Take a drive for fall color
L.M. Montgomery, author of “Anne of Green Gables,” famously wrote thewords, “I’m so glad I live in aworld where there are Octobers.”
It’s hard not to love autumn because theweather is pleasant and the beautiful scenery is second to none.
This year, especially, we can all be grateful for the changing seasons— and not just because with each flip of the calendar pages means we’re one step closer to the end of this tire fire of a year.
If you’re trying to stay away from people, one of the best things you can do is take a drive and see those gorgeous fall colors. It costs nothing but gas, you’re socially distant, you’re getting out in nature and enjoying relaxing time with your family.
Karla Flannery, deputy director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, thinks there is more interest in taking fall leaf-peeping drives this year in previous years.
“I think people are looking for finding ways to get out. And getting in the car is safer and gives them more control over the experience,” she said.“We do expect people to look at these drives in our backyard.”
Check out Enjoy Illinois Fall Color Report at EnjoyIllinois.com. The agency partners with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to bring up-to-date fall color information so people can easily plan their fall leaf-viewing excursions.
“It’s away to guide people as to where the color changes are more visible,” Flannery said.
Here are five great drives to take in Illinois. We’ve included drives in the whole state because why not? You’ve got the time.
1. The Great River Road follows the state’s western border along the Mississippi River from Galena to Cairo
Peak fall color: Second week of October.
The colors are exploding right now. You can stop at Mississippi Palisades Park and take a hike on the scenic trail that overlooks the Mississippi River Valley, or keep driving south through charming small towns until you get to Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, the largest state park in Illinois. There you will find stunning views of the Mississippi River and a plethora of activities that will help you kill an afternoon. Hike one of the eight trails or pedal along the river on the 22-mile Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail.
“This is the perfect time of year to go there and appreciate the fall and changing colors,” Flannery said.
2. Grandview Drive in Peoria, bordering the Illinois River
Peak fall color: Middle of October.
President Theodore Roosevelt called it“the world’ s most beautiful drive” when he visited Peoria in 1910. Some 110 years later, the sentiment still stands. The 2 1⁄2- mile stretch of road offers scenic views of the Illinois River Valley. A linear park offers restless kids (and roadweary parents) a chance to stretch their legs.
3. Take a drive in Southern Illinois
Peak fall color: Lastweek of October.
No list can be complete without including the Shawnee National Forest in Herod, which lies between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. There you will find nature-made eye candy galore, with its rolling hills and valleys and abundance of plant and wildlife. Can’t-miss attractions include the 111-foottall Bald Knob Cross of Peace that overlooks the Shawnee National Forest near Alto Pass and the Garden of the Gods Wilderness with its dramatic rock formations.
Another area of note is Cavein-Rock State Park a top the Ohio River, so named for the naturally formed 55-foot-wide cave.
4. Buffalo Rock and Starved Rock state parks in Ottawa, plus I&M Canal National Heritage Area from Chicago to LaSalle
Peak fall color: Second week of October.
Starved Rock in Ottawa is always included in an Illinois leaf-peeping list. It’s a 90-minute drive from Chicago proper and it’s a true taste of nature. And really, you’ve got to get out of the car to appreciate the splendor of the many cliffs, canyons, waterfalls and scenic vistas. Aword of warning— arrive early because the parking lots and trails fill up quickly this time of year. Agreat alternative is its sister park, Buffalo Rock, which still offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic areas to have a picnic above the Illinois River, Flannery noted. And yes, there is a bison family living there that’s usually happy to pose for selfies. Nearby, you’ll also find the I& MC anal National Heritage Area with the Illinois and Michigan Canal running through it. There are many opportunities to stop in a canal town and leaf-peep along the way, or check out a bike trail that runs from La Salle to Ottawa along the Illinois River.
5. Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
Peak fall color: Second week of October.
Walking the trails is a fabulous place to soak in the beauty of the fall colors.
The Morton Arboretum is
1,700-acre museum of trees and plants fromaround the world. According to its website, autumn has arrived at theMorton Arboretum, with cool nights and sunny days helping to develop fall colors throughout the grounds. Thewebsite also has a fall color report for leaf-peepers planning their excursions.
“They do a beautiful job and they’re so knowledgeable about the trees and their colors,” Flannery said. “It’s stunning. It’s a great way to experience the fall.”
The Chicago Botanic
Garden isn’t just for flowers – you’ll find glorious fall colors among the trees in the 385 acres and 26 gardens.
TheMorton Arboretum is at 4100 IL 53 in Lisle. Tickets are $7-$15 for people age 1 and older. Go to mortonarb.org.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake CookRoad in Glencoe. Admission is a parking fee of $10-$30. Go to chicagobotanic.org.
Because ofCOVID-19, timed tickets to both locations must be purchased in advance.