My husband and I are planning to drive along the Great River Road in Illinois (south of Galena to St. Louis) in the next few weeks. We'd really like to catch some beautiful fall foliage.
Does anyone have any experience on the best timing? All color reports I've seen this week say we're barely getting any color in IL right now. But I know it comes on quick! Any experience from previous years?
Any town/park in particular we should see?
Thank you!
Great River Road - When to drive for best fall colors? And recs?
Recent Activity
View all United States activity »
- 1 Sonoma CA Accommodations
- 2 Carmel, California where to stay??
- 3 Traveling the upper west coast into vancouver
- 4 San Franciso to Vancouver
- 5 Pick up north of Boston Logan
- 6 ETHNIC RESTAURANTS IN DC W/ ETHNIC ENTERTAINMENT
- 7 time for a new countdown to Hawaii
- 8 Maine - July 5th to July 14
- 9 Minneapolis Hotel
- 10 Place for lunch in Philly?
- 11 Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park opens today
- 12 South Tahoe around July 4 - GTG?
- 13 Driving from Seattle to San Fran
- 14 Which boat tour to take in New York with kids in June?
- 15 Washington Wineries
- 16
Luxor Egypt
- 17 MERIDIAN HILL PARK DRUM CIRCLE
- 18
Charleston, Savannah and more cheesy grits please
- 19 Road trip Sacramento to Denver, help requested
- 20 Seward to Anchorage
- 21 California, Northern
- 22 Buy now or wait . . . airfare to Santa Barbara in late July?
- 23 East coast tour - Part2: Phily, Washington, Niagara Falls
- 24 New York City Parking
- 25 JFK to Upper West Side by subway
In Chicago the colors have barely changed. I would wait at least 2 weeks. Pieere Marquette park 40 miles north of Alton is a nice stop. Look there and at the Alton Dam for Eagles.
The ferries are a fun way to cross the Illinois and Missouri Rivers. I think It is the Golden Eagle.
I agree with Chicagofan. The leaves have barely changed. I would wait until the thrid week of Oct.
If you go to Pere Marquette Park, drive to the highest point and get out and do a little hike. It is exquisite! Overlooks Mississippi and has great views. The lodge has been renovated and is beautiful. They have a brunch and serve Fried Chicken family style.
Sounds like fun - Have a good time! We have biked some of the River Road and enjoy the scenery.
Should have added that I live in Chicago...
Yeah, not much color yet, but it comes fast! Thanks for the tips... the ferries sound fun! And we're definitely into hiking - that view in Pere Marquette sounds lovely!