Four of the Best Drives in Illinois and Wisconsin for Leaf Peeping Season

Oct 9, 2025

Maybe we’re a little bit biased because we live here, but we really think that Autumn in the Midwest is better than anywhere else in the country. From the wide variety of harvest festivals and Oktoberfest events, unique farms and orchards, and absolutely unmatched scenic drives and foliage views, there’s just something special you can’t find anywhere else. The views here are breathtaking! So, on today’s blog, we’re bringing you four of the best places to visit for leaf-peeping season in your own backyard.

Northwest Illinois Loop in Illinois is a four hour loop drive winding through several stunning state parks. You’ll start your journey in Galena and make your way through Mississippi Palisades Park, White Pines Forest, Lowden State Park, and Lake Le-Aqua-Na. In Mississippi Palisades State Park you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous foliage views overlooking the bluffs of the Mississippi; the foliage here is usually peak by Mid-October. White Pines Forest State Park usually hits peak in mid to late October, sometimes extending into early November if the weather is just right. Lowden State Park is known for its picturesque walking trails through the autumnal foliage, which generally peaks in the 2nd and 3rd week of October. Lake Le-Aqua-Na Recreation Area offers stunning reflective views of the changing foliage, especially the hickory, maple, and oak in the region which line the lake bluffs; color here peaks in the 3rd and 4th week of October.

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is an impressive 200+ mile loop taking you on a gorgeous autumnal tour of the state with waterfront views, forest bluffs, and of course plenty of foliage. Recommended destinations on the route include Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Peoria Heights and a little side trip for the views on Grand View Drive, Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, (both of the aforementioned we’ve covered in previous blogs!), Shore Acres Park, and both Allen Park as well as Washington Square Park in Ottawa.

Door County Circle Tour in Wisconsin takes you from North to South to enjoy the full splendor of autumn in Door County. The Door Peninsula includes 19 different communities, several smaller villages and towns, as well as a few islands, each of which can be reached through the Door County Coastal Byway System. Recommended towns to include are Fish Creek, Ephraim, Baileys Harbor, Ellison Bay. Peak foliage in Door county ranges from Mid-September to Mid-October, making it great for repeat trips to try every autumnal activity the area has to offer!

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in Wisconsin is a 115-mile trek that brings you through 6 different counties in the state. You’ll start at Elkhart Lake in the North and end near Whitewater Lake in the South. This is the drive for nature lovers as it takes you directly through the massive Kettle Moraine State Forest, offering immersive and impressive autumnal foliage experience. We highly recommend stopping by Spruce Lake Bog Natural State Area, Crooked Lake Wetlands State Natural Area, Kewaskum Maple-Oak Woods State Natural Area, Eagle Oak Opening State Natural Area, Ottawa Lake Fen State Natural Area.