10 fun fall things to do in and around Chicago

In Chicago, fall offers a breather between boiling summer weather and the brutal winter months. With high temperatures in the 60s and 70s, there’s no better time to get out and enjoy the city. There’s still a lot going on, but tourism is decidedly more subdued. Take advantage of this quieter time with our top picks for fall in Chicago.

Get an inside look at the making of a great Chicago craft beer. You’ll even be under the influence; your price of admission (free!) includes a complimentary beer at the beginning, not the end of the tour. Afterwards, sample seasonal beers at the brewing company’s taproom, and enjoy some mini-golf or shuffleboard. The only food available is popcorn, so bring your favorite eats.

Where: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Local Native American history, challenging hikes, and stunning scenery makes this park well worth the 90-minute drive from Chicago. You’ll question whether you’re really in Illinois as you take in the cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls. Oh, and the fall foliage isn’t bad, either. Looking to make a weekend out of it? Stay at the on-site lodge or in one of the cabins.  

Where: 2568 E 950th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348 (lodge)

Most of Galena’s buildings are included in the northwestern Illinois town’s historic district. Its DeSoto House Hotel, built in 1855, isn’t just the oldest in the state. It’s hosted Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Mark Twain, and too many other legendary figures to mention. Downtown Galena is lined with charming brick storefronts, and tourist offerings include everything from ghost tours and horseback riding to eagle scouting and hot-air ballooning.

With nearly 150 beers in its current lineup, this Chicago brewery is a beer lover’s dream. The $10 admission gets you 3 of those beers, a pint glass to take home, and an in-depth tour. Half Acre is big on experimentation, making small batches to ensure space for new beers. Fill your growler with one of the growler station’s dozen or so beer varieties, and come hungry; the Half Acre kitchen’s starters, burrito bowls, and other eats are on par with the company’s craft beers.

Where: 4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Get up-close and personal with nature this fall at the arboretum in Lisle. Year-round classes and events targeted make learning fun. Explore the trails with your dog; You’ll marvel at the diversity of the landscape with its marshes, lakes, prairie, forest, and hills. Check the arboretum’s website for a fall foliage color report. The Cider and Ale Festival, Theatre-Hikes® featuring classic literary tales, and the Glass Pumpkin Patch with arboretum-exclusive works of glass art are just a few of the fall events scheduled for 2017.

Where: 4100 Illinois Rt 53, Lisle, IL 60532

Step back in time at this Illinois state park. Situated where the DuPage and Des Plaines rivers meet to form the Illinois River, the park is located along the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. Attractions like the lock-keeper’s house, the canal, and the lock make for an educational, relaxing getaway. Enjoy camping, kayaking, bicycling, and other outdoor fun; on-site camping is available.

Where: 25302 W Story, Channahon, IL 60410

Kill 3 birds with one stone by soaking up the gorgeous fall weather, dining on portable cuisine, and picking up your weekly produce. Tomatoes and cucumbers aren’t the only items for sale at this year-round outdoor market, though. Spend your Sunday browsing collectibles, household goods, jewelry, and other things you didn’t know you needed. Bring your appetite: tacos, tamales, horchata, and other goodies are available. Bonus: you don’t have to leave your dog at home, either.

Where: 800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60607

If you’ve never rented a Divvy in Chicago, get on board with this bike-sharing program. Get access to bikes for short or long rides with an annual membership or a 24-hour pass. Memberships cost just 10 times as much as daily passes, making the former a far better deal for frequent riders. Take in the colorful Chicago fall foliage lining the lakefront while you get a great workout.

Where: Various locations

Nothing says fall like a day at the apple orchard. Pick apples in the orchard, marvel at the sunflower patch, make your way through the corn maze and get chummy with animals at the petting zoo. Or let someone else transport you around the property on a train or hay ride. Inside, be sure to try the amazing donuts and apple cider. This is a great place to find fall decorations as well. Situated fewer than 50 minutes from Chicago, County Line Orchard in Hobart, IN, is well worth the short trip.

Where: 200 S County Line Rd, Hobart, IN 46342

Free Street Theater is committed to making theater accessible to, and representative of, all kinds of people. Since its founding in 1969, the Chicago theater company has combined community residencies, incubator programs, free workshops and other efforts to involve diverse groups in thought-provoking, entertaining productions. Catch a show, or get involved in a production this fall.

Where: 1419 West Blackhawk Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60642

Whatever your interests, Chicago has you covered this fall. From bicycling along the lakefront to sampling your way through a vast array of Chicago craft beers, a great time is virtually guaranteed. Soak up the colors of fall foliage in Illinois, or head indoors with these fun ideas for enjoying fall in Chicago.