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Shedd Aquarium

When the treetops begin their stunning display, the sunsets set fire to the horizon, and you’re drinking in the balmy air along sun-dappled pathways, you know it’s autumn in the Middle of Everything.

Fall Colors Trip Planner

Dispatches From Every Region

Use our interactive fall color tracker and check back weekly for reports on where to find autumn hues in Illinois — and the best places to see the fall colors for yourself.

The 12 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Illinois

Over 200 species of trees in Illinois equals an infinite amount of fall colors. We’re sharing the 12 places with the most scenic views of the changing autumn hues.

Person hiking through Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie at sunset

Perfect Trails for Fall

Downloadable Trail Guide

Hike, bike, paddle or glide on trails in Illinois parks, forests and rivers. This guide has the best spots for making unforgettable fall memories in Illinois.

Couple walking down the Jonamac Orchard.

Illinois' Fall Menu: Top Fall Foods to Eat & Drink

Illinois’ fall menu is filled with hearty fare and full-bodied drinks.

A wall of pumpkins

9 Must-Do Fall Activities in Illinois

Pumpkin patches? Check. Corn mazes? Check. Ziplines? Check. We’ve compiled a list of nine classic and under-the-radar ways to have fun this fall.

Fall in Chicago

Chicago gets cooler in the fall. And it’s not just the weather. A whole world of amazing autumn activities, delicious foods, and gorgeous colors awaits.

Main street of Galena filled with people in halloween costumes.

Tour of Spookiness & Charm

Outdoors & Regional Outdoors & Regional
Trees in autumn

Illinois Fall Color Report

Fall Colors Fall Colors
A building

Haunted Chicago

Family Fun Family Fun
Lots of pumpkins layed out on the ground

8 Illinois Autumn Adventures To Fall For

Road Trips Road Trips
Lots of pumpkins laid out

Spellbound in the suburbs

Outdoors & Regional Outdoors & Regional
Statues of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglass recall their first senatorial debate, held at the park in 1858.

Explore the Regions: Colorful Fall Getaways

Regional Getaways Regional Getaways
German woman pouring a beer from a tap

Servus! 8 Ways to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Illinois

Arts & Culture Arts & Culture
The exterior of a house

Frights & delights in Illinois

Outdoors & Regional Outdoors & Regional

Enjoy Illinois Inspiration Guide

Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual inspiration guide that explores every corner of the state. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that'll help you make the most of each season.

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