What is it about summer’s transition into winter that is simply so magical? Autumn is a wonderful time of year, and we love when it’s time for the leave to begin changing. When this state sees peak fall foliage, it’s time to soak up all its colorful glory! Experience the best fall foliage in Illinois on this awesome road trip. For reference, here is the map:
Here are the details:
- Wadsworth Wetlands Restoration Project
Sandeep Pawar/Flickr This project aims to restore wetlands to the area, bringing back the wildlife that depends on it. The area looks particularly amazing with its orange and red hues this time of year. Read more about the wetlands here. 15615 W Wadsworth Rd, Wadsworth, IL 60083, USA
- Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden/Facebook You might only think of this botanic garden for the gorgeous flowers, but they have lovely trees as well. Walk through the gardens as the golden hues overtake it. You’ll see some of the best fall colors in Illinois at this stunning destination. Read more about the garden here. 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
- Morton Arboretum
qJake/Flickr This arboretum is one of the nicest collection of trees in the state. There are all varieties, making leaf collection all the more exciting. Click to learn more about the Arboretum. 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
- Starved Rock State Park
Quinn Dombroski/Flickr Scenic overlooks provide plenty of opportunities to see this park in all its fall glory. As far as color variety goes, these trees will blow you away. Click here for more about Starved Rock State Park. 2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
- Matthiessen State Park
curtis abert/Flickr Much like Starved Rock State Park, this park has loads of beautifully colored trees in all varieties. The upper and lower dells offer you the opportunity to see these trees from unique perspectives. Click here for the perfect trail to hike during your visit. 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
- Mississippi Palisades State Park
Phil Roeder/Flickr This might be one of the most amazing parks in Illinois, having the Mississippi River as its backdrop. The changing colors really enhance your visit. Click here for more details about Mississippi Palisades. 16327a IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
- Pere Marquette State Park
Brian Bennett/Flickr This stunning park is located right off the Illinois River. The vibrant color of the trees are enhanced by the aquatic backdrop. We recommend these wonderful trails while you’re here! Visitor Center Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitors Center Land, Grafton, IL 62037, USA
- Grandview Drive
Tripp/Flickr This has been called the world’s prettiest drive. While only 2 miles long, it provides stunning views of the turning tree tops. This drive has been called the most beautiful in the country! Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA
- Champaign-Urbana
Benjamin Esham/Flickr The crisp air makes you feel like you’re a student again. Catch an Illini game and experience the fall down in Champaign-Urbana. Click for more scenic Illinois drives!
- Garden of the Gods
Michael/Flickr These 300 million year old bluffs look amazing during any season. But in the fall, this crown jewel of Illinois looks truly incredible. Garden of the Gods is home to the most breathtaking fall colors in Illinois. While you’re here, check out this interesting outpost. Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Illinois, USA
What would you add to this list? What are your favorite things to do during autumn? Where do you find the best fall foliage in Illinois? Tell us all about your picks in the comments!
Sandeep Pawar/Flickr
This project aims to restore wetlands to the area, bringing back the wildlife that depends on it. The area looks particularly amazing with its orange and red hues this time of year. Read more about the wetlands here.
15615 W Wadsworth Rd, Wadsworth, IL 60083, USA
Chicago Botanic Garden/Facebook
You might only think of this botanic garden for the gorgeous flowers, but they have lovely trees as well. Walk through the gardens as the golden hues overtake it. You’ll see some of the best fall colors in Illinois at this stunning destination. Read more about the garden here.
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
qJake/Flickr
This arboretum is one of the nicest collection of trees in the state. There are all varieties, making leaf collection all the more exciting. Click to learn more about the Arboretum.
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Quinn Dombroski/Flickr
Scenic overlooks provide plenty of opportunities to see this park in all its fall glory. As far as color variety goes, these trees will blow you away. Click here for more about Starved Rock State Park.
2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
curtis abert/Flickr
Much like Starved Rock State Park, this park has loads of beautifully colored trees in all varieties. The upper and lower dells offer you the opportunity to see these trees from unique perspectives. Click here for the perfect trail to hike during your visit.
2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Phil Roeder/Flickr
This might be one of the most amazing parks in Illinois, having the Mississippi River as its backdrop. The changing colors really enhance your visit. Click here for more details about Mississippi Palisades.
16327a IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
Brian Bennett/Flickr
This stunning park is located right off the Illinois River. The vibrant color of the trees are enhanced by the aquatic backdrop. We recommend these wonderful trails while you’re here!
Visitor Center Pere Marquette State Park, 13112 Visitors Center Land, Grafton, IL 62037, USA
Tripp/Flickr
This has been called the world’s prettiest drive. While only 2 miles long, it provides stunning views of the turning tree tops. This drive has been called the most beautiful in the country!
Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA
Benjamin Esham/Flickr
The crisp air makes you feel like you’re a student again. Catch an Illini game and experience the fall down in Champaign-Urbana. Click for more scenic Illinois drives!
Michael/Flickr
These 300 million year old bluffs look amazing during any season. But in the fall, this crown jewel of Illinois looks truly incredible. Garden of the Gods is home to the most breathtaking fall colors in Illinois. While you’re here, check out this interesting outpost.
Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Illinois, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In Illinois August 14, 2019 Elisa Regulski What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Illinois? In northern and central Illinois, fall colors arrive around mid-October. The southern portion of the state sees stunning autumn colors toward the end of October and the beginning of November. It’s important to keep these dates in mind when scheduling your fall foliage scenic adventures. Where are the best places in Illinois to see fall foliage? Shawnee National Forest, located in Harrisburg, is an amazing place to see fall colors. The trees absolutely glisten, and the air is crisp and refreshing. People also love going to Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. This area comes alive in autumn, and the bright colors are positively delightful. You’ll also see wonderful sights along the Illinois Great River Road. What are the best Illinois hikes to take in the fall? The Sleepy Hollow Trail, located in White Pines Forest National Park, is an easy and scenic fall hike. It’s only a little bit longer than a mile, so even young hikers can enjoy the wonderful sights. This is a lovely family outing to take in October and November. Starved Rock State Park is also home to incredible hiking trails. You’ll love exploring the scenic paths and taking in the refreshing autumn breezes. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Illinois.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In Illinois
August 14, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Illinois? In northern and central Illinois, fall colors arrive around mid-October. The southern portion of the state sees stunning autumn colors toward the end of October and the beginning of November. It’s important to keep these dates in mind when scheduling your fall foliage scenic adventures. Where are the best places in Illinois to see fall foliage? Shawnee National Forest, located in Harrisburg, is an amazing place to see fall colors. The trees absolutely glisten, and the air is crisp and refreshing. People also love going to Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. This area comes alive in autumn, and the bright colors are positively delightful. You’ll also see wonderful sights along the Illinois Great River Road. What are the best Illinois hikes to take in the fall? The Sleepy Hollow Trail, located in White Pines Forest National Park, is an easy and scenic fall hike. It’s only a little bit longer than a mile, so even young hikers can enjoy the wonderful sights. This is a lovely family outing to take in October and November. Starved Rock State Park is also home to incredible hiking trails. You’ll love exploring the scenic paths and taking in the refreshing autumn breezes. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Illinois.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
In northern and central Illinois, fall colors arrive around mid-October. The southern portion of the state sees stunning autumn colors toward the end of October and the beginning of November. It’s important to keep these dates in mind when scheduling your fall foliage scenic adventures.
Where are the best places in Illinois to see fall foliage?
Shawnee National Forest, located in Harrisburg, is an amazing place to see fall colors. The trees absolutely glisten, and the air is crisp and refreshing. People also love going to Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. This area comes alive in autumn, and the bright colors are positively delightful. You’ll also see wonderful sights along the Illinois Great River Road.
What are the best Illinois hikes to take in the fall?
The Sleepy Hollow Trail, located in White Pines Forest National Park, is an easy and scenic fall hike. It’s only a little bit longer than a mile, so even young hikers can enjoy the wonderful sights. This is a lovely family outing to take in October and November. Starved Rock State Park is also home to incredible hiking trails. You’ll love exploring the scenic paths and taking in the refreshing autumn breezes. There’s nothing quite like it in all of Illinois.
