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When leaves glow amber and crimson, curling up and bending like old roadmaps, Chicagoans know it’s time to head outdoors and out of town to enjoy some of our area’s best autumn offerings. A spontaneous day trip is sometimes just what we over-scheduled city-folk need, so that we can take a breath and remember that there is life outside our fair but demanding city, and that a day away won’t make it all disappear. In fact, it just might make it even sweeter upon return!

Autumn Splendor at Rock River Valley
90 miles from Chicago
From Chicago, take I-90 to US 20 in Rockford, then Route 2 South

Gold and russet-colored maple, oak and hickory trees frame the Rock River as it meanders through Illinois toward the Mississippi beside steep wooded limestone bluffs. Boasting three state parks within 15 minutes of each other, visitors can admire the scenery between Byron and Grand Detour in Ogle County by renting a canoe from the Rock River Bridge in Oregon (the county seat), hiking or packing a picnic lunch. The Byron Forest Preserve is a 450-acre area of restored prairie, home to more than 400 prairie plants native to Illinois, including endangered species like Hill’s thistle, prairie smoke and shooting star. When you’re ready to head inside, check out the Jarrett Prairie Center, a small museum featuring displays about the early Native Americans who lived here, and hands-on exhibits of local floral and fauna. If you can make it on a Tuesday night, you won’t want to miss the Weiskopf Observatory for some clear sky stargazing. Nearby Castle Rock State Park is a dazzling spot named for a sandstone butte that stands beside the river. Populated by white-tailed deer, foxes, wild turkeys, herons and kingfishers, this 2,200-acre park offers one of the area’s best panoramic perspectives, highlighted by deep ravines and interesting rock formations. The most popular attraction in the valley is the White Pines Forest State Park, which was created in 1927 to protect the state’s last stand of virgin white pines.

Buffalo Rock State Park
45 miles from Chicago
Take I-55 to I-80 Exit 90
8am to sunset

Located on a bluff overlooking the Illinois River, Buffalo Rock is a charming park with scenic views and an unusual claim to fame. Its cliffs offer varied terrain and walking trails in addition to an enormous outdoor sculpture. Titled Effigy Tumuli, this series of figures pays homage to the 4,000-year-old practice of mound-building among the Native Americans who once inhabited the area. While traipsing through the park, be sure to keep an eye out for giant earthen mounds in the shapes of a catfish, turtle, 2, 000-foot-long snake and 18-foot-high frog. Commissioned in 1983 as part of an effort to reclaim public land, observers have said that it is one of the largest public sculptures since Mount Rushmore.

Enjoy the sights by hiking an easy 2.5-mile loop trail. Beginning in oak and hickory woodland, the trail follows the river through a mix of dense woodland and prairie. It’s also good to note that a playground, restrooms, baseball diamond and soda machine are available.

Chicago Botanic Gardens
Bike It!
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Open every day except Christmas, 8am-sunset

Right in our own backyard is one of the Midwest’s finest day trips. Pack a picnic and grab your bicycle! The Chicago Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to enjoy fall’s finery. The interior gardens are the main attraction but many visitors miss the striking views of the prairie and the woodland. There are 305 acres of landscaped grounds, 23 distinct gardens and 9 islands. Several bike trails lead to the garden (5-m.p.h speed limit), and with bike racks in the parking lot, you’ll be set for a perfect day even when you need to stretch your legs. Don’t forget your helmet!

Indiana Dunes State Park
50 miles from Chicago
I-90 east to I-94 east. Take IN-49 North, exit number 26B

This three-mile stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan delights many Chicagoans throughout the year. Its desert plants, giant wood ferns and white pines surround looming sand dunes to frolic in and body surf down. There is plenty of camping and hiking available, with seven gorgeous trails including a boardwalk through wetland areas, a 5.5-mile trail with stunning views of the city skyline and access to the nine-mile Calumet Trail. If you need some retail relaxation after your day in the fresh air, head to Chesterton for boutique shopping.

Michigan City, Indiana
50 miles from Chicago
94 South or the Skyway

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this popular recreation and resort community boasts both cultural and natural attractions. Visit the Michigan City Lighthouse and Museum, and tour the Historic Downtown area, stopping by the Washington Park Zoo. Whether you’re interested in galleries, theaters, golf, antiquing or gambling, you’ll find plenty of options in this conveniently located and lovely town. Public transit fans can hop on the train to save gas on the field trip. The Indiana Sand Dunes are right around the corner, so consider a whole weekend getaway.

Lake Geneva
72 miles from Chicago
Take I-90 West to US 12 North, intersection of Hwys 120 and 50

Centuries ago, the Potawatomi tribe named this lake "Sparkling Water" and in 1836, it was set aside for public use so that everyone could enjoy its beauty. Drive down rustic roads and stop for fresh apples at one of the area’s many orchards. There are several places to rent watercraft like ski-boats, paddle boats, jet skis, and canoes, or for a different perspective, sign up for a hot air balloon ride!

Vacationers flock here for the area’s scenic beauty, as well as for its rich history. Shoppers hunt through quaint antique stores, and architecture buffs enjoy tours of the large historic homes in the area, including a summer mansion once owned by the Wrigleys. Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, founded in 1892 is another area highlight. Administered by the University of Chicago, the 77-acre, park-like observatory houses a 40-inch refracting telescope, the largest of its type in the world. But whether you are an astronomer or an architect, an extreme sport aficionado or a world-class "antiquer," you are likely to find that Lake Geneva offers that something special for you and your day away.

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