Illinois Preparing to Release 2026 Fall Colors Report

Illinois tourism officials are preparing for the start of the fall foliage season with the upcoming release of the state's annual Fall Colors Report, which will provide estimated peak viewing periods for regions across Illinois.

Enjoy Illinois produces the annual report in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The 2026 report will provide travelers with estimates for when fall colors are expected to reach their peak in different parts of the state, along with recommendations for locations to visit during the season.

An interactive Illinois Fall Colors Trip Planner is currently available through Enjoy Illinois and uses historical IDNR data to provide an early look at typical foliage patterns. The fall color tracker will be updated for 2026 as leaves begin changing across the state.

Tourism officials are also highlighting road trip destinations throughout Illinois for travelers planning trips during the fall season.

In northern Illinois, Galena and the surrounding Mississippi River region offer several opportunities for fall foliage viewing. Long Hollow Canopy Tours provides views of the area's wooded landscape, while Mississippi Palisades State Park, about 30 minutes south of Galena, features overlooks of the Mississippi River. Starved Rock State Park is another northern Illinois option, with hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

Visitors staying in the Galena area can also find accommodations overlooking the Mississippi River at Goldmoor Inn, a bed and breakfast featuring castle-inspired architecture.

Central Illinois destinations include farms and orchards such as Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery and The Great Pumpkin Patch. In Monticello, the 1,517-acre Allerton Park provides trails, gardens and wooded areas for visitors during the fall season. The Lake Decatur area and Rock Springs Nature Center also offer opportunities to experience changing foliage.

Travelers visiting central Illinois can stay at Vrooman Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Bloomington, a historic property featuring Roman architectural influences and stained-glass windows.

In southwest Illinois, the Great River Road between Alton and Grafton provides views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs as leaves change. Pere Marquette State Park, located near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, offers additional overlooks and hiking opportunities. Visitors to Grafton can also view the area from above on the Grafton SkyTour at Aerie's Resort.

The Ruebel Hotel in Grafton, originally built in 1879, is among the lodging options in the area. The historic hotel has also developed a reputation for reported unexplained occurrences and stories that the property is haunted.

Southern Illinois offers several fall destinations within and around the Shawnee National Forest. Garden of the Gods provides elevated views of the forest, while Giant City State Park offers additional hiking trails near Carbondale. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail provides another option for visitors traveling through the region during the fall season.

Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins in Elizabethtown offers accommodations near the Shawnee National Forest, including tree houses and a restored log cabin dating to 1852.

The 2026 Fall Colors Report will be released as the season approaches, with updated information reflecting foliage conditions throughout Illinois. Additional fall travel information and the interactive trip planner are available through Enjoy Illinois.