Chicago’s many parks, gardens, and natural areas are gorgeous year-round — but they’re particularly stunning in the fall. That’s when you can see striking red, orange, and gold foliage that turns the city into a picture-perfect autumn scene. Whether youre strolling a lakefront park or a charming neighborhood, youll find breathtaking colors in every corner of the city.

Here are some of the best spots to see beautiful fall foliage in and near Chicago.

Lincoln Park

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline, scenic Lincoln Park is a local go-to for fall colors. Stroll along the Nature Boardwalk on the south of Lincoln Park Zoo, an urban oasis framed with skyline views. Or walk through the manicured gardens outside the Lincoln Park Conservatory before heading to the North Pond area, near Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, which stays lush all autumn long.

Millennium Park and Lurie Garden

The Bean in fallSee fall splendor right in the heart of downtown Chicago. The city’s iconic Millennium Park is bursting with color each fall, from the leaves changing color near Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) to the hidden Lurie Garden teeming with native plant life.

Art Institute of Chicago

Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park; photo by Adam Alexander Photography 2019 Just south of Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago is framed by two charming courtyards. The North Garden and the South Garden, located along Michigan Avenue, both feature sculptures, fountains, solitude, and trees and ivy that turn golden in fall.

Jackson ParkOne of Chicago’s most historic parks is also one of its most scenic. Nestled on the lakefront edge of the bustling Hyde Park neighborhood, Jackson Park is best known as the site of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Fall is the perfect time to explore the park’s Garden of the Phoenix, an authentic Japanese garden set on a tranquil lagoon.

The Lakefront Trail

Lakefront Trail Chicagos Lakefront Trail, which runs 18 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, is a scenic stretch that connects some of the citys most popular green spaces. In autumn, its a great way to see much of Chicagos best foliage. Walk or bike to explore different neighborhoods and see the changing leaves.

Humboldt Park

Humboldt Park in fall

Humboldt Park in fall

Humboldt Park in fall Located in the vibrant Humboldt Park neighborhood, this sprawling park contains scenic lagoons, mature willow trees, a manicured garden, ball fields, soccer fields, and a stunning historic boat house. Meander the winding paths or bring a blanket and have a picnic in the grass.

The 606An unexpected spot for some excellent leaf-peeping, The 606 (also known at the Bloomingdale Trail) is the perfect way to enjoy Chicagos fall foliage. Not only is the trail itself beautifully landscaped, but the elevated path also offers the perfect vantage point to admire neighborhood parks and boulevards from above.

Columbus Park

The Columbus Refectory in Columbus Park on Chicago’s West Side. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.This historic park in the Austin neighborhood, one of the nation’s only green spaces to be designated a National Historic Landmark, is a magical place in the fall. The foliage around the lagoon and waterfall in Columbus Park turns a vibrant array of colors, especially picturesque with the landmark Columbus Refectory in the background.

Garfield Park ConservatoryThe Garfield Park Conservatory is known for its striking greenhouse (dubbed landscape art under glass), but the surrounding grounds are just as gorgeous. The 10 acres of outdoor gardens include beautiful themed areas, including the City Garden, Artists Garden, Sensory Garden, and more.

Washington ParkThis historic park, home to the Dusable Black History Museum and Education Center, is filled with golden hues and vibrant leaves each autumn. Take a walk around the lagoon, admire the Harvest Garden, and snap a photo of the renowned Fountain of Time sculpture by Lorado Taft. The park connects directly to the Midway Plaisance, a scenic route to take between Washington Park and nearby Jackson Park.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Photo courtesy Chicago Botanic GardenThe Chicago Botanic Garden is gorgeous in every season — but fall is one of the most popular times to visit. That’s when you can see Chicago Botanic’s 27 gardens, four natural areas, nine islands, and six miles of lake shoreline bursting with autumn splendor. Plus, a fun roster of fall events (like the popular Night of 1,000 Pumpkins) are all the more reason to take the trip out to suburban Glencoe.

Morton Arboretum

Photo courtesy Morton Arboretum

Photo courtesy Morton ArboretumCan’t get enough of all those autumn leaves? Get your fall fix at Morton Arboretum, a sprawling living museum that’s home to more than 4,000 different types of trees. The Arboretum also offer tons of cool fall events, like the Fall Color 5k, Cider and Ale Festival, and the Glass Pumpkin Patch.

North Park Village Nature Center

North Park Nature Center in fall

North Park Village Nature Center; photo by Adam Alexander Explore woodland, wetland, prairie, and more at the North Park Village Nature Center. This sprawling natural oasis in the heart of the North Park neighborhood is an under-the-radar gem, especially around autumn.