3 Road Trip Destinations Worth The Drive This Fall For Illinoisans

The Midwest is home to some of the most beautiful fall landscapes in the country, with some just a short drive away from Chicago.

This fall, get out and enjoy the beautiful nature and autumn activities that make the season so special for Midwesterners. To help, Patch has put together a list of three destinations worth driving to this fall and some things to do there.

Close Trip

Hours Away: ~ 1 hour Vibe: Fall family fun

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is a family-friendly road trip destination built around hands-on farm activities and pumpkin picking. The farm says families can spend time together there while taking part in activities included with admission. It’s a fourth-generation family farm that operates year-round. That working farm identity is part of what makes Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm different from other pumpkin farms, allowing visitors can go into a real pumpkin field and pick a pumpkin right off the vine.

The farm also focuses on teaching visitors about agriculture, with staff that is passionate about educating and teaching young and old about farming, where food comes from, and the importance of farmers.

There are more than 45 attractions that include huge corn mazes, a petting zoo and the cottonwood railroad.

Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.

Day Trip

Hours Away: ~ 2.5 hours Vibe: Chill fall activity

For those looking for more of a low-key day trip, the South Haven and Saugatuck area in Michigan offers a simple option.

Overhiser Orchards is among the notable stops in the area, and it has been in fruit farming since 1863. It has been operated by the same family for more than 150 years, with the current operators representing the fifth generation. Families can take part in U-pick offerings that include sweet and sour cherries, peaches, pears, plums and apples.

At the end of the visit, day-trippers can wind down with a scenic beach walk, grab something to eat and head home.

Weekend Getaway

Hours Away: ~3 hours Vibe: Jaw-dropping fall wonderland

There is no better place to plan a fall weekend getaway than Galena and the Great River Road along the western border of Illinois. There is no shortage of fall-themed activities for visitors to enjoy.

In Galena, the local Halloween parade is described as one of the largest in the tri-state area and a major draw for downtown visitors. The event attracts tens of thousands of people and includes floats, marching bands, costumed characters and entertainment for all ages. The parade is presented as a longtime fall tradition and one of the region's anticipated seasonal celebrations.

The Great River Road stretches along Illinois' western border and follows the Mississippi River, and features views of the river's banks and bluffs. The scenic road passes through communities including Moline, Quincy, Alton and Cairo, making it an option for either a weekend trip or a longer drive through multiple river towns.

The route carries a broader tourism distinction as well, with National Geographic including the Illinois Great River Road in its “500 Drives of a Lifetime."

Travelers can choose different types of stays along the route, including camping, cabins and resorts. While in the area, visitors are spoiled for choice for ways to enjoy nature in the fall, including ziplining, horseback riding and hiking.