Welcome to the ultimate guide for fall colors in Illinois! During the autumnal months, this page will be updated regularly with info on the changing leaves throughout the state. It's the perfect tool for planning your fall photo ops and outdoor adventures.
For an interactive map to see how the colors change throughout the state, view our fall colors trip planner.
Big Tooth Poplar — La Salle County
Goldenrod — Bureau County
Chicago Botanic Garden
Vermillion River Valley, North LaSalle County
At night, the lights of Chicago's skyline make for a dazzling display of its own, but look down and you'll see plenty of fall foliage popping up among the city's verdant parks and public spaces. Be sure to venture outside the city, where some of the best fall colors can be seen, peppering Northern Illinois, the region known as Chicago & Beyond, with all the hues of autumn.
Northeast
Northwest
Second week of October
Constitution Trail, Bloomington-Normal
Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Illinois
Central Illinois features some of autumn's most brilliant landscapes. Home to cities such as the capital, Springfield, the Illinois River Valley comes alive with the orange and yellow of maples and oaks, the purple hues of dogwoods and hazelnuts, and the red and orange clusters of rose hips on wild roses.
West Central
Eastern
Late October
Great River Road, Alton
Tunnel Hill, Shawnee National Fores
The sprawling canopies of Shawnee National Forest cover the landscape of Southern Illinois, a region known as Trails to Adventure. In the fall, hickories, red oak, and sassafras form a tapestry of yellow and orange, while trees like white oak settle into a deep red. All of it makes for a perfect time to hike among the trails or take a trip through Shawnee Wine Trail.
Southern
End of October