📍Chicagoland's Hottest 🍂 Fall Color Viewing 👀 Spots
Whether or not you are a tiny bit basic or a tree-loving enthusiast (maybe you are secretly both?), you cannot deny Illinois its annual autumnal beauty.
📸 Anderson Japanese Gardens
As soon as the summer drought hits the trees, we notice green leaves tipped with red, and our minds are tricked. Our mouths begin to water for a PSL (that's basic for Pumpkin Spice Latte). It is inescapable. We wait like dogs on a chain. Pawing and pulling to be released. In our minds, we are eyeing the nearest pile of leaves to jump in, accompanied by a cool breeze with a bright yellow sun smiling down upon our rosy cheeks. A lover of all things fall can only dream.
Before you know it, the stress on trees caused by the heat of summer and the lack of rain has passed, and any sign of premature fall color is no longer a worry. The real thing will soon be on its way.
Then, whoosh! September ushers in autumn with warmth and hopefully rain— a grand goodbye to summer. Suddenly, it's October. Finally, it is fall color time, baby. Time for leaf peeping, yard raking, and leaf-pile jumping fun!
In Illinois, it is typical for fall color to peak in the northern parts of the state between the first and second week of October. Whereas, in the more central & southern regions, you may spy fall color peaking closer to the end of October. Oftentimes, fall color lasts well into November.
Ultimately, fall color is all dependent on the weather from year to year. Things like the amount of sun during the day vs the cool temps at night, and moisture levels during that growing season, all affect fall color. Different combinations create varying levels of saturation of the colors we see each year.
There are numerous fun learning opportunities available in the Chicagoland area this fall. We've listed some fun fall resources at the end of this post.
Here it is! Your guide to the best spots for fall color leaf peeping 🍂 👀 ! →
Check out these popular spots for fall color viewing, along with some top-secret locations you may not have thought of yet🤫 !
• Glacial Park Conservation Area
• Lincoln Park Conservatory: After strolling the conservatory grounds, head to Chicagoland's very own FREE zoo! The zoo's Fall Fest will add to the season's fun.
• University of Chicago Campus
• Lurie Garden at Millennium Park
• Greene Valley Forest Preserve
• The Morton Arboretum: View the arboretum's fall color report before heading out to get an idea of when and where to expect the best show.
• I&M Canal: From Lemont, Illinois, to Morris, Illinois, and beyond, there are quite a few quaint stops along the old I&M where you can peep glorious fall color, while pretending to be in a Hallmark movie.
• Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
• Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Up for more of a roady? Outside of Chicagoland, you can check out these other hot spots:
• Shawnee National Forest & Gardens of the Gods
Looking for more to do?
Head to our very own Morris, IL!
📸 Nostalgic Downtown Morris, IL
For a more quaint fall color viewing experience, consider checking out nostalgic downtown Morris, IL. Built along the historic I & M Canal and the Illinois River, it boasts a Hallmark-esque atmosphere. Complete with nearby parks that are perfect for picnicking and enjoying the fall color sights.
Visit Stratton Park and Gebhard Woods for a more secluded small-town viewing experience. Feeling adventurous, you can hike the nearby trails, fish, and kayak. When you are done, be sure to grab a hot drink at a nearby cafe and stroll through beautiful downtown Morris. Want to make it a day of fall fun— after fall leaf viewing, head to nearby Dollinger Family Farm to pick a pumpkin, and your fall bucket list will be complete!
Has all of this left you wondering how fall color even occurs? It's un-be-leaf-able 🍂!
There is a simple scientific explanation, and it may just blow your mind. Check out this video to learn more!
Read more about how fall color happens:
• Spring Grove Nursery | Autumn's Magic
• Forest Preserve District of Will County | The Science Behind Fall Foliage
• For Kids: PBS | Why Do Leaves Change Color?
Other Resources on Things to Do & Where to Find Fall Color →
• iTrees.com | Local Tree Events & Learning Opportunities
• Enjoy Illinois | Fall Color Trip Planner & Color Report
• DuPage Forest Preserve | Fall Color Finds
• Time Out Chicago | This map can tell you when fall foliage will peak in Chicago
• Village of Lemont | Where to Catch the Fall
