Between Michelin star kitchens and Main Street bakeries, the Magnificent Mile and the Great River Road, you’ll find yourself surrounded by every mouthwatering taste and eye-popping color autumn has to offer. It’s Fall in Illinois, the Middle of Everything.
Fall in Chicago
Chicago gets cooler in the fall. And it’s not just the weather. A whole world of amazing autumn activities, delicious foods, and gorgeous colors awaits. Find ideas below:
- Chicago’s deep-dish pizza at the best places in the city!
- Chicago-style dog at Portillo’s
- Italian beef at Frannie’s in Schiller Park
- Oktoberfest lager at Revolution Brewing
- Barrel #12 Beer at Scorched Earth Brewery
- Hoodie Weather Lager at Forbidden Root Brewing Co.
- Visit a museum like the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Museum of Science & Industry or a lesser-known museum in the city!
- Hear all the jazz at the Green Mill Lounge
- Get the blues at Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy’s Legends
9 Must-Do Fall Activities in Illinois
Pumpkin patches? Check. Corn mazes? Check. Ziplines? Check. Here is a list of nine classic and under-the-radar ways to have fun this fall:
- Pet a real reindeer at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul
- Get lost in the world’s largest corn maze at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove
- Find great gourds, good eats, and more at the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur
- Celebrate Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire
- Pick seasonal fruits at Eckert’s Country Store in Belleville
- Speed through the treetops at Grafton Zipline
- Go hiking at the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois
- Kayak through the Cache River in Belknap
- Paddleboard on the Fox River
The Top Fall Foods to Eat & Drink
Illinois’ fall menu is filled with hearty fare and full-bodied drinks. Here’s Enjoy Illinois’ list of 12 favorites statewide that show off our state’s full range of seasonal flavors:
- Apple Cider Donuts at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch in Champaign
- Pumpkin Donuts at Didier Farms in Lincolnshire
- Cranberry Wine at Galena Cellars
- Brut Ombre Rose at Illinois Sparkling Co. in Utica
- Oak Reserve Gin at Blaum Bros. Distillery in Galena
- Oktoberfest Lager at Tangled Roots Brewing Co. in Ottawa
- Rye Whiskey Old Fashioned at Whiskey Acres in DeKalb
- Homemade bratwurst at Fast Eddie’s Bon Air in Alton
- Cozy Dog at Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield
- Horseshoe at Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery in Springfield
- 14 oz. Ribeye at Firefly Grill in Effingham
The 11 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Illinois
Over 200 species of trees in Illinois equals an infinite amount of fall colors. We’re sharing the 11 places with the most scenic views of the changing autumn hues.
- Galena
- Great River Road
- Meeting of the Great Rivers
- Ohio River Scenic Byway
- Route 66
- Garden of the Gods
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Quad City Botanical Center
- Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins
Oktoberfests in Illinois
Beer? Check. Brats? Yep. Games and other antics? Well, of course. Find these and more at Oktoberfest celebrations around Illinois.
- Peoria Oktoberfest
- Rotary Club of Quincy Oktoberfest
- Galena Oktoberfest
- St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest
- St. Mary’s Oktoberfest
- Plano Oktoberfest
- Hoffman Estates Platzkonzert
- Jacksonville Oktoberfest