Your Guide to 2023’s Best Fall Foliage in Wisconsin and Illinois

Sep 28, 2023

We are so excited to usher in the cooler temps of autumn, because we are more than ready to get out there and do our best “leaf peeping”. There’s nothing like traipsing through woodland paths strewn with crunchy leaves! What could be better than immersing yourself amidst golden sunset yellows, vivid rusty oranges, lush scarlet and ruby, and sepia tans of the foliage around you for a family photo op to post to the ‘gram. It’s one of the most beautiful times to get back to nature, for as the pensieve scholar Albert Camus said “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” So what are you waiting for? Save this handy guide to your bookmarks so you can get the most out of autumn and find the best backdrops for your selfies before the season disappears.

Here are our annual reminder of photography tips for capturing the best autumn scenery with a smartphone:

Charge your phone before you go! And bring a portable charging device with you.
You don’t want to get to the top of the vista point only to find your prize-winning shot is a miss because you used your last 10% battery on one-to-many selfies. Pocket sized travel chargers and fast-charge cables will be your best friend on your trip into the wilderness. Shoot in horizontal orientation. Hold your phone between both hands, with your elbows near to your body for stability.

Aim to shoot your vista points at sunrise or just before sunset.
The “Golden Hour” provides the best light in the autumn, and creates truly spectacular imagery. Softer, waning light is better than the harsh direct light of midday.
Use the “grid” feature to compose your image, and avoid using digital zoom.
The Rule of Thirds is your friend here! Don’t be afraid to experiment with creative angles by getting low to the ground, or tilting your phone to capture things at a new angle instead of straight on. To avoid a pixelated picture, resist that digital zoom option on your phone. Move closer to your subject, or utilize the grid to frame the scene within squares to crop the image using a photo app like Snapseed or Photoshop Express to cut down the image and center in closer for more clarity.

Finding the Best Foliage in Illinois

Right now, most of Illinois is still “business as usual” for foliage hues, but come the first week of October things will begin to shift. You’ll notice more golden yellow, burnt oranges, crisp reds, and sepia tinged trees. In Northern Illinois, the peak season will drop around 2nd or 3rd week of October. In Central Illinois, expect to enjoy peak leaf viewing in the 3rd week. By the end of October and perhaps into early November, the Southernmost regions of our state will be in full swing. If you play your cards right, you can drive your way through the state one week at a time, spending each week in prime viewing areas for the most optimal autumnal experience! Of course, for your most accurate leaf report check the Enjoy Illinois Fall Planner by clicking here.

Great Foliage Stops in Local Lake County and Beyond

Bowen Park in Waukegan is a 60 acre park once home to John Charles Haines from 1857-1896, and is now a family friendly recreational area with picnic grounds, hiking trails, a playground, and beautiful gardens.
Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Albion has breathtaking views of the autumnal leaves! Whether you choose to sit back and relax at the lakeside, or wish to explore the 10 miles of hiking trails there’s no shortage of picturesque scenery here!
Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe spans 385 acres with 27 gardens to explore. When autumn rolls around, the trees will display a dazzling array of fiery colors and the autumnal shrubs and flowers will also put on a fabulous display.
Didier Farms in Lincolnshire is prime autumn joy for families and visitors of all ages! From hayrides to corn mazes and pumpkin picking to harvest festivals, it’s an iconic part of local traditions each Fall, for more than 100 years!
Heinz Apple Orchard in Green Oaks is of course a classic destination for fall foliage watching and autumnal celebrations.
Heller Nature Center in Highland Park is a 97 acre park and Oak-Hickory forest. Bring the whole family out to enjoy nature hikes, or stop for a guided lesson with local experts.
Lake County Forest Preserves have family friendly facilities for humans and their furry companions alike! Visit Fort Sheridan in Highland Park,Hastings Lake in Lake Villa, Independence Grove in Libertyville, Millennium Trail in Volo, Old School in Libertyville.
Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods IL is a beautiful 552 Acre preserve with 6.5 miles of scenic hiking trails which wind through the forest and over to the Des Plaines River. Trees in the area include sugar maples, oaks, and hickories which will make a lush backdrop for fall foliage photos!
The University of St. Mary on the Lake in Mundelein has a beautiful lake surrounded by natural wonders, bridges, and monuments. It’s a truly stunning sight to see when the fall foliage makes its appearance and its lake reflection twinkles in the light of golden hour.

Looking for more great trails to explore in Lake County for fall portraits and autumnal hikes? Check out this great list for more options.

More Great Fall Foliage Destinations in Illinois

Finding the Best Foliage in Wisconsin

We love using the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report website for up-to-date information on the best regions for fall foliage at its peak. Right now, Central and North Wisconsin are beginning to change color, and your best chance of optimum foliage viewing will be in the 1st and 2nd week of October!

Here are some fantastic foliage vista spots and larger park areas to try in Northern Wisconsin:

The southern portion of Wisconsin is just beginning to see the early stages of foliage color change, so folks in the Kenosha, Racine, and Pleasant Prairie regions have a little bit more time to plan their excursions, as foliage isn’t expected to peak in the area until the 2nd or more likely the 3rd week of October. As weather changes, however, things can speed up a bit so keep your eye on the accurate and live-updated foliage report by clicking here.