Midwest Fall Foliage

13 Best Midwest Fall Foliage Places to Visit

Best Midwest Fall Foliage

With the leaves of fall turning bright yellows, crimson reds, and rustic oranges, it is impossible not to sit back and admire them. Entire forests are ablaze and screaming the beauty of fall.

You might be interested in searching out some of the most magical spots in all the Midwest Region of the U.S., and you might be surprised to find them closer to home then you realized.

Here are thirteen stunning places to visit that allow you to see and experience incredible fall foliage and surround yourself with beauty.

  1. Brown County State Park
    1810 State Road 46 East
    Nashville, IN 47448

    From year round camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding, you won’t be bored at Indiana’s largest state park. With twelve different hiking paths to choose from ranging from easy to moderate, you are sure to find one that fits you at Brown County State Park. The views of rolling hills in the fall will for sure take your breath away.

  2. The Morton Arboretum
    4100 Illinois Route 53
    Lisle, IL 60532

    The Morton Arboretum is tucked away in the middle of DuPage County, Illinois. It is home to over 1700 acres and is filled with gardens of different plant types. The Morton Arboretum hosts over 4,100 different species of trees, shrubs, and other plants. With 16 miles of hiking trails and roadways for driving and biking, you can only imagine how stunning this place looks in the fall.

    The Morton Arboretum prides itself by hosting varieties of plants from all around the world. If you are looking to get landscaping inspiration, you will not lack ideas from this place. Bring the kids along with you as you gaze at the fall beauty as they have an interactive and engaging children’s garden.

  3. Forest Park
    5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park
    St. Louis, MO 63112

    Forest Park is host to all of St. Louis’ top cultural institutions. With 1300 acres of park, this urban park is a great destination for any time of year. Make sure to visit in the fall. The park has a six mile hiking trail that will encircle the entire park passing lakes, savannas, and all the parks cultural institutions. You will get a stunning view of fall in its full slender.

  4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
    1550 Boston Mills Road
    Peninsula, Ohio 44264

    It might seem surprising that this stunning National Park is so close to the cities from Akron and Cleveland. You will love thehe winding Cuyahoga River that creates deep forests, beautiful rolling hills and open farmlands at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This incredible National Park provides amazing fall views.

  5. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

    This town is located in the bottom right corner of Wisconsin and has stunning views that will be worth the trip. The town is located on the beautiful Lake Geneva and boasts views of both lake and multi colored forests. Activities are endless in the fall at Lake Geneva.

  6. Mackinac Region, Michigan

    With fall foliage at each direction you look, Michigan’s Mackinac Region is a must see in the fall. It might be known for its summer attractions, but coming in the fall is completely worth the trip.

  7. Door County, Wisconsin

    With New England architecture, Door County is known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Mile after mile of amazing fall foliage awaits. Visit five different state parks, stop at a local winery, and take in the stunning views.

  8. Katy Trail, Missouri

    Travel the 225 miles of trails through wine country, small towns, and farmland. Traveling the Katy Trail will take you up close to some of the most stunning views in all of Missouri.

  9. Glacial Hills Scenic Highway, Kansas

    This stunning place gets its name from the ancient glaciers that cut through this lands creating extremely fertile farmland, rolling hills, and carved valleys. This place is both historic and beautiful and offers endless amounts of activities.

  10. Minnesota’s North Shore

    Along the shore of Lake Superior you will find beautiful water falls, inland mountains, and amazing hiking trails. Visit any of the eight state parks to see the stunning red maples in their full fall splendor.

  11. Parke Countries Covered Bridges, Indiana

    Just 55 miles west of Indianapolis, you will find home to the place with the most covered bridges. Bring your camera and be ready to see some unbelievable fall photos. Don’t miss the Covered Bridge Festival hosted every October.

  12. M-22 Michigan Highway
    If you have ever been The Sleeping Sand Dunes, you won’t be surprised to hear that it was voted as the most beautiful places to visit by Good Morning America’s viewers in 2011. Travel M-22, a single highway, over 116 magnificent miles.

    Located on the west side of Michigan along Lake Michigan, the route will take you around Leelanau Peninsula and back down through Traverse City. Stop in beach towns, visit a local microbrewery, and take all of the stunning reds, oranges, and yellows. Take on the challenge of hiking down and back up the 300 foot sand dune.

  13. Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, North Dakota
    While North Dakota is known for flat land, you will be pleased to experience the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. Following the Sheyenne River you will find 63 miles of beautiful views. The stunning bright yellows, and reds of fall are beautiful.

Take Away

Traveling in the fall offers some of the most amazing views you might every experience. There are many destinations stretching from the Dakotas, to Ohio, and throughout the U.S. that are sure to take your breath away. You might be living right by a fall gold mine and not even know it.

Over to You

Which of these places have you experienced in the fall? Are there any places on this list that you hope to visit one day? What places do you enjoy visiting to experience stunning fall views that aren’t on this list?

Maybe life is busy for you and it might be hard to get away, taking an afternoon, or even a lunch break to stop and experience the stunning colors of the trees as they turn color can breathe life into one soul. Please share your favorite places to visit in the comments below. We would to see how you are enjoying your fall.

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