Fall Colors Trip Planner
Discover the best places to find stunning fall foliage throughout Illinois. This interactive trip planner will show you the best times to discover photo-worthy fall spots for an unforgettable fall getaway. There's something truly special about witnessing the changing leaves and Illinois is one of the best states to enjoy this vibrant natural display.
Use our fall color tracker to help select the best time to see the changing colors all over Illinois this season. Simply use the slider to move through the fall months of September, October, and November. As you do, you'll see the colors change on the map below, indicating the start of fall foliage right through to the peak and end of the shifting colors.
The leaf indicators include fun fall trip ideas that will help you make the most of this spectacular fall color display.
The official Illinois Fall Colors Trip Planner, powered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Hover over or touch the leaf icons to view more details.
Northern Illinois
Central Illinois
Southern Illinois
Northern Illinois: Galena Area
Estimated peak times: Second week of October
Galena, an idyllic river town surrounded by tree-lined hilltops, is a beloved destination for fall foliage seekers. Enjoy spectacular views on a zipline journey with Long Hollow Canopy Tours, pay a visit to Horseshoe Mound Preserve and take in the incredible river scenery just 30 minutes south of town at Mississippi Palisades State Park.
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Northern Illinois: Starved Rock Area
Estimated peak times: Second week of October
Visit Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby to see waterfalls and colorful, tree-covered bluffs along its 15 miles of hiking trails. Immerse yourself in the seasonal splendor with a stay at The Cabins at Starved Rock Lodge, and don't forget to check out the awe-inspiring canyon and rock formations of nearby Matthiessen State Park.
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Northern Illinois: Chicago Area
Estimated peak times: Second week of October
Chicago's skyline makes for a dazzling display of its own, but look around and you'll see plenty of fall foliage popping up in places like Millennium Park, Lincoln Park and Jackson Park. Outside the city, you can't go wrong exploring the stunning scenery of Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford.
Central Illinois
Estimated peak times: Late October
Find yourself in the middle of picturesque farms and orchards, such as Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery and The Great Pumpkin Patch. Explore the town of Monticello, home to the 1,517-acre Allerton Park, and see the natural splendor around beautiful Lake Decatur, including the Rock Springs Nature Center.
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Southwest Illinois
Estimated peak times: Last week of October
The drive from Alton to Grafton along the Great River Road during peak fall color season is breathtaking. Stop at Pere Marquette State Park at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and, if you're brave, try Grafton Zipline Adventures for a stunning view from hundreds (or thousands!) of feet in the air.
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Southern Illinois
Estimated peak times: Last week of October
See the leaves turn to fire amid the canopies of Shawnee National Forest — with a great overhead view from Garden of the Gods. You'll find more outdoor trails at Giant City State Park, and it's the perfect time to hike near Carbondale or explore the Shawnee Wine Trail.
Plan a Road TripWeek of October 26
It’s finally here - and as spectacular as we knew it would be. Most of Illinois has reached peak color! Enjoy the scenic vistas, wonders of nature and rainbow hues, right here in the Land of Lincoln.
Northern Illinois
The Northern part of the state is at peak color and really popping! Red oaks and red maples are showing brilliant shades of amber, while hickories hold onto their yellow and brown leaves. Black cherry, box elder and silver maple trees are also turning vibrant yellow. White and bur oaks are among the last to change. Look out for the sumac and groups of sassafras, dogwood, and Virginia creeper vines actively turning deep red.
Central Illinois
Central Illinois is also peaking this week with more sugar maple showing widespread yellows and orange. Hickories are also showing brighter yellows and black walnuts continue to display gorgeous fall color with most trees sporting golden hues. Sassafras runs from yellow to deep orange and even some bright red. Walnut, elm, hackberry, mulberry, silver maple, catalpa, paw paw, honey locust, and boxelder are all brightening into various shades of gold.
Southern Illinois
Fall colors are putting on a vibrant show across southern Illinois! Sassafras trees are displaying brilliant reds and oranges, while sweetgums show off shades of yellow, maroon and purple. Flowering dogwoods are turning red to purple, and hickories and sugar maples are stealing the show with blazing yellows and oranges. Even some white oaks are beginning to turn dark red. Now is a great time to take a drive through the countryside and enjoy the beautiful fall colors over the next week or two!
The Best Places to See Fall Colors
Northern Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park, a storied natural area located less than 100 miles southwest of Chicago. Stay in the Starved Rock Lodge for amazing views overlooking the trees.
- The lush woods that make up over 10,000 acres of protected land at the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County.
- In Chicago, the fall trees are a great excuse to visit sites such as Millennium Park with its iconic Cloud Gate.
Central Illinois
- Farms and orchards, such as Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery and The Great Pumpkin Patch.
- The town of Monticello, home to the 1,517-acre Allerton Park.
- The area round beautiful Lake Decatur, including the Rock Springs Nature Center.
Southern Illinois
- The canopies of Shawnee National Forest — with a great overhead view from Garden of the Gods.
- More outdoor trails (including horseback riding) at Giant City State Park.
- The many wine trails, lakes, and other activities near Carbondale.