I refused to say the "f-word" for the longest time, but there's no denying it, you guys: fall is coming. How do I know this (other than having a calendar to refer to)? Well, just look around you. Here are ten undeniable signs that fall is almost here in Illinois:
1. We are starting to see a lot more blue and orange...
Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Illinois’ Fall Foliage In 2024
Illinois offers spectacular fall foliage with peak colors varying across the state from mid-October to early November.Fall is the most beautiful time of year. Use this handy interactive map to see when peak fall foliage will happen in your part of Illinois.
Illinoisians know that fall is the absolute best time of year here. There is simply nothing like fall in Illinois, when the autumnal vibes are in full effect with sweater weather, campfires, fall festivals, and pumpkin patches galore. But the best part is the glorious, blazing foliage that transitions from top to bottom of the state.
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So when do leaves change in Illinois?
This fantastic 2024 Illinois fall foliage map from Smoky Mountains shows when and where the Land of Lincoln can expect to get the best views of leaves changing colors.
The Fall Foliage Prediction Map is an interactive tool that lets users see when fall foliage will be the most spectacular across the United States. SmokyMountains.com utilizes a refined data model that depends on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data.
Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois, pictured here, is a tranquil place to spend some time outdoors this spooky season.
Northern Illinois will be at its peak around the middle of October, with the northeast corner of the state seeing its peak pass first. This breathtaking scene from the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford offers a sneak peek at the vision to come in the upper part of the state.
By the third week of October, a wave of color will wash over Central Illinois. This stunning photo from the state's capital city of Springfield shows an incredible transition from summer into fall.
While the trees become bare further north, Central Illinois towns like Clinton are picturesque with leaves showcasing rosy reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows.
The ever-gorgeous Southern Illinois will take its turn by the last week of October, when the leaves will change color from green to an inspiring fall palette. Rend Lake Rest Area is an ideal place to spend a fall day with cute bridges, walking paths, and plenty of mesmerizing trees.
So, when you're asking yourself, "When do leaves change color in Illinois?" this handy fall foliage map has you covered no matter where you live in the state. Want to see Illinois in all of its fall glory? Take this fall foliage road trip and visit some of the state's most beautiful fall destinations. Plus, our ultimate road trip packing list will make sure you have everything you need to explore Illinois as an autumnal wonderland during your journey.
The deadliest tornado in American history ripped through Southern Illinois on March 18th, 1925. It is widely considered by experts to have been an F5 Tornado, the highest rating on the Fujita Scale, though the scale wasn't yet being used at the time. Read on as we give you the history of the Oak Lawn tornado, its aftermath, and how Illinoisans have moved forward since:
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This headline from the Chicago Herald-Examiner says it all:
Though the final death toll was reported at 695, this article shows the devastation that the area experienced. The tornado flattened towns all across the southern part of Illinois.
The storm was unimaginably massive, dragging across three states.
Railroad tracks were ripped from the ground, tall buildings crumbled, and trees were torn out at the root. To make matters worse, fires spread through the rubble, killing those trapped beneath.
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To say that the storm destroyed the towns in its path is, unfortunately, an understatement.
Gorham, DeSoto, Parrish, and Murphysboro were some of the Illinois towns hit hardest. The residents were left to care for the injured, mourn the dead, and ultimately, to rebuild their towns.
One particularly heartbreaking story from this disaster came out of Murphysboro, Illinois.
Determined not to lose their communities, the townspeople worked together to bring their towns back to life.
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What have you heard about the 1967 Oak Lawn Tornado? Has your family passed down any stories? Are you aware of any of the other of the worst tornadoes in Illinois history? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
For more insights into what has transpired in the history of the Land of Lincoln, be sure to read about the 10 things that Illinois was the first to do:
