The reds, yellows, and auburns - these are all colors that you can experience during an autumn in St. Charles, IL. This city is filled with parks, trails, and forest preserves that exhibit stunning fall displays. Here are some of our favorite spots to view breathtaking scenes of the changing of the seasons.
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
Premier wetlands, sedge meadows, rare plants - you'll find this and more at Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve. Just north of downtown St. Charles, you'll find this 43 acre forest preserve which is an exceptional place to gaze at all the changing color of the leaves. Wander out on the boardwalk that runs through some of the wetlands in order to get the best look at all of the fall scenery. Don't forget to bring your binoculars! Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve is known to be a great place to watch birds, and this is a great opportunity to see some before they migrate for the winter.
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
The autumn colors are nothing short of exceptional at the Fox River Bluff (West) Forest Preserve. With a beautiful boardwalk that goes across the Fox River, and a 3.8 mile trail to explore, you'll be able to experience a lot of outstanding scenery, especially this time of year. Don't forget to bring your pup with! This forest preserve is dog-friendly, and they will be as overjoyed as you to see the colors! You can find more dog-friendly activities in St. Charles here.
Photo Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography (Photo 1) and Brigette Burgman Photography (Photos 2 and 3)
Situated right by the Fox River is Pottawatomie Park. You can spend a whole day soaking up the fall colors at Pottawatomie Park, as there are many activities to take part in including tennis courts, volleyball courts, and access to the Fox River Trail. The Fox River Trail is surrounded by trees that will leave you in awe when their leaves start to change, and is a must to explore especially this time of year. Looking to get a unique point of view of the nature? Take a Paddlewheel Riverboat Tour that will take you down the Fox River so that you can admire the autumn foliage from the water.
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Business Alliance
Don't miss out this season on taking a stroll through Delnor Woods Park to appreciate the fall foliage. There is a great walking path that features all the beautiful scenery that this park offers, including century-old trees that are jaw-dropping to see this season. Along with the trees, there are native plantings, waterfalls, and picnic pavilions, so you can take a quick-bite and enjoy it while taking in the fresh, autumn air.
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography (Photos 1 and 2) and the St. Charles Business Alliance (Photo 3)
You'll find a wide array of different outdoor nature at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve including prairies, woodlands, grassy fields, and wetlands. There is over 9 miles of trails that you can explore that vary in distance, but here is one of our favorite 1 mile loops that does an excellent job at showcasing all of the spectacular colors. Many of the trails allow horseback riding, so you can saddle up and marvel at the fall scenery from a different point of view. If you're searching for more activities while you're out there, you can stop by and learn about life in the 1840's at the Durant House Museum that is located right in the forest preserve, as well.
Photos Courtesy of The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
The Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is surrounded by prairies and wetlands that are absolutely vibrant this time of year. You can look at the colors on your own, or you can take one the many educational programs they offer to learn more about the wildlife and nature around you. In the fall, they offer a "Hike with a Naturalist" where you can hike around the area learning about the benefits of restoration and conservation while you admire the colors that you've been waiting to see. You can find more information and seasonal programs here.
Photos Courtesy of Drew Perl Find Art Photography (Photo 1) and The St. Charles Park District (Photos 2 and 3)
Just south of downtown is where you can find Mt. St. Mary Park. This 30.2 acre park is a perfect place to see all of the vibrant fall foliage, as well as an array of sculptures that are on display throughout the area. There is a 1.69 mile trail that shows off all the wonderful aspects of the park . Not only does it have a terrific walking path, but there are also tennis and basketball courts so you can partake in a variety of different activities while soaking up the autumn scenery.
Want to find more fall activities in St. Charles? Click here to find more local activities to do in autumn. Don't forget to download the Travel St. Charles App too, where you can find great local places to eat, hotels, attractions, and more!
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