Top Spots in Illinois for an Autumn Colours Road Trip
Embark on an unforgettable road trip in Illinois this autumn
to witness the brilliant fall colours flourish as the seasons change.
Chicago and Beyond
Chicago's skyline makes for a dazzling display of its own
but around the second week of October visitors will see plenty of fall foliage
popping up in places like Millennium Park and Lincoln Park, with a palette of
red, orange, and yellow.
Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, 90 miles north-west of Chicago, has been named one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America and is inspired by calm and tranquillity. The 12-acre site consists of koi-filled ponds, winding paths, gentle streams, cascading waterfalls, raked gravel gardens, and beautifully trained pines that turn golden in autumn.
100-miles southwest, Starved Rock displays seasonal
waterfalls, majestic bluffs, and rugged canyons. The hiking trails curve
through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River and
outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddle boat cruises, trolley
rides, fishing and picnicking. Visitors can stay at Camp Aramoni, a luxury
campground offering 11 safari-style tents, set in acres of lush forests.
Central Illinois
Two-hours south of Chicago, Prairie Fruits Farm &
Creamery in Champaign is Illinois’ first farmstead cheese making facility. Learn
about the cheese-making process while tasting their award winning cheese and
sample goat milk gelato. The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur is a working farm offering
corn mazes, friendly farm animals, wagon rides and pumpkin picking.
Allerton Park & Retreat Centre in Monticello, built as a
private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, runs art,
nature, and history programs plus outdoor concerts, themed dinners, wine
tasting, nature hikes and educational events.
Lake Decatur offers 30-miles of shoreline with beautiful
wildlife vistas at lakeside parks. Nearby Rock Springs Nature Center is home to
a visitor centre, museum, a restored farmhouse, hiking trails and a paved bike
trail.
In Peoria, Grandview Drive offers scenic views of the
Illinois River while walking, biking, hiking or just passing through – in fact President
Theodore Roosevelt referred to the area as the “world’s most beautiful drive”.
Southern Illinois
There are numerous trails and lakes near Carbondale, perfect
for exploring in autumn, and at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge there are
endless opportunities for watching wildlife, hiking nature trails, photography,
swimming and fishing.
Six hours south of Chicago, the Shawnee National Forest is
well suited for an outdoor adventure any time of year, offering a range of
activities. Garden of the Gods showcases famous rock formations and provides a
panoramic view of the ancient forest that is a sea of warm colours during
autumn.
Giant City is named for its natural landscape of giant
sandstone bluffs and narrow corridors framed by sheer cliff faces. Visitors can
stay in cabins nestled into the bluffs near the main lodge which offers a restaurant,
outdoor pool and deck overlooking the autumn colours .
The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 award-winning
wineries located along a 35-mile scenic drive, including Hickory Ridge Vineyard
& Winery. It’s family owned and operated with all their wines made from
grapes grown solely on the premises.
Getting There:
America As You Like It (www.americaasyoulikeit.com / 020
8742 8299) offer a six-night package to Illinois departing on the 26th of
October 2024 and staying two-nights in Chicago at the Doubletree by Hilton
Chicago on Magnificent Mile, two-nights in Starved Rock at Camp Aramoni and
two-nights in Shawnee National Forest at the Cabins at Sunrise Hill from £1,849
per person based on two adults sharing, or from £1,249 per person based on two
adults and two children sharing, including return flights with British Airways
direct from London Heathrow to Chicago, 1x checked bag per person and car hire.
About the Illinois Office of Tourism:
Illinois is a state that embodies innovation, craft,
surprise and creativity. Whether domestic and international visitors are
traveling for business or leisure, the Illinois Office of Tourism is their
trusted guide in crafting an unforgettable experience.
To learn more, visit www.enjoyillinois.co.uk