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Gorgeous colors, crisp air, and a wide variety of festive attractions near Chicago make fall in the Windy City a magical time indeed. Knowing this, many folks decide to travel to Chicago during the autumn months to enjoy everything the city offers. That includes Halloween fun, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities.
If you live near Chicago or are headed there this fall but aren’t sure where to start, this blog is just for you! It’s a detailed list of the best fall attractions near Chicago, Illinois in 2024, brought to you by the storage experts at iStorage Self Storage! Read on to discover all the fun the Windy City has to offer in autumn.
Outdoor Fall Activities in the Chicago Metro Area
Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patches
There are a few things that say “fall” more than pumpkin patches and apple picking. They’re two of the most beloved activities in Chicago during the fall months! If you’re big into apple cider, pumpkin carving, and frightful fun, the following attractions will be a delight!
- Royal Oak Farm Orchard (Harvard, IL)- With over 30 varieties of apples this farm is perfect for picking! They also offer a large pumpkin patch to grab your own, a fun carousel for the kids, a petting zoo, hayrides, and a train! Throw in their gift shop and bakery and you can make an entire day of it!
- Richardson Adventure Farm (Spring Grove, IL)- Boasting the world’s largest corn maze, Richardson Adventure Farm also offers pumpkin picking and hayrides. They have a petting zoo, too, making it a must-visit for you and your family! They also have a Christmas tree farm that opens the day after Thanksgiving.
- Sonny Acres Farm (West Chicago, IL)- Sonny Acres offers a delightfully scary haunted barn that will shiver your timbers! They also have several carnival rides, delicious apple cider donuts, and many more fall diversions. Don’t miss their haunted hayride!
Fall Foliage and Scenic Trails
Around Chicago the fall colors are truly spectacular and well worth a stroll, walk or hike to see them! There are several scenic trails where you can see the fall foliage up close and personal. We’ve got them listed for you below!
- Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL)- With 1700 acres of vibrant fall colors to explore, Morton Arboretum is perfect for hiking and leisurely walks.
- The 606 (Chicago, IL)- This elevated urban trail is an abandoned rail line that’s almost 3 miles long! It offers an exciting blend of stunning Chicago views and beautiful fall foliage.
- Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby, IL)- About 1.5 hours from the heart of Chicago, this awe-inspiring park features dramatic bluffs, incredible canyons, and, of course, beautiful fall colors. It’s the #1 attraction in the entire state!
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (Lemont, IL)- Offering woodlands, meadows, and a majestic waterfall, it’s perfect for fall hikes. Note that there are several places to park based on what you want to see most.
- Illinois Prairie Path (Various Locations)- Winding through several suburban forests, this 61-mile-long trail offers gorgeous autumn scenery. We recommend downloading their interactive rail map.
Halloween Activities and Attractions Near Chicago
The Chicago metro area offers plenty of thrilling Halloween activities for those looking for a fun fright.
Haunted Houses
- 13th Floor Haunted House (Melrose Park, IL)- One of the most famous haunted houses near Chicago, filled with terrifying actors and elaborate sets that are sure to give you a scare.
- HellsGate Haunted House (Lockport, IL)- Located in the woods, HellsGate offers an immersive haunted experience and spine-chilling surprises.
Halloween Events for Families
- Boo! at the Zoo (Brookfield Zoo, IL)- From late September through October, Brookfield Zoo transforms into a Halloween haven! Trick-or-treating, hayrides, and themed activities abound!
- Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL)- This festival offers pumpkin carving, rides, and live entertainment. And, of course, there are plenty of furry, fuzzy and finned animals to see!
Fantastic Festivals and Seasonal Events in Chicago
Autumn wouldn’t be the same without festivals celebrating the season’s harvest and annual traditions. Here are some top fall festivals in the Chicago area.
- Lincoln Square Oktoberfest (Chicago, IL)- Enjoy authentic German food, beer, and live music while celebrating Oktoberfest in Chicago’s historic Lincoln Square neighborhood.
- Oktoberfest at Hubbard Inn (Chicago, IL): You’ll sample Bavarian brews and classic bratwurst while dancing to live music during this lively downtown festival!
- Green City Market (Lincoln Park, IL): One of Chicago’s most popular farmers’ markets, Green City Market offers seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and delicious fall baked goods.
- Skokie Farmers’ Market (Skokie, IL): Just north of Chicago, this outdoor farmers’ market features (not surprisingly) a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. They also have a dedicated October market that goes through November.
More Attractions Near Chicago: Evanston, Glenview, and Posen, Illinois
Evanston: Fall Festivals and Scenic Views
- Evanston’s Oktoberfest– Local breweries, live music, and delicious food make for an authentic Oktoberfest experience in a relaxed suburban setting.
- Lighthouse Beach Park– The sandy shores of Lake Michigan beckon you to enjoy the crisp fall air and stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
Glenview: Nature and Family Fun
- The Grove– This 150-acre nature preserve has scenic walking trails and educational wildlife programs. Fall is the perfect time to visit The Grove as the weather is cooler and the foliage is fantastic!
Posen: Small-Town Charm and Seasonal Events
- Posen Pumpkin Patch Festival- Posen is home to a massive pumpkin patch where families can pick pumpkins and enjoy fun hayrides. The small-town vibe makes it a laid-back escape from the city.
Store With Confidence During Your Windy City Visit
Fall in Chicago is filled with exciting attractions, festive celebrations, and more color than you can imagine! It’s a great place to visit when the seasons change.
If you need help storing your belongings, a car, or your RV in Chicago, iStorage Self Storage can help! We’ve got storage facilities all over the Chicago metro area, including Posen, Glenview and Evanston, IL.
All iStorage facilities are safe, secure, and clean, with 24/7 video security, electronic gate access and on-site managers. Click or call to reserve a storage unit in Chicago today! Until then, we hope you enjoy all the fall festivities and activities Chicago has to offer!