During the first two weeks of October, Chicago's trees shake off the last vestiges of summer in favor of red, orange and yellow splendor. You can check out places like Millennium Park and other iconic Chicago attractions to soak in the sight of colorful leaves against cityscape vistas. Whether you prefer to wander amid nature preserves or crunch leaves on the city's downtown streets, here are all the best places to find fall foliage in Chicago. Lincoln Park Leaf peeping in Lincoln Park is a no-brainer, as plenty of other amenities exist here, too. The kids can play on one of the many playgrounds in the area, or you can start the day with a date at the zoo, pointing out all sorts of furry creatures before strolling along the outdoor paths. Chicago's largest park has trees aplenty, with red maple, ash, birch and elm all standing tall, and you can walk, jog or bike by them.Fall at Lincoln Park Zoo October 1- November 1 Simply make your free reservation to visit the zoo this fall to stroll the one-way trail and cherish the fall ambiance without the crowds. This year, Lincoln Park Zoo will be adorned with carved pumpkins, corn husks, and hay bales—not to mention the crisp autumn breeze rustling orange and yellow leaves and fall temperatures favorable for outdoor animal viewing. Along the way, enjoy two new experiences—the Pumpkin Walk, a beautifully designed path through Pritzker Family Children's Zoo (one $3 ticket required for entry), and Patch's Pumpkin Bar & Grill, a fall-themed pop-up located at Bird's Eye Bar & Grill. Plus, cherish the return of longtime festive favorites: live professional pumpkin carvers (Saturdays only, as part of the Pumpkin Walk), delicious festive snacks, and a pumpkin patch. Reservations are only available a few days in advance: reservations for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are released on the preceding Sunday at approximately 4 p.m.; reservations for Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays are released on the preceding Thursday at approximately 4 p.m. Garfield Park Conservatory – 300 N Central park Ave. Only the outdoor gardens are open at this impressive West Side attraction, which is no problem for leaf peepers. Venture behind the gorgeous venue to admire the colorful trees in Garfield Park, many of which surround the calming lagoons, where visitors can follow winding pathways while gazing up at the bright leaves. Lurie Garden/Millennium Park – E Monroe St. This 2.5-acre landscape in the midst of Millennium Park (just south of the Pritzker Pavilion's Great Lawn) turns into a fiery prairie come September. The lush garden fills with colorful fall blooms like balloon flowers, black-eyed Susans and Moonshine Yarrow. Before you leave, snap a photo from the footbridge, where you can see vibrant layers of foliage set against the city skyline. Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum – 4001 N Clark St. This historic cemetery located between Wrigleyville and Uptown isn't just peaceful for the many Chicagoans (including quite a few famous names) who have been laid to rest there—it's a serene delight for visitors, too. Walk the quiet, lush grounds and take in the countless varieties of trees, including red oak, sycamore, black walnut, Norway spruce, Ohio buckeye and many, many more.
