12 Top Places To Visit In Illinois In The Fall
Illinois is home to spectacular natural beauty that truly shines during autumn, found between the Great Lakes and the Central Plains regions. The state has a rich history, with it being an integral part of the journey along iconic Route 66 and as a scenic section of the legendary Great River Road bordering the mighty Mississippi River. Native Americans had long inhabited areas like the Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois before European explorers and settlers arrived in the 17th century, establishing towns and key port cities.
By the 1800s, Illinois grew into a major trade and industrial center of the young nation. Today, it celebrates its diverse heritage through sites like Starved Rock, documenting the French-Canadian fur trade era. Come fall, over 13,000 square miles of forests blanketed with maple, oak, hickory, and dogwood erupt in vibrant colors for visitors to see. Iconic spots like the Morton Arboretum near Chicago welcome over 350,000 visitors annually to see nature's kaleidoscopic display. Other top destinations include Anderson Japanese Gardens, a peaceful oasis showcasing the changing of colors reflected in koi ponds. Meanwhile, historic towns like Galena along the Great River Road offer charming shops and galleries amidst woodlands ablaze in autumnal hues for travelers to explore. With diverse terrain ranging from towering bluffs and prairies to lush woodlands and wetlands, Illinois promises memorable experiences celebrating America's changing seasons for visitors.
Galena
The historic buildings of Galena, Illinois, make for a charming small town in the northwest corner of the state. Tours are available at the Ulysses S. Grant Home, and travelers can also explore the Old Market House. The banks of the Galena River offer a space to rest, while the town's unique shops, such as La Familia Cafe & Cakery and Rustic River Finds, Inc., offer opportunities to purchase souvenirs. Famous restaurants, such as Fried Green Tomatoes, are a crowd favorite in close proximity to the shops to fuel the hungry visitor. The Driftless Area is a hilly terrain surrounding Galena and is covered in forests that erupt in a rainbow of fall colors in October and November. One of the best spots for viewing foliage is Grant Park, where visitors can find a playground, basketball court, and historic cannons and monuments.
Galena is also known for Poopsie's, an antique shop known for its eclectic collection of vintage items, including furniture, jewelry, and decor. Renowned art gallery Carl Johnson Gallery specializes in historical and unique works. Another art gallery, Hello Galena!, showcases a variety of artwork by local artists, including paintings, ceramics, and jewelry, making it a fun spot to spend a fall afternoon exploring. Galena provides a great base for you to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking in nearby parks like Grant or Depot Park.
Great River Road
Winding its way for over 500 miles along the majestic Mississippi River, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway embarks on a remarkable journey that spans the diverse landscapes from the northern realms of Minnesota to the alluring allure of Louisiana's bayous. Sections north of St. Louis offer particularly scenic vistas of the changing trees reflected in the wide river. Between Quincy and Grafton, drives lead to the colorful bluffs and historic river towns of Missouri like Elsberry. Historic sites like the Chouteau Inn and the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton in the fall are up for business as well. Bird watching is another popular activity along the Great River Road during migration season. Paddle wheelers and boat trips are other options to fully take in the changing colors reflected on the mighty Mississippi.
Meeting Of The Great Rivers
The confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers, known as the "Meeting of the Great Rivers," commemorates the historical linking of the legendary watercourses. This confluence creates a stunning natural phenomenon for visitors to see in autumn when tree colors ignite the bluffs and floodplains. A cruise or paddle along the rivers keeps the foliage views in sight. Nearby is the Pere Marquette State Park and Conservation Area, with 12 miles of hiking trails for viewing woodlands in fall splendor. This area is another spot to immerse in the season on trails winding through bald cypress swamps. Entrance to the park is free to all.
Ohio River Scenic Byway
Your journey follows the winding waters of the Ohio River for 62.35 winding miles from Cairo to West Frankfort. This picturesque pathway traverses the southeastern reaches of the Prairie State. Weaving between the Ohio River riverfront realms of Golconda and Rosiclare, the byway binds these Ohio-side communities. Linked by land yet lined by the serpentine stream, the route rolls past pastoral panoramas on its way, connecting the cave-housed community of Cave-In-Rock. Remote natural areas come alive with fall hues in this region. At Eagle Creek State Park, color-bathed bluffs tower over the waterway. Historic forts and settlements like Fort Massac offer insight into Illinois' past amidst autumn's beauty. Birding is also exceptional on stops along the byway during fall migration months. Brown Mansion State Historic Site is another noteworthy stop for depicting 19th-century rural lifestyles.
Route 66
Illinois boasts one of the longest contiguous stretches of historic Route 66, allowing travelers to step back in time while admiring changing trees. Chicago, the Windy City, and the start of Route 66 is a must-see for any enthusiast of this famous route. Sections near Pontiac offer classic small-town vibes with mom-and-pop diners and motels as leaves transform the surrounding farmland. Visiting the charming towns of Atlanta, Lincoln, and Menard in October and November provides for a true Route 66 experience awash in fall colors. Living museums like Confederate Cemetery preserve history while nature puts on a show. Funks Grove allows you to see the maple syrup being made and to stock up on maple treats. Meals at the historic Dixie Truckers Home in McLean are up for grabs for the hungry explorer.
Chicago Botanic Garden
It is about 30 miles north of Chicago. This 385-acre oasis features 26 distinct gardens. The Rose Garden hosts a stunning collection of roses, highlighting different varieties and colors, and the Native Plant Garden features plants indigenous to the Midwest region to showcase plants from around the globe. The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe hosts wonderful flower shows in September and October, with thousands of chrysanthemums cultivated into beautiful displays. In fall, it transforms into a kaleidoscope of changing leaves and berries. Free guided tours are available to point out seasonal highlights. The Japanese Garden with maple trees ablaze in scarlet and orange foliage reflected in ponds. Trail walks wind through prairies and woodlands across the sanctuary, putting nature's brilliance on full display.
Morton Arboretum
The sprawling Morton Arboretum lies west of Chicago in Lisle. Across 1,700 acres, vibrant colors explode each autumn. Majestic maples ignite the landscape with red, orange, and yellow hues. Winding trails invite exploring the woodlands in their burnished fall glory. Visitors wander leisurely amid the trees, soaking in nature's radiance before winter's slumber. Special events include guided hikes to spot peak fall foliage and learn about trees and nature. The Arboretum is also a notable spot for bird watching during migration months. After a day immersed in nature's autumnal show, relaxation, and leisure opportunities are at the on-site Viewer Visitor Center. Fall highlights the changing leaves of Swamp white oak, Pagoda dogwood, and Hackberry trees. Guided tours and weekend activities educate about plant varieties and conservation. It's a relaxing escape with nature's touch, just a short drive from the city.
Garden Of The Gods
Within Shawnee National Forest, southwest of Chicago lies the Garden of the Gods. Sandstone monoliths stand tall here along a 5.5-mile trail loop. Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels entwine on this scenic path between towering outcroppings and ruddy bluffs in this uniquely sculpted landscape. Overlooks provide beautiful vistas of the Ohio River Valley during foliage season. Trails wind between formations, taking on reddish and golden hues as trees dust the landscape in fall colors each October. Hiking up to the overlooks grants sweeping panoramic vistas, which include the picturesque Pikes Peak and the rugged Rocky Mountains, offering additional spots for taking in autumn's beauty in southern Illinois' scenic Shawnee hills.
Starved Rock State Park
Set against the backdrop of the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park showcases 18 Illinois sandstone canyons and waterfalls, including St. Louis Canyon, French Canyon, and Wildcat Canyon. Scenic overlooks reveal the vibrant autumn beauty with walks through the forested ravines and hikes to the waterfalls that cascade after autumn rains. Several trails (like LaSalle and Illinois Canyon Trail) offer access to the picturesque scenery changing above the river valley as leaves transform colors in October and November. Trolley or boat tours offer a better park view. Guided hikes are available to spotlight autumn highlights throughout the park.
Matthiessen State Park
Matthiessen State Park is along the Illinois River in North-central Illinois. There are over 4,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and riverfronts to explore. Hiking along trails like Bluff Trail, Cascade Falls Trail, and River Trail will lead through four main dells, including the breathtaking 35-foot Vermillion Falls. Nature trails wind through woodlands and bomb bluffs that glow with crimson, orange, and golden hues come fall season. Popular activities include camping, fishing, picnicking, and canoeing while taking in the park swathed in autumn colors. Camping is a great option for multi-day trips with activities like campfires and sunrises over the forest. Nearby 2,630-acre Starved Rock Forest Preserve delivers additional spots to spot foliage.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
In Rockford, Illinois, these 12 tranquil acres contain various Japanese-style gardens and architecture, which include the Garden of Reflection, Guest House, and Bamboo Groves. Modeled after Japanese landscape gardens, Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford provides a peaceful autumn retreat. Maple, ginkgo, and bamboo groves provide a serene backdrop as leaves transition colors in fall. Pleasant walks weave between meticulously landscaped settings, koi ponds, and cultural sights as vibrant hues wash over the space. Green tea in the serene Zen Garden typically consists of carefully arranged rocks, raked gravel or sand, and minimal vegetation. These gardens are meant to evoke a sense of calm, simplicity, and contemplation. Guided tours and cultural festivals educate and allow for the exploration of Japanese horticultural practices.
Rim Rock's Dogwood Cabins
Within LaSalle County's 4,000-acre Nachusa Grasslands, Rim Rock's Dogwood Cabins is an off-the-grid retreat offering a peaceful getaway surrounded by prairie, woodlands, and wetlands. In fall, vast foliage blankets the prairie grasses and forests from the secluded cabins. The luxury log cabins sit on a ridge overlooking the forest. The deck deck provides a viewing area for the stars at night. Hiking and biking trails invite the exploration of the shifting seasonal colors and scenery. Cozy fire pits supply a spot for nightly stargazing while nature puts on a show. Outdoor activities include swimming, hiking, biking, and picking seasonal berries or mushrooms. Nearby towns like Golconda and Pope County offer antique shops (The Running Rooster), vineyards (Hogg Hollow Winery), and rural charm.
Whether one seeks relaxation amidst nature or opportunities to learn about the culture and history of Illinois, these diverse top places promise memorable fall experiences. Multi-day itineraries incorporating stops like Anderson Japanese Gardens provide for a serene retreat, Morton Arboretum to immerse in horticultural highlights, and Rim Rock's rustic cabins for stargazing surrounded by prairie and woodland scenery. Overall, the season invites exploration of Illinois' scenic small towns, legendary roadways, spectacular state parks, and vibrant botanical gardens—all providing the perfect backdrop for the changing colors. With so much natural splendor on display, a fall trip promises to delight you with nature's artistic show.
