Wisconsin autumns are uniquely special. We see vibrant fall colors arrive with chilly weather. It’s important to enjoy autumn times in our state because you never really know when we’ll be blindsided by five inches of snow out of nowhere and the season is over in a snap. Luckily we have cool local places like the Beaver Creek Reserve where the season’s colors are on full display with an array of different family-friendly events that can help you appreciate the season even more – no matter how short it is. Here’s a handful of cool seasonal events at Beaver Creek:

HOP ON THE TIFFANY TRAIN

Sept. 12, 7am to noon • $25 for members, $35 for non-members

The Tiffany Wildlife Area is a quick 45 minute drive south of Eau Claire, and those willing to make it can enjoy a one-of-a-kind train ride through the natural beauty of the region. You can spend the day on an open-air, antique train while admiring and exploring the wild surroundings. The 14-mile round trip can give you a glimpse of what makes the area so unique and crucial to local plants and wildlife. Occasionally, you’ll hop off the train and do some light hikes (no more than a half a mile each), so make sure you’re prepared. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks to bring along for the ride! Note: You must register and pay by Sept. 10. You can do that at www.beavercreekreserve.org.

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL FUN

Oct. 3, Noon to 4 pm • $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 2-15

The Family Fall Festival & Plein Air Painting Contest is a terrific way to start the season. This year’s Family Fall Festival at Beaver Creek is all about being surrounded by nature when it’s at its most beautiful. There’s all kinds of festivities planned for the day including colorful hikes led by Beaver Creek naturalists, games and crafts for kids, as well as a full slate of family activities at the Hobbs Observatory and Citizen Science Center. Stick around for live music and food served by the Wildlands Charter School (which is housed at Beaver Creek) at the Main Lodge. Food isn’t included in the admission cost, but all the proceeds will benefit the charter school. This is also the first year for the brand new Plein Air Painting Contest, which is sponsored by the Eau Claire Regional Arts Council. Artists will set up easels all over the reserve to capture the unique beauty of the various landscapes, then judges will award prizes at the end of the day. ECRAC’s ARTmobile will be on hand as well providing art and craft activities for both kids and adults.

HOBBS OBSERVATORY

Fall is a great time for stargazing; there generally isn’t as much light pollution clouding up your view of a cosmos. Also, bugs. There aren’t as many of those either. If you don’t have a good spot to put a blanket down and enjoy the crisp, cool, nighttime air, perhaps you should try the Hobbs Observatory. With Beaver Creek’s facility, you can see the moon, planets, and galaxies appearing 200 times larger and 10,000 times brighter than you would just using your own eyes. And if you’re a Beaver Creek member, you can attend a Hobbs open house at 8pm on Sept. 19, where the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society will be giving tours and such. If it’s clear that night, you can learn from experts how to find constellations and take a peek through the telescopes to see star clusters, nebulae, and other cool stuff in the sky. Regular hours are 9-11pm in September and 8-10pm in October.