Falling for Fall Foliage in Galena, Illinois

Although every season is truly our favorite season here at Farmers Guest House, there is a dramatic beauty to fall, one that takes our breath away every time we step out the door or peek out the window. The air is crisp, the smell of smoke from fireplaces wafts across the landscape, and the fall foliage—trees, bushes, even flowers—loudly demands your attention and appreciation. Today, we want to take you on a walk through the fall foliage in Galena, Illinois, so get out your cameras, pour some hot chocolate into your Stanley, and prepare to be awed and astounded by the fiery beauty of another perfect Illinois fall day. 

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! 

Best Time of Year for Leaf Peeping

When you can’t wait to set your sights on a spectacularly colorful fall scene in Galena, the best time of year to head this way is between mid-September and late October. With a camera and jacket in hand, you’ll be on your way to soaking up amazing fall foliage sights just about everywhere you look during this season.

Parks and Resorts Filled with Fall Colors

Getting out and discovering the very best fall foliage destinations is half the fun this time of year in Galena! When you’re ready to immerse yourself in amazing views, start your journey at the Mississippi Palisades State Park just a 35-minute drive away from town. Here, you’ll have access to a 2,500-acre state park filled with 15 miles of trails and forested bluffs that come to life in color when fall rolls around. A bit closer to central Galena, the Chestnut Mountain Resort offers visitors a prime place to stroll, bike, or even zip line to make the most of fall foliage scenery. Don’t overlook the fun of the alpine slide with the Mississippi River and fall foliage views framed from a great vantage point the entire family will love.

Trails, Rivers, and Gardens to Explore

If you’re the type of fall foliage enthusiast who loves lacing up their hiking boots and hitting the trails, be sure to put a trek along the Galena River Trail at the top of your fall leap-peeping list. This path leads to a high vantage point overlooking the Galena River and town which is sure to inspire and provide picture-perfect photo opportunities as well. Afterward, you can enjoy a picnic by the river immersed in your colorful surroundings and making the most of quality time with family and friends too. When you’re back in town, make your way to scenic Linmar Gardens for even more fall foliage fun! Located at 504 S. Prospect Street in Galena, this beautiful destination hosts a gazebo, rock formations, benches, and fantastic flora that enhance the changing colors overhead.

Fall Is for Parades

Is there anything finer than a small town parade? We don’t think so, and if your journey brings you to the fall foliage at the end of October, our 44^th Annual Halloween Parade and Festival will bring you the simple joys of an Illinois day in autumn. October 26^th is the big day, and as you sit on the sidewalk anxiously awaiting the parade’s start, you may find yourself losing yourself in the beauty of the fall foliage for which our Illinois hometown is known, even in the middle of town. It makes itself known in the planters that are filled with colorful mums sitting outside shops decorated for the season and in the distant canopy of trees alight with vibrance and fire. But when the parade starts, this spooky and wonderful procession is the largest and longest one in the Tri-State area; all eyes will be focused on spooky floats, talented marching bands, and costumed participants. A food fest before the parade begins at 6 PM will ensure that no one goes to bed hungry, and the sweet treats thrown from the parade will satisfy your kids’ desire for the good stuff. 

Those Quiet Moments of Color and Wonder 

The parade is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Galena and your stay in our Farmers Guest House fall escapes, but the most memorable part of your adventure will be the moments you spend exploring the fall foliage in Galena, Illinois. Maybe you will awaken every morning, pour yourself a cup of coffee, slip into a warm jacket, and simply walk through the trees you have been admiring from your perch on the balcony of your sanctuary. The quiet crunch of leaves beneath your feet, the whisper of fall breezes rustling trees filled with leaves of crimson, plum, and Halloween orange, and the nip of fall breezes will make this seasonal adventure one you never forget. We do recommend a hike along the many trails that lead through the Horseshoe Mound Preserve, leading hikers through some of the most stunning fall foliage in all of Illinois, as well as providing panoramic views of the landscape. 

Infuse Flavor into Your Fall Foliage Outing

Galena is a great place for wine lovers to treat their tastebuds to bold flavor profiles of all types year-round. During the fall, it’s a simple task to pair a wine-tasting experience with fall foliage admiring too! Start at Galena Cellars where you can make the most of a vineyard tour or drop by when they host the annual Fall Harvest & Art Festival. Nearby destinations like Rocky Waters Vineyard & Winery or Massbach Ridge Winery are also great options for making it a delicious fall foliage experience this year.