SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- With fall now underway, the Illinois Office of Tourism has released the 2021 Fall Color Report as a helpful guide to help residents and visitors know the best time to spot fall foliage in all regions across the state.
Along with the Fall Color Report, the Illinois Office of Tourism has also released new road trip itineraries highlighting incredible fall experiences around Illinois. Each itinerary features unique places to stay, authentic small businesses to discover, places to eat, and one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures among the state’s changing leaves.
“The annual Fall Color Report offers travelers yet another reason to book their trip to Illinois and is the latest in a series of efforts by our administration to boost tourism activity in Illinois,” said Sylvia Garcia, Acting Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in a statement. “We hope visitors will use both the Illinois Fall Color report and new road trip itineraries as helpful resources to plan a trip to Illinois and take in some of the state’s most scenic views, while stimulating foot traffic at businesses, attractions and hotels that are vital to our tourism economy.”
The annual Fall Color Report is updated weekly, offering Illinoisans and visitors alike a real-time look at where to spot fall foliage during peak times in the following four regions of Illinois:
• Chicago & Beyond (Chicago and surrounding areas) - Second week of October
• Great Rivers Country (Western border of Illinois) - Second week of October
• Land of Lincoln (Central Illinois)-Middle of October
• Trails to Adventure (Southeast Illinois) - Last week of October
“Illinois state parks are great places to visit any time of the year, and our parks are particularly beautiful this time of year thanks to the colors of fall,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Colleen Callahan. “Take your family on a fall colors drive or hike and enjoy the show in the woodlands, along the river bluffs and lakes and on the trails and hills of breathtaking state parks.”
The newly released fall road trip itineraries were created to expose the beautiful sights and attractions unique to Illinois.
Itinerary highlights include:
• Frights & Delights in Illinois - Featuring local haunts in the southwest region of the state like the McPike Mansion and Alton Hauntings Tours, winner of a 2021 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award.
• Tour of Spookiness and Charm from Rockford to Galena -Highlighting scenic fall sights like the changing leaves at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, sliding into the season on the Alpine Slide at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, and taking a ghost tour through Historic Main Street in Galena.
• Great Pumpkin Country - Showcasing some of Central Illinois’ fun-filled agritourism destinations for families to enjoy like the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, meeting friendly reindeer at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, and tasting homemade fudge at Flesor’s Candy Kitchen in Tuscola.
• Haunted Chicago - Highlighting some surprisingly spooky stops, stays and views around the city like Historic Water Tower, kayaking along the Chicago River, strolling through Lincoln Park Zoo and a stay at The Drake Hotel.
To view the Fall Color Report and for more information on the road trip itineraries, visit EnjoyIllinois.com.
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