Illinois Fall Bucket List: Fun Things to Do Before the First Snow
When pumpkin spice starts showing up in your coffee and your favorite hoodie makes its annual comeback, you know it’s time to pack in as much fall fun as possible before Illinois turns into a frozen tundra. Here’s a quick hit list of cozy, colorful, and Instagram-worthy ideas to plug into your calendar before winter crashes the party.
Illinois Fall Bucket List: Fun Things to Do Before the First Snow
Pick Your Own Apples (and Maybe a Donut or Two)
From Jonamac Orchard in Malta to Edwards Apple Orchard West in Winnebago, Illinois is full of places where you can pick apples, sip fresh cider, and devour cinnamon sugar donuts like it’s a competitive sport.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove boasts the “World’s Largest Corn Maze”, and they’re not exaggerating. You can wander for hours or pretend you’re looking for the exit when really you’re just stalling to get more kettle corn.
MORE: 5 Great Ways to Hijack Feel-Good Fall Hormones in Illinois
Take a Scenic Drive for Peak Leaf Peeping
Head down the Great River Road along the Mississippi or cruise through Starved Rock State Park to catch the leaves in their fiery, golden glory. Bonus: zero raking involved.
Warm Up at a Fall Festival
From Galena’s Country Fair to Long Grove’s Apple Fest, these events pack in live music, comfort food, and enough craft vendors to start your holiday shopping early (or just buy more candles you don’t need).
Get out there before Illinois goes from “hoddie and sweater weather” to “why do I live here?” mode.
MORE: 3 Illinois Places Among Best for Fall Foliage in America
31 Photos Proving There's No Illinois Town More Beautiful Than Galena
Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon
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