Wondering where to see the best fall foliage in Chicago? Between the stunning architecture and the lake, you’re definitely in luck!
The World’s Columbian Exposition put Chicago on the map as an excellent destination. In this post, you’ll find the best places in Chicago to see autumn foliage and where to go out in the burbs.
I love Autumn because apart from Christmas, it is the most wonderful time of the year. Feel no shame getting down with your basic betch self.
Drink that Pumpkin Spice Latte. Go shopping at Target or Michael’s for the best Halloween decor. Wear that fuzzy shapeless sweater that’s oh so comfy.
The weather during the summer months dictates how vibrant the leaf color will be. Autumn in Chicago can be unpredictable, so I recommend you check out this fall color tracker by Enjoy Illinois.
I miss my home state especially during the cooler months because of all the fun autumn activities like apple picking, corn mazes, and haunted hayrides. Fall in Chicago weather is also perfect for all you fashionistas who love to break out cute boots, tights, skirts, and dresses.
Best Places To See Fall Foliage in Chicago
Below is a list of all my favorite places to see autumn foliage in Chicago. For more information on traveling to Chicago, check out my Perfect 3-Day Done For You Chicago Itinerary.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up
I love seasonal pop-ups. If you don’t feel like going to the burbs, then get your fall vibes on here.
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up comes back on September 19, 2024. Check out my Halloween in Chicago Guide for more information on the best spooky activities, parties, and places.
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Honeycombs are Chicagoan hot spots for special occasion photos like weddings, anniversaries, engagements, and graduations. Lincoln Park is one of the top places to see fall foliage in Chicago.
They have acres of outdoor gardens and it is a beautiful place to go for a late afternoon stroll. It’s also the perfect place to get excellent photos with the Chicago skyline.
The grounds are expansive and you should visit the Lincoln Park Conservatory. And the best part? It’s FREE.
Address: 2121 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL
Boardwalk at Lincoln Park
No spot does better on Instagram than the Boardwalk at Lincoln Park. I used a 24-70mm F2.8 Sigma lens to capture this photo. The Hancock is one of my favorite (and most recognizable) buildings in Chicago.
Address: 2121 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Lurie Garden
The Lurie Garden is Millennium Park’s secret garden. It’s one of my favorite views in the city because of the diamond building at the back.
It gives Ferris Bueller’s Day Off vibes and that true Chicago feel. The best time to catch the fall colors here is late October and early November.
Address: 220 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Millennium Park (Cloud Gate)
Nothing is more iconic than fall at the Bean where the trees turn a vibrant red in fall. If anything, this is the epitome of Chicago fall foliage.
It’s definitely a photo spot for the ‘gram and if you’re visiting Chicago in the fall, you don’t want to miss out on this!
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Cindy’s Rooftop
Cindy’s Rooftop offers breathtaking views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. They have seasonal menus you have to take advantage of!
Address: 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Grant Park
Another gorgeous place for foliage, Grant Park is often referred to as Chicago’s front yard. It totals about 313 acres and is located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area.
Grant Park’s most notable features include Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus. It’s a great place to walk around for an afternoon or rent a Divvy Bike.
Address: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a popular place to hang out with family and friends. The grounds are completely free to walk around on.
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Lake Shore Drive
Nothing feels quite like autumn in Chicago without ye old peeping through LSD. And no, I am not talking about the drug. I am talking about Lake Shore Drive, friends.
Michigan Avenue
There are quite a few trees along Michigan Avenue making it ideal for shopping and fall foliage. This adorable photo was taken at the Intercontinental Chicago.
They have cute autumn-inspired decorations outside and inside the lobby every year.
University of Chicago
U of C is a super prestigious school and expensive asf. The University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus has fabulous fall foliage.
You’ll see colorful leaves contrasting with the English Gothic architecture. Walking through the campus will give you that back-to-school feeling.
Address: 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL
Jackson Park
Jackson Park is one of Chicago’s most historic parks and also the most scenic. Nestled on the lakefront edge of the bustling Hyde Park neighborhood, it is best known as the site of the 1893 Chicago World Fair.
You’ll love the Japanese gardens on the property. Garden of the Phoenix has beautiful red maple and is one of the best spots for an Autumn picnic.
Address: 6401 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL
Graceland Park Cemetery
I know this is a creepy suggestion, but if you’re super into Halloween, then this is right up your alley. The Graceland Park Historic Cemetery is located between Wrigleyville and Uptown.
Many famous Chicagoans (like Daniel Burnham, Potter Palmer, and Louis Sullivan) have been laid to rest there. The lush grounds have varieties of trees, including red oak, sycamore, black walnut, Norway spruce, and Ohio Buckeye.
Address: 4001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast in Chicago got its name for a reason. It’s located by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street.
If you’re ever in the area, also check out Nightmare on Clark Street! They have the best Halloween displays!
Promontory Point
Promontory Point is a man-made peninsula located inside Burnham Park. It extends into Lake Michigan.
During summer you can enjoy optimal city views and swim.
Address: 5491 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL
Chicago Riverwalk
Although the Chicago Riverwalk is an architectural history walk, you will see the trees change color. Many of the trees change to golden hues.
Address: Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
DuSable Bridge
The Chicago area is gorgeous with dramatic fall colors that contrast with the deep green hues of the Chicago River.
Address: 333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Dan Ryan Woods
The 257-acre Dan Ryan Woods is a well-loved destination on Chicago’s South Side. You’ll find sledding and snowboarding hills, historic aqueducts, fitness stairs, picnic groves, and a mile-long paved loop that connects to the Major Taylor Trail.
Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park totals about 198 acres and is home to historic lagoons and a boat house. It’s another amazing outdoor Chicago Park with close proximity to the Garfield Park Conservatory.
North Branch Trail
The perfect time of year to enjoy the vibrant colors of fall is on the North Branch Trail. It has paved and unpaved trails along 20 miles of the North Branch of the Chicago River, making it a premier biking route in the northern suburbs.
Labagh Woods
The Labagh Woods are located at the southern start of the popular North Branch Trail. You can see diverse natural areas, including wooded landscapes, wetlands, savannas, and sedge meadows.
Address: West Foster Avenue, N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Best Places To See Fall Foliage Outside of Chicago
Below are my suggestions with in driving distance of the city. They’re easy day trips and really fun for family and friends.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Autumn brings stunning colors to this 385-acre garden. Stop and marvel at the ginkgo trees’ deep gold color, the fiery red Japanese maples, and the beautiful fall flowers.
Pay close attention because you’ll even see purple foliage too! Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is about $15.95 per adult.
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL
Forest Preserves of Cook County
To find the closest fall color to you, check out some nature centers. The Forest Preserves of Cook County has 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful natural areas around Chicago.
A great way to see beautiful colors during fall foliage peak is to walk the nature trail at the River Trail Nature Center. At the visitor center, you can learn how to make maple syrup, meet an owl, or join a guided hike at all-ages events each week.
Morton Arboretum
I attended the College of DuPage for my gen eds. I drove past the Morton Arboretum every day on my way to class.
The many different types of trees were some of the best things about it as you could see stunning red and gold foliage.
Address: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL
Galena
If you’re looking for fall foliage near Chicago, look no further than Galena. They even have a Fall Guide To Galena where they list the top things to do. Throughout the season, the town of Galena hosts fall festivals and invites you to its many wineries.
Naperville River Walk
Considered the “Crown Jewel” of Naperville, the Riverwalk is a place of beauty and tranquility along the West Branch of the DuPage River. It was created in 1981 to honor Naperville’s 150th anniversary.
Also, just a 15-minute drive away is the St. James Farm Forest Preserve which looks like the setting of a fairytale.
Address: 400 S. Eagle St. Naperville, IL 60540
Starved Rock State Park
The Starved Rock State Park is stunning year-round but especially great for leaf peeping. It’s known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater.
Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL
Garden of the Gods
During the weeks of October, the Garden of the Gods offers miles of trails to see beautiful rock formations. It’s located in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.
Address: Herod, IL 62947
I hope you know all the best places to see fall in Chicago. The fall colors in Chicago are marvelous and I recommend you see them at least once in your life. Fall foliage in Chicago is unlike any other place. This is where the Windy City gets a color makeover and really struts her stuff.
How To Get To These Fall Foliage Chicago Spots
The best way to get around Chicago is via public transport. Chicago has a pretty good “L” system aka the elevated train and good buses. Chicago is also accessible via ride share apps and Divvy Bikes.
I recommend getting yourself a Ventra card to easily tap onto public transport.
This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!
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