Seasonal & Holidays

This Illinois City Has Some Of The Best Fall Views In The Midwest

The best place in Illinois to go leaf peeping is in this downstate city, according to Rocket Homes.

Giant City State Park shows off its fall color in this 2002 file photo.
Giant City State Park shows off its fall color in this 2002 file photo. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

CARBONDALE, IL — The leaves have started to change in Illinois but there are still a few weeks left before the state reaches its full fall glory and the colors peak.

So what’s the best place to enjoy the natural splendor? Real estate company Rocket Homes says it’s Carbondale. The downstate city recently made the company’s list of The 12 Best Cities To View Fall Foliage, ranking third in the Midwest behind Bloomington, Indiana, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Leaf peepers looking for the best autumn has to offer around Carbondale can check out nearby Shawnee National Forest or Giant City State Park to take in the festive falling leaves, according to Rocket Homes. The Southern Illinoisan also recommended Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

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The colors in Carbondale are expected to peak Oct. 24, Rocket Homes said, noting it used data analysis from BestPlaces.net, which assessed deciduous tree coverage, plant hardiness, latitude and elevation to find the most stunning fall views.

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