Illinois Fall Colors 2024

When the season comes, fall colors explode across Illinois state parks, national forests, recreation areas, and scenic drives which overlook grand rivers. In northern Illinois, the leaf colors begin to change by the third or fourth week of September and peak around mid-October. Whereas in central Illinois, fall hues unveil themselves only during the second week of October and peak later in the month. Southern Illinois is the last to see this burst of color—not arriving until late October or even early November.

Chicago area (peak foliage: second week of October)

Though visiting a state forest sounds like a great idea, you might not need to leave the Windy City, as the Chicago area has a surprisingly large variety of spots to view the colors of autumn. Plan your itinerary across such popular places as The University of Chicago, Potawatomi Woods, Chicago Botanic Garden, the Morton Arboretum, and Swallow Cliff Woods.

Galena area (peak foliage: second week of October)

Galena lures crowds of leaf peepers in the period between mid-September and late October. The rolling hills blend with 19th-century architecture, and the Galena River as the backdrop, making it a perfect fall foliage destination. Explore the scenic Galena River Trail by bike, or rent a kayak and view the fall colors from the water.

Stunning panoramic views open from the top of Chestnut Mountain Resort. Take a ski lift ride to the summit or discover the area's picturesque hiking trails. For a scenic drive, follow 40-mi (64-km) Stagecoach Trail rimmed with foliage, or take State-84 to Mississippi Palisades State Park boasting stunning overlooks.

Fall Colors at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks (peak foliage: mid-October)

The city of Oglesby boasts two state parks within 5 mi (8 km) that take top positions on the list of best fall foliage places in Illinois. Discover Matthiessen State Park along the Vermillion River and Starved Rock State Park along the Illinois River. The parks are at their best when trails, canyons, and waterfalls are surrounded by vivid red, yellow, and orange. Explore the beauty on your own, join a guided hike, or hop on a Fall Colors Trolley Tour.

Pere Marquette State Park (peak foliage: second week of October)

Pere Marquette State Park is a favorite fall getaway near St. Louis, Missouri. The state park is the largest in Illinois, offering 8,050 ac (3,260 ha) to soak in the fall scenery. One of the park's main assets can be found at the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Illinois River. Also, the Great River Road winding alongside the Mississippi River is considered by many to be the most scenic drive in Illinois, especially the passage between Alton and Pere Marquette State Park.

Garden of the Gods (peak foliage: last week of October)

In southern Illinois, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in Herod takes the cake. The best vantage points can be found atop 300 million year old towering rock formations. From these ancient bluffs, you'll be soaking up breathtaking panoramas of the Shawnee National Forest. For the best vistas, come here at sunset.

Grafton Fall Colors (peak foliage: late October)

​​Grafton is transformed by fall colors along the Mississippi River. From all over the state, visitors come from far and wide to take a relaxing 20-mile (32 km) drive along the Great River Road, which extends from Alton on Hwy 100 to Grafton and beyond to Pere Marquette State Park, the largest state park in Illinois, just six miles past Grafton's downtown. In fall, the sun sets further south in Grafton, guaranteeing incredible panoramas. One of the best ways to enjoy the city's fall colors is to sit on one of Grafton's many outdoor decks and enjoy a glass of delicious wine.

Naperville Fall Colors (peak foliage: late October)

Naperville is one of the best choices to embrace the fall season's charm and to experience the changing leaves. There are delightful spots to feel fall foliage, such as The Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville's Forest Preserves, Knoch Knolls Park, Seager Park, or DuPage River Trail. Naperville also offers vibrant fall events for those who want to join in the seasonal festivities. For example, you can visit Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement, explore the Craft Beer Scene, attend Fall Shows at North Central College, or enjoy the Farmer's Market Bounty.

Quad City Botanical Center

If you want to see all the fall colors in one place, head to the Quad City Botanical Center. The Perennial Gardens are filled with yellows and oranges as the leaves change and fall blooms appear. The Tropical Sun Garden's exotic flowers come in blues and pinks. At the Butterfly Pergola Garden, you'll also find the golds and blacks of monarch butterflies.

Scenic Byway

Meeting of the Great Rivers

The majestic riverfronts where you can enjoy autumn colors and landscapes are not hard to find in Illinois. However, one of the best options will be the Meeting of the Great Rivers, a 33-mile (53-km) section of the Great River Road. You'll be awed by the colorful display of trees, plants, and birds that adorn this scenic road nestled between the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers.

Illinois River Road

Driving through the Ohio River Scenic Byway, you can enjoy the Ohio River Valley in Illinois, scenic hills, and sandstone cliffs. Along the way, visiting Shawnee National Park will let you immerse yourself in the fall foliage. The Byway connects over 100 nature-based destinations throughout the Illinois River Valley, starting in Ottawa and extending 150 miles (242 km) south to Havana. Discover prime locations for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, exploring wetlands, visiting gardens, birdwatching, and observing wildlife.

Route 66

Driving Route 66 is an unparalleled experience, especially in the fall. It's important to look around and take in the beautiful nature along the way. Fall colors are scattered from Chicago to the Mississippi River, painting the landscape of prairies, cliffs, and boulevards.

Where to stay

Take a look at the Illinois fall foliage map to find the most convenient option to book for a night or two. Make sure to book in advance, as bed and breakfast rooms fill up quickly during the peak foliage season.