is the place to go. They have an orchard out back where you can pick apples. Inside is a gift shop with apple treats like caramel apples, apple pies, and danishes. They also have their Fritz Famous Cider Donuts, which are currently in the running for the best donuts in the Stateline.    

The Apple Hut is located at 1718 W. Walters Road, Beloit, WI 53511, and is open from late August to Halloween. It is a cash-only place, but there is an ATM on site. For more information, you can find The Apple Hut on Facebook. 

2. Forest of Freaks

If what you look forward to is the scary side of Halloween, then the Forest of Freaks is your next stop. It is Wisconsin’s scariest and longest outdoor haunted trail, according to Wisconsin Frights. They have two haunted trails and a shoot-the-freak activity. General admission costs $20, while speed through admission is $30. In line, there is live music and food and some of the freaks walk by, scaring unsuspecting people. The freaks will even take pictures with you. 

Forest of Freaks is located at 5946 S. U.S. Highway 51, Janesville, WI, 53546 (across from Blackhawk Technical College). Starting in October, they are open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 31 (Halloween night) is their last night open. They are a cash-only place with the minimum age recommended being 13. For additional information, their website is wescaredyou.com. 

3. Big Hill Park

Big Hill Park is the place to go if you want to experience the vibrant fall foliage. It is one of Beloit’s most scenic sites, according to Travel Wisconsin. There is an upper and lower level to the park. Both levels have playgrounds, hiking trails, restrooms, sheltered picnic areas, and more. The hiking trails branch out over the whole park. Each trail holds many beautiful views to embrace the fall colors fully. Admission is free, and it is open from dawn until 9 p.m. 

4. Skelly’s Farm Market 

Skelly’s Farm Market is the perfect place to go with friends and family. They have many activities, including corn mazes, wagon rides, apple cannons, and pumpkin picking. Inside the barn is a gift shop and a bakery with many treats. There is also a playground with tables for kids to enjoy and friends to get together. 

Skelly’s is at 2713 S Hayner Road, Janesville, WI 53548. They are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Their last day of the season is Oct. 31. For more information about what is available and pricing, you can visit their website skellysfarmmarket.com. 

5. Downtown Beloit’s Annual Halloween Costume Parade and Party

Every year, downtown Beloit hosts a Halloween costume parade and party during the last farmers market of the season. This year it took place on Oct. 28, 2023. The costume parade started at Horace White Park at 10 a.m. Afterward, kids can trick or treat at the businesses downtown and the market vendors while the farmer’s market is in full effect. Additionally, there is live music and entertainment. This event is a great way to celebrate Halloween with the community. 

Each place has something fun and unique to offer. Whether you visit one or all of them, you can’t go wrong. Happy fall!