The fall is nearly upon us, and soon all the crimson and gold leaves will be on full display for us to see. It’s important to act fast and take advantage of the autumn months to soak in the views that nature provides.
We don’t have to go so far to be able to enjoy the seasonal sight-seeing, either. Below is our list of beautiful fall color destinations in Illinois. Best of all – most of these are within a few short hours of the Chicago area.
Beautiful Fall Color Destinations in Illinois for the Whole Family to Enjoy
Morton Arboretum – The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL is home to more than 4,000 different types of trees, that provide a beautiful, crisp fall canopy. It’s a great place for the family to hike and spend some quality time outdoors.
Anderson Japanese Gardens – The Japanese gardens located in Rockford, IL, showcase all sorts of attractive seasonal foliage. This beautifully landscaped gem offers a great way to enjoy the autumn colors with the whole family.
Starved Rock State Park – The combination of the breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails leaves makes this state park near Ottawa, IL well worth the trip. There are no shortage of scenic views here, especially during the autumn months. This is one of the most beautiful fall color destinations in Illinois.
Matthiessen State Park – A close neighbor of Starved Rock State Park, the canyons and waterfalls run deep through Mathiessen as well.
Galena – Galena, IL may be known for its robust shopping opportunities, but it’s also nestled amongst some picturesque, forested hills in western Illinois. The views here during the fall months can be breathtaking.
Route 66 – This national icon cuts through Northern Illinois from Chicago to the Mississippi River. Along the way, there are plenty of beautiful colors, especially in the fall season.
