10 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations in Illinois

Fall in Illinois is the perfect time to explore the state’s scenic wonders. Whether it’s a popular tourist destination or a lesser known getaway, everything grows more enchanting when the leaves start to catch fire.

Plan a romantic picnic, a promenade in the park, or an autumnal adventure and visit these ten amazing places to take in the changing seasons in Illinois.

Tracy / Flickr

The Mississippi River and the Apple River meet in northwest Illinois near Savanna. Here, you will find the Mississippi Palisades State Park. Visitors follow trails, first blazed by indigenous tribes centuries ago, through stunning bluffs. The mountainous terrain gives rise to can't-miss geological formations like "Twin Sisters": a pair of rocks at the top of the bluffs that look almost human. Most importantly for eager leaf watchers, the bluffs also provide the perfect vantage point for taking in the fall foliage (and, if you're lucky, a passing train).

The Mississippi Palisades State Park is located at 16327A IL Rte. 84, Savanna IL 61074.

Ron Frazier /Flickr

The Fox River Trail runs over 38 miles, from Algonquin to Oswego. Bicyclists can conquer the whole trail in one day, but you'll be better able to appreciate the details if you orient your hike around one of the trail's many sights. The Fabyan Forest Preserve, located at 1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL 60134, is an excellent starting place for those eager to see the colors of autumn.

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Even though one might not immediately associate Japanese botanical gardens with fall in Illinois, Anderson Japanese Gardens is a not-to-be-missed fall destination. The gardens are beautifully curated, with wooden bridges, gentle falls, and serene koi ponds. This is a place to visit over and over, but the singular reds and oranges that Japanese maples take on in the fall make a trip absolutely essential come autumn.

Anderson Japanese Gardens is located at 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107.

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Curtis Abert / Flickr

There's a reason the Garden of the Gods is one of the most photographed destinations in Illinois. Located in the sprawling wilderness of the Shawnee National Forest, the Garden of the Gods treats hikers to an awe-inspiring, panoramic view of the surrounding bluffs and trees. From here you can see every leaf and color. Bring a pair of binoculars and soak in the detail.

You can access the Garden of the Gods via Picnic Rd, Herod, IL 62947.

Two Branches (formerly Zlaxfish) Photography / Flickr

For a different kind of fall scenery, visit Richardson's Adventure Farm. Boasting the world's largest corn maze (big enough to make you say "shucks"), a pumpkin patch, and a miniature train for kids, this is an ideal spot to spend a fall day with the family. You might want to come back soon for the holidays, too: next to Richardson Adventure Farm is Richardson Christmas Tree Farm.

Richardson Adventure Farm is located at 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove, IL 60081.

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Kelly Teague / Flickr

Another great spot for family fun, Eckert's Country Store and Belleville Farm makes a charming destination for its pick-your-own-crop experience, with apples and pumpkins being hot commodities in autumn. The farm's stunning mums also become especially eye catching in the fall.

Visit Eckert's at 951 S Green Mt Rd, Belleville, IL 62220.

Quinn Dombrowski / Flickr

Carved from sandstone bluffs over ten-thousand years ago by a glacial flood, Starved Rock is Illinois’ most popular state park. It's home to 18 stunning canyons, studded by waterfalls, and connected by 13 miles of trails. This is all a sight to behold when the leaves are turning; their colors reflect in the waterfalls and bubbling streams, and the whole park takes on a magical quality.

Starved Rock State Park is located at 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348.

Amy Bayer / Flickr

Just a short drive from Starved Rock is Matthiessen State Park. Smaller and less trafficked than its neighbor, Matthiessen is still a must-visit during the autumn for its mixture of falls and foliage. A great spring trip might start at Matthiessen for a morning hike, then move on to Starved Rock for the evening, where camping is allowed.

Matthiessen State Park is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348.

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Joseph Gage / Flickr

Just a short drive from Starved Rock is Matthiessen State Park. Smaller and less trafficked than its neighbor, Matthiessen is still a must-visit during the autumn for its mixture of falls and foliage. A great spring trip might start at Matthiessen for a morning hike, then move on to Starved Rock for the evening, where camping is allowed.

Matthiessen State Park is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348.

Joseph Gage

The Great River Trail follows the Mississippi from Rock Island to Savanna, connecting 11 inviting towns along the way. This trail is mostly paved, making it great for bicyclists and families. One highlight of scheduling a trail trek for the fall is getting to see the avian wildlife usually hidden by foliage, like our friend pictured below. The Great River Trail is so long it may be difficult to know where to begin.

We recommend starting at Illinewek Forest Preserve, located at 1201 State Avenue Hampton, Illinois 61265.

Julia Warshall / Flickr

Fall in Chicago is especially captivating along the shore of Lake Michigan. In iconic Lincoln Park, the trees put on a firework display that surrounds virtually every form of recreational space: miles of bike trails, walking paths, sports facilities, marinas, dog beaches, and playgrounds. If you're coming to Lincoln Park for its autumnal beauty, be sure not to overlook the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Afterward, enjoy a meal in The Clocktower Cafe and watch the sunset over lake Michigan.

Lincoln Park is located from 500-5700 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60614.

From the country to the city, the bluffs to the rivers, Illinois may be at its most beautiful in the fall. Whether you’re an athlete, an avid nature enthusiast, or just an average fan of autumn, one of these sights is sure to inspire you this season.

What other destinations should we fall in love with this year? Where do you go to amplify your autumn experience? We always want to hear from you! Get in touch with your photos and stories.