Fans of autumn live for the time of year when they can take fall photos. Especially in Illinois, stunning landscapes become more brilliant and forests become a whole new world. These 11 images will make you want to spend every October right here in this gorgeous state.

Though we are beautiful year round, there's no better time to be in Illinois than during the fall. Check out these images that prove why.

1. Along the northern border of the state, Apple River Canyon State Park sees smatterings of color before most of Illinois. These woods are a great place to go early in the season.

2. Fall is best for midday strolls through parks and nature preserves. This stunning bridge shot makes you want to get out and see the full spectrum of fall colors.

3. You can even get great fall photos at some of the state's botanic oases. Rockford's Anderson Japanese Gardens might be the most beautiful place to be year round.

4. Chicago's Art Institute has several gardens too, including this one on the south side of the building that is best recognized for its ceiling of tree branches. It's an autumn overload like no other.

5. Trails through Illinois' most stunning forests, such as the Des Plaines River Forest Preserve, are more intriguing this time of year. Get outside and enjoy the yellows, browns, and reds.

6. Starved Rock State Park is a wonderland of rock formations and waterfalls you'd never expect to find in Illinois. The addition of fall colors only makes for better photos and more memorable experiences.

7. In the northern Chicago suburb of Evanston sits one of the state's best schools. Northwestern University is an incredible campus full of trees that change to magnificent colors this time of year.

8. North to south, Illinois is a splendid place to get those Instagram-worthy fall photos. Our biggest nature preserve is the Shawnee National Forest with thousands of acres of forestry that change constantly during autumn.

9. The Morton Arboretum is known as Illinois' museum of trees, making it a no-brainer for photo-taking in autumn. Watch how each type of tree changes in a different way.

10. Grab an incredible shot of fall leaves along one of several creeks spiraling through Matthiessen State Park. Rock formations, waterfalls, forestry, and trails abound.

11. While Chicago's main streets are just cramped and packed with storefronts, a trip down a tree-lined side street will completely change the way you view the city in the fall.

If you love unique photo opportunities, try one of these seven tree-top tours before winter comes.

What stunning fall photos have you taken of Illinois? Share your favorites with us!