Heading to Chicago and looking to take great fall photos? Between the stunning architecture and the lake, you’re definitely in luck! In this post, I’m going to highlight the best places in Chicago to see fall foliage and if you’re feeling adventurous, where to go out in the burbs.
I love Autumn. It’s the time I proudly display my adorable fall themed Daiso decorations I shipped directly from Korea. And yes, let me tell you there is no greater feeling than getting down with my basic betch self, drinking my Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brews, and then going shopping at Target.
My hometown often gets overlooked, but the fall colors in Chicago are nothing to laugh at. 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 out there who love to break out the cute boots, tights, skirts, and dresses.
Table of Contents
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Fall in Chicago Weather
Where to see fall foliage Chicago 2022? Depending on the year (and I noticed September is as hot as August now a days) temperatures honestly have a bipolar range. It’ll be 80°F (°C) one day and then 30°F (-1°C) the next. I wish I was joking, but alas, I am not. Temperatures in September will range from 74°F (23°C) during the day and 62°F (17°C) at night. In October, you’ll see cooler weather being 62°F (17°C) during the day and 50°F (10°C) at night. November is when it starts to get really chilly with temperatures during the day hovering at 50°F (10°C) and 30°F (-1°C) at night.
Is it cold in Chicago in October?
Daily high temperatures range from 68°F(20°C) to 56°F(13°C), rarely falling below 44°F(7°C)or exceeding 79°F(26°C). Daily low temperatures range from 56°F to 45°F, rarely falling below 35°F(2°C) or exceeding 64°F(18°C).
When do leaves fall in Chicago?
This depends on the year, but leaves in Chicago start changing by the end of September. I was in Chicago mid-October last year and it was still hot and the leaves still hadn’t changed color. Fall foliage in Chicago 2023 is expected. This fall foliage timeline is pretty good and will help you plan your leaf peeping tour.
Is it cold in Chicago in fall?
Honestly, this depends on your tolerance to the cold. If you come from a northern state and are used to the four seasons, autumn in Chicago should be a breeze. However, if you’re from a southern state or warm place year round, it will be very, very cold in Chicago for you.
What is fall like in Chicago?
The leaves start turning from orange to gold and red. Fall foliage in Chicago is truly a feast for the eyes and a breathtaking time of year. October is usually the driest month. Average temperatures range from around 70°F (21°C) and gradually drop into the mid-40s°F (7°C) closer to winter.
Chicago City Tours
Map of Chicago Autumn Foliage Spots
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.
1. Chicago Botanic Garden
Autumn brings stunning colors to this 385 acre garden. Stop and marvel at the deep gold color of the ginkgo trees, the deep reds of the maples, and the beautiful fall flowers. Pay close attention because you’ll even see purple foliage too! Admission to the park is about $15.95 per adult. Check out the official Chicago Botanic Garden website here for more information.
Address: 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL
2. Morton Arboretum
I attended the College of DuPage for my gen eds. I passed by the Morton Arboretum every day on my way to class during autumn in Chicago, one it was a truly breathtaking sight. The vibrant colors of all the stunning trees never ceased to amaze me. It’s super quiet and tranquil during the week and I cannot recommend visiting enough! Check out the official Morton Arboretum website for more details.
Address: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL
3. Lincoln Park
Need I say more? The Honeycombs have long been a Chicagoan favorite for special occasion photos like weddings, anniversaries, engagements, and graduations. Lincoln Park is one of the top places to see fall foliage in Chicago. And the best part? It’s FREE.
Address: 2121 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL
4. 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. It’s a staple of the skyline. If you use the 70mm like I did, it’ll pull up the skyline and make your photo look super cool.
Address: 2121 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
5. 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 the back. It gives Ferris Bueller’s Day Off vibes and that true Chicago feel. This is a naturalistic garden and meant to be refreshing to the mind and spirit.
Address: 220 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL
6. Millennium Park
Nothing is more iconic than the two trees in front of the Bean that 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
7. 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
8. 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.
9. University of Chicago
U of C a super prestigious school and expensive asf for good reason. The University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus is most stunning during autumn. You’ll see fall colors contrasting with the English Gothic architecture of the university’s stalwart structures and it truly makes you feel like you’re in Europe. Even if it’s been years since you’ve had to sit through a lecture, walking through the campus will probably give you that back-to-school feeling.
Address: 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL
10. 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’s Fair. Fall is the best time to explore the park’s Garden of the Phoenix, an authentic Japanese garden set on a tranquil lagoon.
Address: 6401 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL
11. Graceland Park Cemetery
I know this is a creepy suggestion, but if you’re super into Halloween, then this is right up your alley. This historic cemetery located between Wrigleyville and Uptown isn’t just peaceful for the many Chicagoans (including quite a few famous names) who have been laid to rest there. Walk the quiet, lush grounds and take in the countless varieties of trees, including red oak, sycamore, black walnut, Norway spruce, Ohio buckeye and many, many more.
Address: 4001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
12. The Gold Coast
The Gold Coast in Chicago got its name for a reason. This is where the upperclass people live. It has lots of nicely decorated houses and is great for photo opportunities. It’s part of Chicago’s Near North Side and is roughly bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Clark Street.
13. Promontory Point
Promontory Point is located inside Burnham Park, which extends out into Lake Michigan. There, you can enjoy optimal city views as waves crash against the shore, or have an autumn picnic on the open grass area and soak up the sun for some Vitamin D.
Address: 5491 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL
14. Chicago Riverwalk
Although the Chicago Riverwalk is mostly a concrete jungle, you will see the trees change into a plethora of warm autumn colors. Many of the trees turn to gold and orange and it makes for a very brisk and quaint fall walk. I recommend sitting at (cafe here) and enjoy the surroundings.
Address: Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
15. DuSable Bridge
Address: 333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
16. 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 even invites you to their many wineries.
17. Naperville River Walk
Unfortunately, I went to high school out in the burbs. As such, I had the opportunity to explore this bougie Chicago suburb. Considered the “Crown Jewel” of Naperville, the Riverwalk is a place of beauty and tranquility along the West Branch of the DuPage River. Created in 1981 to honor Naperville’s 150th anniversary, the Riverwalk features 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, bridges, meeting and event places, outdoor sculpture and artwork, recreational facilities, and celebratory memorials.
Address: 400 S. Eagle St. Naperville, IL 60540
18. Starved Rock State Park
Far too many times as a teenager was I bored and Starved Rock was the place to go to waste a bunch of time. And for good reason. The Starved Rock State Park is stunning year round but it really can’t be beat for leaf peeping. It’s known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. There’s also several beautiful waterfalls in the park.
Address: 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL
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.
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