Midwest towns near Chicago offer scenic fall foliage

Several towns near Chicago offer notable destinations for autumn travel and fall foliage viewing. Popular locations include Saugatuck, Michigan, which features dune rides, beaches, and orchards, and Galena, Illinois, a historic town on the Mississippi River known for its nineteenth-century architecture and a large annual Halloween parade.

Other scenic options include Hubertus, Wisconsin, where visitors can hike the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to reach the Holy Hill Basilica. Within Chicago itself, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, and the Garfield Park Conservatory are recommended for viewing seasonal colors. The peak period for foliage in the region typically falls between late September and early October.