There’s something magical about fall in Central Illinois. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red and gold, the air gets crisp, cozy sweaters come out of the closet, and seasonal favorites like spiced lattes and hot cider return. It’s the perfect time to get outside, soak up the cooler weather and take in the beautiful fall foliage around Peoria.
Greater Peoria is full of beautiful spots to take in the season. Here are some of our favorite places to go leaf-peeping this fall!
Scenic drives & overlooks
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Grand View Drive is a 2.52 mile meandering pleasure drive and park that offers scenic views of the Illinois River. It’s not named “The World’s Most Beautiful Drive” for nothing.
Along Fon du Lac Drive in East Peoria, there are various lookout points to stop and absorb the magnificent views of the Illinois River and Peoria Skyline. Bring your camera and capture the perfect photos of the colorful fall leaves along the river.
The tower at the East Port Banquet Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the autumn colors against the Peoria skyline and within the nautical landscape of the Illinois River.
Hiking & outdoor adventures
Black Partridge Park — Metamora
Black Partridge Park is the crown jewel of the Metamora Park District system. It offers 450 acres of beautifully maintained trails to hike, mountain bike, run, jog and leaf-peep.
With approximately 15 miles of trails, Farmdale Reservoir is an excellent mix of fast open stretches and tight, twisty singletrack, with many fun gravity dips and ravines. The trails are shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
rock Island Trail in Dunlap, Peoria Heights, Princeville, Wyoming, Toulon
This 26 mile section of crushed smooth limestone cuts through the towns of Dunlap, Peoria Heights, Princeville, Wyoming and terminates in Toulon. The trail is excellent to bike, walk, or jog and every aspect of the route leads to stunning views of the seasonal foliage.
Lace up your hiking boots and check out this park. Although hills are steep and the box canyon requires some creek crossing, the rock formations are similar to those at Starved Rock State Park. There are periodic benches along the trails and perfect resting spots to stop and take in the autumn scenery and wildlife.
Jubilee College State Park in Brimfield
Jubilee offers a great display of color with over 3,200 acres of rolling hills, wooded trails, and open prairie spaces. You can wear your hiking shoes, pack a bike or just simply take a scenic drive amongst the park.
River views
Havana Riverfront Park in Havana
This stunning shady park is a bird-watching and leaf-peeping hotspot. Havana Riverfront Park is a linear park with ample walking trails along the east bank of the Illinois River. The deck and raised walkway are perfect spots to soak in the autumn foliage.
Lacon Riverside Marina in Lacon
Lacon Riverside Marina is an adorable city park and marina on the Illinois River. The view of the Lacon Bridge—one of the oldest crossings of the Illinois River—with an explosion of autumn hues in the fall leaves is a true autumnal assault on all the senses.
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge in Lewistown
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge is a 2600-acre wildlife refuge that abuts Emiquon Preserve and is part of an 11,000-acre wildlife refuge complex. Emiquon's mosaic wetlands reflect the autumn trees during sunset making this refuge a must-visit during peak foliage season.
Panoramic fall views
The feature of Tower Park is a 200-foot water tower with an exterior glass elevator providing seasonal access to the top viewing decks. For an uninterrupted, 360-degree view of autumn in all its glory, climb (or ride) to the top of this beautiful Peoria Heights staple and check out the fall foliage.
Eagle Landing Observation Tower gives onlookers the chance to admire eagles and wildlife from an uninterrupted 50-foot view above the Illinois River. The Observation Tower is an amazing location to watch the annual progressive changing of the leaves.
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