The season’s brilliant orange, red and yellow leaves are proof that fairies exist. Well, maybe not exactly, but the colors certainly are magical. Catch some of that enchantment among the flora-filled expanses of two Chicago area destinations, both accessible by Metra train, and one that we love because of its Halloween-time fun.
Glencoe: Chicago Botanic Garden
As autumn arrives, the Chicago Botanic Garden transforms into a spectacular display of seasonal color, offering a serene and beautiful escape from the city. The garden’s 385 acres are filled with vibrant fall foliage, from the golden yellow of the ginkgo trees to the fiery red of the maples, creating a stunning backdrop for a walk. Late-blooming flowers like mums, asters, and ornamental grasses also add a rich texture to the landscape. Visitors can enjoy the crisp air while exploring the winding paths, particularly in areas like the Japanese Garden and the Dixon Prairie, which are especially picturesque as the seasons change. The garden’s autumn beauty provides a perfect opportunity for photography, a peaceful stroll, or simply a moment of quiet reflection.
Fall Fun and Activities
The Grand Tram Tour is a narrated tram ride that takes visitors on a 35-minute journey through the Chicago Botanic Garden. The tour provides an overview of the garden’s main attractions, including its nine islands and 385 acres of meticulously cultivated gardens.
The Model Railroad Garden is a popular, family-friendly exhibit that features a miniature train winding through a landscape of more than 5,000 tiny plants. It includes detailed replicas of 18 famous American landmarks, all crafted from natural materials, making it a unique and charming attraction for all ages. Catch this and the Grand Tram Tour through October.
Lincolnshire: Didier Farms
Pumpkinfest
At this beloved family-owned farm northwest of Chicago, fall comes in the form of its annual Pumpkinfest (through October 31). Park and grab a little red wagon to haul your great pumpkins back to the car. Then return for the fun at Didier Farms: carnival rides, corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, bouncy houses, camel and pony rides. When you’ve done it all, make a stop at the farmstand, stocked with freshly made apple pies, jams and preserves, honey, baked breads and cookies, and spooky-cute autumn decor for inside and out.
Lisle: Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, celebrates autumn with its annual Fall Color Festival, a series of events and activities that showcase the season’s changing leaves. The festival’s signature events include the Fall Wine Tasting, which invites guests to enjoy seasonal wines while strolling through the gardens, and the Cider and Ale Festival, a ticketed event featuring samples from local breweries and cideries. A highlight for families is the Glass Pumpkin Patch, where visitors can browse handcrafted glass art and watch live glassblowing demonstrations.
Fall Fun for Everyone
For those who enjoy a more active experience, the Fall Color 5K Run and Walk winds through the arboretum’s beautiful wooded grounds. The event offers a virtual option and provides free admission to the arboretum on race day for all participants. Additionally, visitors can take a guided Acorn Express tram tour to enjoy a narrated journey through the 1,700-acre landscape, offering a unique perspective on the fall foliage and the arboretum’s natural ecology.
