Discover When Leaves Change Color in Illinois (and 5 Beautiful Places to See Them)

From the beautiful suburbs of Chicago in the north to the exquisite canopies of the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois is replete with beautiful places to see leaves change color. But when do the leaves change color in Illinois? Discover the peak times to view changing leaves in Illinois, including some of the most beautiful places to visit for a close-up view below.

Peak Times to View Changing Leaves in Illinois

Depending on your location in Illinois, fall may arrive earlier than others. For those who make their home closer to the Great Lakes, autumn colors appear sooner, along with cooler weather. Residents who live further south may experience leaves changing color in Illinois last.

In the north, leaves begin to change color in Illinois in mid-September but take off by early October. The second week of October is the peak time for leaf-peeping in northern Illinois, including the Chicago area and further west where Illinois borders Iowa.

Plan to see leaves a little later than in the north for Central Illinois. The ideal time to see the most vibrant red, yellow, orange, and brown leaves is late October for most of Central Illinois. The third to fourth week of October is the best time to visit for leaf-peeping road trips.

Finally, southern Illinois has beautiful scenery and plenty of forested areas. Leaves change at the beginning of October for most of southern Illinois. By the last week of October, trees all over the region reach their peak autumnal color.

Can I Predict the Best Time to See Leaves Change Color in Illinois?

Every year, meteorologists and amateur leaf peepers attempt to predict the best time for viewing leaves in Illinois. The peak time to see leaves change color in Illinois varies a little year after year, but some methods can be used to pinpoint it more precisely.

Weather patterns and soil moisture are the most critical factors when predicting fall leaves. Severe drought during the summer or late spring can cause early fall colors. Leaf colors may be more or less intense, depending on different combinations of weather and moisture.

What Kinds of Leaves Change Color in Illinois?

Each fall in Illinois, you can witness all types of trees change colors in a beautiful display. These trees include white and red oak, maple, hickory, white pine, eastern red, northern white cedar, and more. But many additional trees call Illinois home or are grown in gardens and arboretums around the state.

Illinois is a blaze of color in the autumn thanks to all kinds of trees, shrubs, and other color-changing plants. Check out the guide below to discover which trees and shrubs display which color in the fall. Many can be found natively in Illinois, while others grow at conservation sites.

Red

• Red maple
• Japanese maple
• White oak

Orange

• Sugar maple (in sunlight)
• Crabapple

Yellow

• Sugar maple (in shade)
• Gingko
• River birch

Purple

• Sweetgum

5 Beautiful Places to See Leaves Change Color in Illinois

1. Morton Arboretum

You will discover stunning fall scenes at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. The Morton Arboretum has 1,700 acres and was first established in 1922 as a “great outdoor museum” by Joy Morton. Whether you are stopping by to stroll along the paths or looking to learn more about the trees in the Great Lakes region, this spot provides everything and more. The Maple Collection features vibrant, colorful maple trees from around the world, including yellow Miyabe maples, eye-catching red Japanese maples, and many more.

2. Chicago Botanic Garden

Explore all 385 acres of the Chicago Botanic Garden to see a variety of trees in Illinois change color. This beautiful botanic garden has an extensive collection of unique and intriguing trees and plants. With a waterfall garden, Japanese garden, and bridges across tranquil lakes, there are many areas to stop to view the trees as they transform from September into October. Watch as incredible ginkgo trees burst into bright yellow and as sumacs begin to gleam in purple and red. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers many unique plants to put on your fall bucket list, including the Sweetgum, which changes from purplish burgundy to bright orange before settling into a stunning yellow.

3. Grandview Drive

Drive along this scenic central Illinois road named the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive” by President Theodore Roosevelt. Various parks and stopovers dot the two-and-a-half mile Grandview Drive, making it perfect to stop and see the changing leaves of the Illinois River Valley. Part of what makes this drive so special is the remarkable historic homes. In autumn, a certain magic comes from the combination of the grand old homes lining the drive and the panoramic views of the river valley below.

4. Allerton Park

15 acres of prairie and woodland areas provide excellent spots to stroll through brightly colored trees in Allerton Park, central Illinois. Once the private home of artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton, Allerton Park was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946. Regular visitors take advantage of the quiet grounds to admire the magical transformation of the park. Guided hikes provide opportunities to learn more about the trees cared for at the park.

5. Pere Marquette State Park

8,000 acres of exquisite scenery make Pere Marquette State Park a true Illinois treasure. This southern Illinois destination never disappoints when it comes to fall leaves. Some popular fall drives include the wooded ravines and riverside roads that wind through the park. Pere Marquette State Park gets its name from a French missionary who joined a trip down the Mississippi River in 1673. Anyone looking for an adventure will surely enjoy the grand views and drives that make this state park so special in the autumn months.