If you’ve never taken a fall road trip, you’re missing out. Illinois is a beautiful place anytime of year, but during autumn, it’s downright breathtaking. Journey through the entire state to these 10 check points, which are the most stunning places to view fall foliage.
There’s no better time for a last-minute, scenic drive than right before winter comes. Get out before the roads get bad, and click here for the full map and directions for this epic adventure.
Clocking in at just over 13 hours, this is a road trip that may take a couple days or so. It begins at the north west corner of the state and extends nearly all the way down to Illinois’ southern most tip.
Google Maps/Only In Your State
- Mississippi Palisades State Park - 16327A IL-84 in Savanna
Flickr/Phil Roeder This National Natural Landmark is known for its caves and cliffs. It is located on the Mississippi River at the confluence of the Apple River. It is best for those who like waterside shots.
- Franklin Creek State Park - 63101, 1872 Twist Road in Franklin Grove
Flickr/Nicholas Cardot This incredible forest spans nearly 900 acres and features natural springs, ancient trees, and wildlife. Visit when the day is waning to get eerie autumn images everyone will love.
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Lemont
Flickr/Oleg. This 2,294-acre preserve is known for its waterfalls and is mostly popular during summer, but in fall, it’s a hidden gem. You can get good shots just driving through, though, saving time so you can hit more spots on the road trip.
- Chicago Botanic Garden - 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe
Facebook/Chicago Botanic Garden Fall activities abound here. Guests enjoy tree walks and a festival that allow patrons to view seasonal plants. It is free to get in, but you’ll have to pay to park.
- The Morton Arboretum - 4100 IL-53 in Lisle
Facebook/The Morton Arboretum Known as a museum of trees, you can watch how all different types of plants change colors at this nature oasis. Popular fall activities include a 5K Fall Color run and Fright in the Forest.
- Starved Rock State Park - 2668 East 873 Road in Oglesby
Wikimedia Commons/Lotzman Katzman Known for its various waterfalls, this state park is popular year round. Especially if you love to hike, this spot will give you ample opportunity for aerial shots.
- Matthiessen State Park - 2500 Illinois Route 178 in Oglesby
Flickr/Curtis Abert Originally a family estate, this scenic road trip must is often overlooked for being near Starved Rock. It offers a completely different experience, though, and spans nearly 2,000 acres.
- Pere Marquette State Park - 13112 Visitor Center Lane in Grafton
Flickr/bk1bennett Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, this park spans 8,000 acres, and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall. It’s a great place to camp anytime of year.
- La Rue Pine Hills - 475E in Wolf Lake
Facebook/U.S. Forest Service - Shawnee National Forest Deep in the Shawnee National Forest, this amazing area offers breathtaking views throughout the year, but you really can’t beat this fall picture. Colors start to change down here sooner than they do up north, so get here quick.
- Fern Clyffe State Park - 90 Goreville Road in Goreville
Flickr/Michael Spanning 2,430 acres, this unique area is home to limestone bluffs, caves and cliffs, natural forestry, and seasonal waterfalls. Autumn is the best time to visit if you want a sensory overload of fall colors.
If you love road trips, take this mind-blowing pizza trail through Illinois.
Google Maps/Only In Your State
Flickr/Phil Roeder
This National Natural Landmark is known for its caves and cliffs. It is located on the Mississippi River at the confluence of the Apple River. It is best for those who like waterside shots.
Flickr/Nicholas Cardot
This incredible forest spans nearly 900 acres and features natural springs, ancient trees, and wildlife. Visit when the day is waning to get eerie autumn images everyone will love.
Flickr/Oleg.
This 2,294-acre preserve is known for its waterfalls and is mostly popular during summer, but in fall, it’s a hidden gem. You can get good shots just driving through, though, saving time so you can hit more spots on the road trip.
Facebook/Chicago Botanic Garden
Fall activities abound here. Guests enjoy tree walks and a festival that allow patrons to view seasonal plants. It is free to get in, but you’ll have to pay to park.
Facebook/The Morton Arboretum
Known as a museum of trees, you can watch how all different types of plants change colors at this nature oasis. Popular fall activities include a 5K Fall Color run and Fright in the Forest.
Wikimedia Commons/Lotzman Katzman
Known for its various waterfalls, this state park is popular year round. Especially if you love to hike, this spot will give you ample opportunity for aerial shots.
Flickr/Curtis Abert
Originally a family estate, this scenic road trip must is often overlooked for being near Starved Rock. It offers a completely different experience, though, and spans nearly 2,000 acres.
Flickr/bk1bennett
Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, this park spans 8,000 acres, and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall. It’s a great place to camp anytime of year.
Facebook/U.S. Forest Service - Shawnee National Forest
Deep in the Shawnee National Forest, this amazing area offers breathtaking views throughout the year, but you really can’t beat this fall picture. Colors start to change down here sooner than they do up north, so get here quick.
Flickr/Michael
Spanning 2,430 acres, this unique area is home to limestone bluffs, caves and cliffs, natural forestry, and seasonal waterfalls. Autumn is the best time to visit if you want a sensory overload of fall colors.
What other lovely places do you love to visit in Illinois during the fall? Share your thoughts and photos with us!
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