Want to Know the Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Galena, IL?
Autumn is our favorite season in northwest Illinois! We love to watch as the leaves turn from green to beautiful hues of orange, yellow, and red. From the tree-lined streets of downtown to the top of Chesnut Mountain, the fall colors are simply breathtaking no matter where you view them! Read on to discover four of our favorite spots to view fall foliage in Galena, IL!
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, access our Galena Vacation Guide. This free resource is filled with local insight on the best things to see and do during each season in our area!
Top 4 Places to See the Fall Foliage in Galena, IL
Galena is one of the best places to escape the city for fall foliage near Chicago. Here are four of our favorite places to view fall foliage if you’re planning an autumn trip to our area!
1. Mississippi Palisade State Park
Mississippi Palisade State Park is about a 35-minute drive from Galena, IL. This 2,500-acre Illinois state park is home to a 15-mile trail system that is most beautiful in the fall! It’s easy to access several lookout points with fantastic fall views of the forested bluffs!
2. Chestnut Mountain Resort
Chestnut Mountain Resort is a great place to hike, bike, or zip line to fantastic views of fall foliage! The Soaring Eagle Zipline, run by Chestnut Mountain Resort, is one of the most exciting ways to take in the fall colors in Galena, IL. You can catch glimpses of the fall foliage with the whole family, or try their Alpine Slide, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River!
3. Galena River Trail
You need to take a bike ride along the Galena River Trail during your autumn visit to our area! If you need a bike, you can rent one from Fever River Outfitters. Then, hit the popular Galena Junction Trail to enjoy beautiful views as you zoom through the rolling hills toward the backwaters of the Mississippi River!
4. Galena Cellars
Typically, Galena Cellars hosts the annual Fall Harvest & Art Festival. Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the event is canceled for 2020. However, Galena Cellars Winery and Vineyard is still a great place to enjoy fall foliage during a vineyard tour!
Fall in Love with a Stay at Farmers Guest House
Relax at Farmers Guest House after a day in search of the best fall foliage in Galena, IL. The best time to view fall colors in Galena is from mid-September through November, so be sure to keep that in mind while you’re planning your trip!
Consider a stay in Annie’s Galena Cottage. This cottage is tucked away in our secluded backyard and features a king-size bed, a whirlpool tub-for-two, and a fireplace. Guests can also enjoy two private porches that are shaded by towering trees dressed in beautiful hues of fall colors.
Browse all our guest rooms to select your favorite. Then, check our availability to start planning your trip to Galena in the fall!
