With Chicago’s breathtaking Chicagohenge phenomenon behind us, fall has officially arrived—and with that, beautiful fall foliage in Chicago. While some of us may feel nostalgic about summer coming to an end, we are eagerly anticipating the transformation from green to crimson as fall sweeps through. Chicago’s scenery reaches its peak as a hundred shades of autumnal colors paint the city. If you can’t get enough of the fall foliage or want to jump into a big pile of crunchy leaves, keep reading to discover our favorite places to see the changing leaves in Chicago.
1. Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum, also known as “Champions of the Trees,” certainly lives up to its name. This 1,700-acre nature conservatory and tree research center is home to over 222,000 living plants. Simply stroll through the grounds and admire the seasonal change. The Arboretum also offers numerous attractions that allow you to play and interact with nature rather than just observe it.
2. Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve
Thorn Creek Nature Preserve covers nearly 1,000 acres and features a wide variety of plant life and habitats. You can explore the 1.94-mile hiking trail that winds through the woods, savanna, and wetland areas, allowing you to observe the diverse wildlife and the fall foliage in Chicago.
3. Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden spans over 385 acres and consists of nine islands, 27 gardens—including one inspired by French impressionist Claude Monet—and four natural areas. It is an excellent place to observe the changing fall foliage in Chicago, particularly the Bonsai Trees. You can explore the Dixon Prairie, which features over 250 species of plants.
4. North Park Village Nature Center
The North Park Village Nature Center is a 46-acre nature preserve located on the northwest side of Chicago, within the 155-acre North Park Village campus. The woodland, wetland, and prairie provide a network of winding trails for experiencing Chicago’s fall foliage. It offers a remarkable escape to enjoy a breath of fresh air and the serenity of nature.
5. Graceland Cemetery
Graceland Cemetery is a historical garden cemetery and the resting place of notable architects, as evidenced by its many elegantly designed tombs. In October, Graceland comes alive with lush foliage, adorning the grounds in striking amber, gold, and scarlet hues.
6. Jackson Park
Jackson Park is a beautiful South Side attraction that features stunning leafage, including the Japanese-style Osaka Garden. It’s the perfect spot to admire the fall foliage in Chicago. The park was also the chosen location for the World’s Columbian Exposition, which played a significant role in putting Chicago on the map as a major city in 1893.
7. Lurie Garden
While most of its famous attractions are better suited for summer, parts of Millennium Park transform into exceptional sights during the fall. Framed by incredible Chicago architecture, this park is undoubtedly one of the city’s most picturesque areas. Enjoy the Lurie Garden’s last bloom, or sit and people-watch as tourists bustle about.
8. Swallow Cliff Woods
The scenic drive along La Grange Road takes you through beautiful forests to Swallow Cliff Woods. Once you park, take advantage of the stunning view from the 100-foot bluff and explore some of the most gorgeous fall colors near Chicago.
9. LaBagh Woods
Located at the southern beginning of the well-known North Branch Trail, LaBagh Woods is famous for its diverse natural areas, including wooded landscapes, wetlands, savannas, and sedge meadows. Connected with campgrounds, picnic groves, and nature centers, all linked by a network of trails and a river, LaBagh Woods is a vibrant and diverse natural area filled with stunning maples, oaks, and cottonwoods.
10. Lake Geneva
Some of the most beautiful fall colors in Chicago aren’t actually in Chicago. Head to Lake Geneva, about an hour’s drive outside Chicago, for stunning nature trails along the Big Foot Beach State Park, which has an upper and lower loop.