This Autumn Travel Planner AND Autumn Colors Report from the state DMO Enjoy Illinois is now available.

Showcasing the best places in Illinois to admire amazing colors throughout the seasons.

Plan a road trip along seven scenic roads in Illinois, stopping to see state parks, meet Illinois Made creators, and stay at unique places along the way.

Chicago and surrounding areas

The Chicago skyline is a dazzling sight in itself, but around the second week in October, visitors will see a plethora of fall leaves popping up in places like Millennium Park, on elms, hawthorns, and maples. In Lincoln Park, maples, ash, birch, and elms paint the grounds red, orange, and yellow.

Starved Rock is a renowned natural area less than 100 miles southwest of Chicago that features seasonal waterfalls, majestic bluffs and rugged canyons. Hiking trails wind through towering trees and scenic views along the Illinois River, and outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, paddle boating, tram rides, fishing and picnicking. Visitors can stay at Camp Aramoni, a luxury campground with 11 safari-style tents set on 96 acres of lush forests that come alive in the fall.

Stretching from the village of Antioch in the north to beautiful Ottawa in the south, the Fox River Valley is a scenic destination in northern Illinois, less than an hour from Chicago and offering 32 miles of forest trails.

With 1,700 acres and more than 222,000 living plants, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a tree-filled landscape and a vibrant nature education center, as well as a world-renowned research facility 30 minutes from Chicago. In the East Woods of the Arboretum, the sugar maple steals the show as the woods turn oranges and yellows each fall.

Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, 90 miles northwest of Chicago, has been called one of the best Japanese gardens in North America. The 12-acre grounds feature koi ponds, winding paths, gentle streams and waterfalls.

Central Illinois

Two hours south of Chicago, Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign is Illinois’ first farm cheesemaking operation. Learn about the cheesemaking process at this Goat Dairy while you sample a variety of cheeses and goat-made ice cream. Then, explore the eastern portion of the farm along the pasture and pond with all the goats. The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur is a working farm that hosts activities for visitors to test their pathfinding skills in several corn mazes. Visit with friendly farm animals, enjoy wagon rides and pumpkin picking, and enjoy pumpkin ice cream and their famous pumpkin-glazed cookies.

Monticello, located two and a half hours south of Chicago, is home to Allerton Park & ​​​​Retreat Center, Built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, it now offers a unique opportunity to experience art, nature and history. It hosts outdoor concerts, themed dinners and wine tastings, as well as nature hikes and educational events.

Half an hour further south, the area around Lake Decatur offers 30 miles of shoreline with beautiful wildlife views in lakeside parks. Nearby is Rock Springs Nature Center houses a large visitor center, a museum, a restored farm, almost 14 kilometers of hiking trails and a paved bike path.

In Peoria, three hours south of Chicago, Grandview Drive offers scenic views of the Illinois River while walking, biking, hiking or simply driving. President Theodore Roosevelt called the area “the most beautiful road in the world” when he visited Peoria in 1910 because it offers visitors numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley, especially in the fall when the colors are constantly changing.

Southern Illinois

Nearby Carbondale, five and a half hours south of Chicago, has a variety of trails and lakes perfect for fall exploration. With nearly 44,000 acres and three lakes (Crab Orchard, Little Grassy and Devils Kitchen), nearby Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature trail hiking, swimming and fishing.

Six hours south of Chicago, the Shawnee National Forest covers much of southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The area is ideal for outdoor adventures any time of year, offering a variety of activities. Known for its breathtaking views and walking trails, Garden of the Gods showcases famous rock formations and provides panoramic views of the ancient forest.

Giant City gets its name from the natural landscape of giant sandstone cliffs and narrow passages surrounded by steep cliff faces. Visitors can stay in 34 cabins offered at Giant City State Park, which are located on the cliffs near the main resort, which offers a full-service restaurant, terrace and outdoor pool.

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail includes 11 award-winning wineries along a 35-mile scenic drive, Hickory Ridge Vineyard & Winery, has one of the best views on the trail and is located on the western edge of the forest. A stone’s throw from the National Forest, Cabins at Sunrise Hill is a trio of A-Frame cabins set on 25 acres and is fully self-contained.

Read Fall+Winter Enjoy Illinois Magazine for more inspiration

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