One Tank of Gas for Amazing Fall Colors!
Chicago Botanic Gardens – Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns
October 12-16 & 19-23, 2022
More than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins—some as large as 150 pounds—will light up the night at our Halloween event. In the crisp air of fall, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns features only real pumpkins.
Featured pumpkins—carved by professionals—include images of favorite Halloween characters, celebrities, and nods to Chicago.
Morton Arboretum – Explore an oasis of magnificent trees and beautiful landscapes. Conveniently located approximately 25 miles from Chicago, the Arboretum features an award-winning Children’s Garden, Maze Garden, and 16 miles of hiking trails. Whether you seek a quiet stroll or an active family adventure, the Arboretum offers a variety of exhibitions, activities, events, and classes for all ages to enjoy.
Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock Recreational Area – Jewels in the crown of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois.Explore the dramatic rock formations, cliffs and trails of the most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest. Millions of years in the making, the Garden of the Gods provides spectacular views unlike anywhere in the Midwest. See Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, Devil’s Smoke Stack and other magnificent rock formations in this hiker’s and photographer’s wonderland.
Devils Lake State Park – Located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and is Wisconsin’s most popular state park with about 3 million visitors per year. The over 10,000-acre park anchors more than 27,000 acres of parkland and natural areas open to public recreation in Sauk County.
The Great River Road – Return to a time of simplicity and American values along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway where the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers converge all around Alton, Illinois.
The Great River Road, which is over 2,000 miles long, runs along the Mississippi River past 10 states and hundreds of historic, river towns. This beautiful, scenic portion is know as the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.
Lurie Garden – City in a Garden
Lurie Garden is Millennium Park’s ‘secret garden’. Visitors find respite and inspiration in four seasons. In early spring, sun-hungry bulbs and perennials stretch through soil and begin anew. Summer and fall teem with the flutter of butterflies and birds. Winter’s seed heads and ornamental grasses capture snow and ice, creating graceful art forms. Lurie Garden is living art – a palette of texture and color blending Chicago’s unique culture, ecology, history and people.
