Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more.
Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state.
Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
Enjoy Illinois presents the official Illinois Fall Colors Trip Planner powered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Discover the best places to see fall colors unfolding in every region of the state.
Use our fall color tracker to help select the best time to see the changing colors all over Illinois this season.
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.
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.
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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.
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