Looking for the best Fall foliage in the Midwest?
As a Midwest local, I have got some of the best spots for you to photograph and explore this fall.
Crisp air, golden fields, and trees bursting with red and orange—fall in the Midwest is a season worth slowing down for.
From lakeside drives to forested trails, the region offers some of the best spots in the country to soak in autumn’s colors.
This guide highlights the top destinations to experience Midwest fall foliage, whether you’re planning a road trip or a quick weekend escape.
9 Best Places For Midwest Fall Foliage
Illinois
1. Chicago
Chicago is my favorite under-the-radar spot for finding foliage.
When you think of a huge city, nature is not the first thing that comes to mind.
But there are plenty of green spaces in the city that complement Chicago’s urban flair with a hint of “fall”.
Best Fall Foliage Spots in Chicago:
- Lincoln Park
- University of Chicago (Rainbow Ivy)
- Jackson Park
⭐Popular Chicago Hotels
2. Starved Rock
One of my favorite times to visit Starved Rock is in the fall.
Starved Rock State Park offers one of the most dramatic backdrops for autumn colors in the Midwest.
Towering sandstone bluffs and deep canyons frame the changing leaves, making the reds and golds pop against rugged cliffs.
While spring at Starved Rock gives you the highest chance for waterfalls, the fall colors are like no other.
3. Galena
Galena’s rolling hills and historic charm make it a perfect fall getaway.
The town is surrounded by wooded bluffs that burst into fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow each October.
Scenic drives wind past vineyards, farmland, and the Mississippi River, offering endless views of autumn color.
In town, 19th-century architecture adds to the backdrop.
Stroll down the town’s historic Main Street, lined with 19th-century buildings, cozy cafes, and unique boutiques.
Take a scenic drive along the Great River Road, or paddle down the Mississippi River, for a different perspective of the autumnal spectacle.
⭐Popular Galena Tours
Indiana
4. Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes National Park offers a unique mix of shoreline and forest that comes alive with color each autumn.
At the highest peak of the ginormous dunes of this fabulous national park, you gain a whole new vantage point on fall leaves.
My favorite fall foliage at Indiana Dunes is from one of its most famous hiking trails, the 3 Dune Challenge.
The sandy dunes and beaches along Lake Michigan contrast beautifully with the bright reds and golds of the surrounding woodlands.
On clear days, you can take in the fall colors while looking out across the lake toward the Chicago skyline—a view you won’t find anywhere else!
5. Brown County State Park
Known as the “Little Smokies,” Brown County State Park is one of the Midwest’s most famous fall destinations.
Its vast hardwood forests cover rolling hills that glow with shades of crimson, gold, and orange throughout October.
Scenic overlooks provide sweeping views of the countryside, while winding roads and hiking trails let you experience the colors up close.
The park’s size and variety of trees mean the foliage season lasts longer here, giving visitors plenty of chances to catch the display at its peak.
Michigan
6. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Porcupine Mountains State Park delivers some of the most spectacular fall scenery in the Midwest.
Dense forests of sugar maples, birch, and oak blanket the rugged terrain, creating a sweeping patchwork of color that stretches to the Lake Superior shoreline.
Popular overlooks like Lake of the Clouds offer panoramic views of the rolling hills dressed in fiery reds and golden yellows.
Spanning nearly 60,000 acres, the park is home to miles of winding trails that take you through waterfalls and panoramic views of the fiery foliage below.
Ohio
7. Cuyahoga National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of Ohio’s top spots for fall color.
Hardwood forests, rivers, and waterfalls all glow with reds, oranges, and yellows.
You can hike the Towpath Trail, ride the scenic railroad, or stop at overlooks along the Cuyahoga River for sweeping views.
With its mix of landscapes and easy access, it’s easy to enjoy the beauty of autumn.
Picnic beside a quiet lake reflecting the kaleidoscope of fall colors, or bike along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail to enjoy the fall foliage!
Wisconsin
8. Devils Lake
Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin offers dramatic fall scenery with its towering bluffs and clear lake waters.
Trails along the bluffs provide panoramic views, while lakeside paths let you enjoy the colors up close. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the season.
The most famous lookout point at Devils Lake, Devil’s Doorway, is one of my favorite views in the entire Midwest!
My favorite way to experience Devil’s Lake in the fall is rock climbing. Always make sure to follow all safety precautions.
9. Door County
Door County, Wisconsin, is a fall favorite thanks to its scenic shoreline and rolling hills.
Orchards, vineyards, and forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold each October.
Scenic drives and hiking trails offer endless opportunities to take in the color, while charming small towns provide a cozy backdrop.
One of the best things to do is to take a drive down the scenic byways, which wind through the vibrant fall foliage.
Want to hit the water? Take a boat cruise or kayak tour of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, which are particularly serene during the autumn months.
The mix of water views and vibrant foliage makes it a unique Midwest autumn destination.
⭐Popular Door County Tours
Conclusion
Taking a Midwest Road trip to see its vibrant foliage is a beautiful adventure.
Fall in the Midwest is short but unforgettable, with landscapes that transform into a canvas of color.
Whether you’re hiking through wooded trails, cruising along scenic byways, or relaxing by a quiet lake, these destinations showcase the season at its best.
Plan your trip soon—the leaves won’t wait, and neither should you.
