Fall is particularly magic, the leaves turn golden in Millennium Park, a cool breeze blows near the lake and the city is filled with a flurry of events. Whether you want to celebrate Halloween, take in the neighborhood architecture or soak in the fall colors.
This city is gorgeous year-round, but it really shines in the fall. Whether you’re wandering a lakefront park or just meandering the leaf-strewn streets of a charming neighborhood, you’ll find pops of fall foliage everywhere you go. Do some serious leaf peeping at these top places to see fall colors in and around Chicago:
Chicago celebrates Halloween with its own unique style — you’ll find artistic evening spectacles, glowing pumpkin displays, spooky tours of haunted places, family-friendly festivals, and beyond. Check out a few of the events we’re most excited about this year:
It’s not fall until you visit a pumpkin patch. And you don’t even need to leave the Chicago area to do it. Our seasonal pumpkin patches include an over-the-top pop-up, an artist-driven nighttime display, and a family-friendly event at the zoo.
Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. Experience authentic traditions, cultural celebrations, art exhibits, and more all inspired by the Mexican holiday throughout Chicago. The National Museum of Mexican Art is a hub for many of these activities, including the annual Día de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball and the popular Día de Muertos exhibit.
It’s not too late to get out on the water! Many of Chicago’s boat tours are still setting sail through the autumn season, like the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady through late fall (weather permitting). Tours are led by expert docents, who will share the fascinating stories of more than 50 buildings that make up Chicago’s iconic skyline.
Shoreline Sightseeing, City Experience dining cruises, Seadog speedboat tours, Wendella Tours and Cruises, and more are also booking lake and river adventures through autumn. And many offer indoor and climate-controlled options so you can stay comfortable no matter the weather. Grab your tickets today.
Chicago is a city with plenty of haunting history, from the Great Chicago Fire to the sinking of the SS Eastland. These events have led to more than a few urban legends and plenty of alleged supernatural sightings. Decide for yourself on these haunted and ghost tours of the city:
