According to Enjoy Illinois, there are four regions to consider when looking for fall colors in Illinois, and the best times to see fall colors are:

Chicago & Beyond: Second week of October

Great Rivers Country: Second week of October

Land of Lincoln: Middle of October

Trails to Adventure: Last week of October

To the west of Chicago, Great Rivers Country is home to oak, white ash, red maple, and hickory trees. Burning bushes, which are best seen toward the end of the season, have a lovely red hue. Land of Lincoln is the central region of Illinois and home to the state capital in Springfield. This region is known for maple, oak, dogwood and hazelnut trees in addition to wild roses. Southern Illinois is home to the Shawnee National Forest and hickories, red oak, and sassafras.

Fall Colors in Chicago

Humboldt Park

The namesake of its neighborhood, Humboldt Park has a boathouse and lagoon surrounded by greenery, walking paths, and gardens to admire in the fall.

Bloomingdale Trail

The 606 trail that runs through Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown is not only a great running trail in the city, it also is covered in fall foliage. Sumac and aspen trees line the elevated path that used to be a railroad track.

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a great place to admire flowers and plants year round. In the fall, pay special attention to the Japanese maples, weeping willows, and wild flowers.

Winnemac Park

Lincoln Square’s Winnemac Park has paths along its nature trail that lead through colorful fall leaves.

Jackson Park

Jackson Park has expansive greenery beyond the golf course. This 600 acre park is home to a Japanese garden, wooded island, the Bobolink Meadows and Yoko Ono's Skylanding sculpture.

Greater Chicagoland Leaf Peeping

Evanston

The tree-lined streets of Northwestern University and the Evanston community are a nice place to enjoy maple, elm, oak, and pine trees. Ashbury Avenue and Ladd Arboretum are some of the best places in Evanston for leaf peeping.

Starved Rock State Park

Located southwest from Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is a popular hiking, climbing, and fall recreation area. Waterfalls, horseback rides, and kayaking are all fun options at Starved Rock. If you want to have a peaceful fall experience, you can also see fall colors from the comfort of the Starved Rock Lodge.

Morton Arboretum

Located in Lisle, Morton Arboretum is home to over 4,200 types of trees and 16 miles of hiking trails. If you aren’t up to hiking, there is also an open air tram ride for fall views and there are family friendly activities like a children’s garden and maze.

Galena

Galena is a quaint town in Northern Illinois with tree lined hills and a scenic riverside. In addition to shops, restaurants, wineries and distilleries, Galena visitors may also enjoy a hot air balloon in the fall. Horseshoe Mound Preserve provides a scenic view of the Mississippi River especially impressive during the autumn months.

Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is a lovely place to see fall colors. The Garden of the Gods, Giant City State Park, and Shawnee Wine trail are great fall destinations.

Additional places to see fall colors in Illinois:

Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
Millennium Park, Chicagi
Pere Marquette State Park
Allerton Park, Monticello
Rock Springs Nature Center and Lake Decatur
Hemlock Crossing County Park
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve
LaBagh Woods

Where to See Fall Colors in Chicago