It’s official – fall is almost here. But that’s no reason to stop taking trips! In fact, it’s an even BETTER reason to take some trips. There are plenty of wonderful weekend trips you should especially take in the fall. Here are eight of the best places to visit in Illinois in the fall – you’re going to love every one of them.

1. LaRue Pine Hills
LaRue-Pine Hills, 475E, Wolf Lake, IL 62998, USA
U.S. Forest Service/Facebook
Shawnee National Forest (any part of it, really) is a place you need to visit any time of the year. But fall is an especially beautiful time. We chose LaRue Pine Hills as one of the best places to visit in all of Shawnee National Forest, even maybe greater than Garden of the Gods, just for this shot in the fall. Wow. Talk about being able to really appreciate the changing colors of the fall foliage. But while you're there, definitely see Garden of the Gods and hike wherever you possibly can. There's also a phenomenal wine trail to explore down there in Southern Illinois, and make your stay complete with a few nights in a cabin. Likely, Fido can come, too.
2. The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
The Morton Arboretum/Facebook
If you want to see some trees, heading to an arboretum makes tons of sense. Also, Morton Arboretum has tons of other activities to make a trip out here worth your while. Into running? There is a 5K Fall Color run. Plus, with rotating exhibits, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy at the Morton Arboretum this fall.
3. Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Quinn Dombroski/Facebook
Again, this place is fantastic to come during anytime of the year, but the changing colors make it even more majestic. According to the folks over at Starved Rock State Park, this might be one of the best fall seasons to come down and see Starved Rock State Park, due to unique weather patterns this year. Wow. I am so excited to see how beautiful it will be.
4. Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA
Chicago Botanic Garden/Facebook
This might seem counter-intuitive because flowers and the like are best right in spring. But there are actually tons of activities to do here in the fall. There's the Fall Bulb festival, complete with live music, beer, and a harvest market. There is an October fall-color tree walk, where you can really appreciate the changing colors in a very convenient setting. And, in fact, fall is a time when many plants are at the peak of their growth, such as annuals, perennials, and shrubs. The Chicago Botanic Garden is easily one of our all-time favorite falls destinations in Illinois.

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5. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway/Facebook
Want to just get in the car and drive? Well, then, you should head down the Illinois River Road. This is a road that runs alongside the Illinois River. From the comfort of your own vehicle, you can take in the changing colors of fall foliage. Stop along the way in unique communities with all sorts of offerings from great restaurants to small shops. Hike up a bluff or towpath. There are plenty of places to pull by the river and see some bald eagles. What a way to take in fall!
6. Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
Six Flags Great America/Facebook
You aren't going to observe much of fall's brilliance here, but you are going to have a fall experience to remember. Six Flags during the summer is fun - but avoid the humidity and heat, and experience it during the fall. Also, the park is taken over by Fright Fest, so you will totally get in the Halloween/fall mood.
7. Galena
Galena, IL 61036, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
Galena is especially fabulous to visit during fall, with the crisp fall air and the leaves crunching beneath your feet. Start your morning exploring some local forests or boating. Explore the downtown area and heat up with a nice cup of coffee. Stay in a nice bed and breakfast to really appreciate the fall season. Would make for a very romantic weekend trip.
8. Champaign-Urbana
Champaign-Urbana, IL, IL, USA
Benjamin Esham/Flickr
This is a secret to Illinoisians unless you went to school down here or went to a Bears game during the season Soldier Field was getting an overhaul: Champaign-Urbana is gorgeous in fall. Absolutely gorgeous. You can see soybean and corn fields pre- and post-harvest, which always makes the mood festive. There are tons of mature trees of all colors, which look especially majestic juxtaposed with the stone university buildings. It's great to come down here on a Friday night, tailgate on Saturday morning, and then head over to the stadium to root for the Illini. The towns also have fantastic restaurants to eat at if football isn't your thing.

Where else do you think are among the best places to visit in Illinois in the fall? Let us know in the comments – we love hearing from you! Then, consider doing one of our epic inexpensive road trips through Illinois, too!

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More to Explore

Best Places to Visit in Illinois in the Fall

Tori Jane | August 18, 2022

Where can I go to see fall foliage near me?  

No matter which part of Illinois you’re from, you’re sure to find foliage ablaze with wonderful color nearby. It seems like Illinois in the fall is especially magical because everything is on fire in shades of gold, orange, crimson, and pale yellow. Among our favorite places to see fall foliage in Illinois are gems like the Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, Big Marsh Park, in South Deering, any of the forest preserves in Winnebago County (where you’ll find more than 10,500 acres of awe-inspiring woodlands awash in color), and the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center in Springfield is also a true crown jewel at this time of year.  

Where are the best spots for fall colors in Illinois?  

Are you a fan of the natural wonders in Illinois? Cool – what better time to see them than now, when fall is coming (or even here) and everything is at its most beautiful? We have many more favorite destinations for fall colors in Illinois, like our awesome state parks. Check out Giant City State Park, in Makanda, which is both a place for amazing hikes and wonderful camping, and the Pere Marquette State Park is another spot for unparalleled autumn splendor. We also recommend Matthiessen State Park and the amazing Shawnee National Forest.  

Where are some of the most beautiful places in Illinois?  

Illinois is an awe-inspiring place – as it turns out, the whole Midwest is. Some of our favorite scenic places in Illinois (other than, you know, all of ‘em) include some truly breathtaking parks like Starved Rock State Park (remember what we literally just said about state parks? You cannot go wrong), the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, and the Graceland Cemetery is a lot more breathtaking than you’d expect thanks to the fact that it doubles as an arboretum and is the ultimate place for spooky fall vibes (with a view). Oh, and embark upon some of the best scenic drives in Illinois – you will never regret it.  

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