MAIN USA Travel Illinois Illinois Fall Foliage

Come October, it's time to jump in the car and follow such well-traveled roads as Spoon River Valley in central Illinois, the Des Plaines River Trail in central eastern Illinois, or the Ohio River Scenic Byway to the south.

Chicago for fall color? Check out Starved Rock State Park for a wonderful day trip to see fall foliage in all its natural glory, Also be on the lookout for their annual "Fall Colors Weekend" (usually held around mid-October) for a free tour of the park's best stands of spectacular fall foliage.

Don't miss it!

Peak Times : October, November

IL Fall Foliage Hotline : 1-800-226-6632

Suggested Viewing :

•  Des Plaines River Trail

•  Illinois Prairie Path

•  Starved Rock State Park

•  Historic National Road
  

Live Fall Foliage Webcams :

• Loyola University

• Illinois Railway Museum
  
  

2023 Illinois Fall Festivals

Enjoy the whole day, or the entire weekend, during Illinois fall festival season. Have fun!

Family fun awaits at the annual Scarecrow Weekend in St. Charles..

September 22 - September 24, 2023 -- Oktoberfest Chicago -- Put on your lederhosen and celebrate everything Bavarian inside and outside the iconic St. Alphonsus Church in Chicago’s West Lakeview neighborhood.

September 23 - September 24, 2023 -- Apple & Pork Festival Clinton -- C. H. Moore Homestead and DeWitt County Museum’s annual festival attracts a throng of visitors each year to old-fashioned harvest-time treats, crafts and antiques, an antique tractor show, plus pony rides, a petting zoo, and a Pigs on Parade contest!

October 2023 -- Highwood Pumpkin Fest Highwood - Put your carving skills to the test at one of the most popular fall happenings on the North Shore with three all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations, plus carnival rides, arts & crafts vendors, live music and more.

October 6 - October 8 -- Scarecrow Weekend St. Charles -- Welcome to great family fun featuring 85-plus handmade scarecrows showcased around town plus live entertainment and family activities, festive photo ops, and a professional pumpkin carver.

October 8, 2023 - Chicago Marathon -- Here's another major autumn happening as thousands descend upon Chicago for the famous foot race amid a backdrop of beautiful fall color.

also see ->This Christmas in Illinois | Chicago Tourist Attractions

Top Ten Most Romantic Spots in Chicago

Illinois Fall Foliage Guides :

The Miracle of Fall - Browse this colorful guide to all things fall foliage featuring tons of resources with information on why leaves change color, a directory of fall color reports nationwide, the best scenic drives in the Midwest, fall foliage webcams, photos, and lots more from the University of Illinois Extension.

Starved Rock State Park - Check out the No. 1 Illinois location often topping many Best U.S. Fall Foliage lists for its forests of oaks, cedar and hickories with info on recreational facilities, campgrounds, lodging and picnicking.