It’s almost that time of year when the Windy City transforms into a gorgeous scene of fall colors complete with a crisp breeze that makes the entire city feel much cozier and more magical. You don’t need to venture far from downtown to find beautiful autumn colors. From peaceful gardens to waterfront strolls, here are five spots worth adding to your fall itinerary.   

Maggie Daley Park

Just steps from Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park is an easy place to enjoy the changing leaves while taking in some of Chicago’s best skyline views. Wander along the park’s paths and open spaces, or make your way across the BP Pedestrian Bridge for a different perspective of the city. The park’s connection to Millennium Park also makes it easy to turn a quick leaf-peeping stroll into a full afternoon of downtown exploring.

For the best experience, take your time wandering through the park rather than simply passing through. The combination of colorful foliage, Lake Michigan, and Chicago’s skyline makes for an especially scenic autumn backdrop.

Millennium Park & Lurie Garden

You don’t have to leave the heart of downtown to find fall color. Millennium Park transforms throughout the season, with trees around the park taking on vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange. The area around Cloud Gate is especially photogenic when the changing leaves are paired with the Chicago skyline and the park’s iconic architecture.

Be sure to make your way to Lurie Garden, too. The 2.5-acre garden offers a different kind of autumn scenery, with colorful plants and flowers adding seasonal texture to the downtown landscape. Lurie Garden can begin showing fall color earlier in the season, making it a great stop for an early autumn stroll.

Chicago Riverwalk

The Chicago Riverwalk offers a different way to experience fall in the city. Instead of heading into a traditional park, take a leisurely walk along the river and look for pockets of colorful trees and greenery woven between Chicago’s famous architecture. The Riverwalk’s combination of waterfront scenery, city views, and changing foliage makes it an especially memorable way to spend a crisp autumn afternoon. 

Grab a coffee or stop for a bite along the way, then continue wandering as the scenery changes from one section of the Riverwalk to the next. It’s a simple way to enjoy the season while still feeling connected to the energy of downtown.

Lincoln Park

If you’re looking for a more immersive fall walk, head north to Lincoln Park. As one of Chicago’s largest parks, it offers plenty of mature trees and scenic paths where you can really settle into the season. Maple, ash, birch, and elm trees contribute to the park’s vibrant autumn palette.

For some of the best scenery, explore the areas around North Pond and South Pond. You can also stroll along the Nature Boardwalk near Lincoln Park Zoo or wander through the gardens surrounding the Lincoln Park Conservatory. With so much to explore, Lincoln Park is an easy place to spend a few hours enjoying the crisp air and colorful surroundings.

Grant Park

Known as Chicago’s “front yard,” Grant Park offers plenty of room to take in the changing season. Wander through its tree-lined paths and gardens while enjoying views of the city, lake, and surrounding architecture. The park also connects naturally with other downtown green spaces, making it easy to combine your visit with Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park.

For a quintessential Chicago fall outing, bring your camera and make your way toward the lakefront. The contrast of autumn foliage against Lake Michigan and the city skyline creates an iconic Chicago backdrop.

See Chicago in a New Season

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy the beauty of fall. From the gardens of Millennium Park to the tree-lined paths of Lincoln Park, Chicago offers plenty of opportunities to slow down, get outside, and take in the changing season. Fall color in the Chicago area is generally best from September through early November, with the Chicago region's estimated peak often landing around the second week of October.

Make a day of it, explore at your own pace, and see a different side of the city this fall. And when you're ready to warm up after your adventure, Hotel EMC2 is the perfect place to return to.