“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go”
Dear Travelers,
The view outside is a canvas painted in amber, copper, and emerald. Who would have thought that Chicago’s concrete jungle could transform into such a spectacular display of nature’s artistry?Today, as our feet crunch through carpets of fallen leaves, I’ll show you the 4 best places to watch the fall foliage in Chicago. As always, away from the crowds and off the beaten path, just how we like it!
You can watch this letter instead of reading it by clicking here:
https://youtu.be/dmQEndh2Bh8?si=BbMcUekKEWoslDBp
Bowmanville’s golden streets during fall in Chicago
The first spot will be one of Chicago’s best-kept autumn secret: Bowmanville – a neighborhood that during autumn feels like it exists in a perpetual golden hour. Here, historic bungalows peek out from behind trees wearing their fall finest, each street a gallery of yellow hues. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, it’s also where you’ll be able to walk around Winnemac Park, which has more than 22 acres of natural area.
But it’s the residential streets that steal the show – every gust of wind creates a new ballet of gold leaves twirling through the air like enchanted confetti. You’ll find yourself walking slower here, completely forgetting you’re still in the third-largest city in the US.
Promontory Point’s copper paradise during fall in Chicago
But if you dream of seeing fall in copper hues, Promontory Point will steal your heart just like it did mine. This hidden gem easily puts the crowded Millennium Park to shame.
Here, far from the tourist crowds, the contrast is simply magical – trees dressed in copper and deep red frame the steely blue waters of Lake Michigan, while the Chicago skyline sits in the background like a perfect painting. We spent the longest here, embracing the slow travel rhythm we love, as the wind brushed our faces and the afternoon sun turned the whole scene into a daydream.
You can watch this letter instead of reading it by clicking here:
https://youtu.be/dmQEndh2Bh8?si=BbMcUekKEWoslDBp
Hyde Park’s gothic fairytale
The next spot will be the city’s most beautiful blend of nature and human creations: Hyde Park. Here, the Gothic spires of the University of Chicago pierce through canopies of colorful leaves. And walking around feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale book – where even the wind seems to tell stories, playfully lifting leaves into swirling dances around ancient stone archways. The weathered gargoyles silently watching this beautiful presentation as people hurry past.
The Honeycomb (Lincoln Park) at sunset
We’re now arriving at our final spot precisely when it becomes the most magical: Lincoln Park’s Nature Boardwalk during sunset – a true urban oasis. As we walk past the Cafe Brauer and crossed the Lester E. Fisher Bridge, new perspectives of the Chicago skyline peek through the autumn leaves.
But the real gem awaits at The Honeycomb (officially called the Lincoln Park Education Pavilion), where nature and architecture create perhaps the most unexpected and stunning frame for the city skyline.
You can watch this letter instead of reading it by clicking here:
https://youtu.be/dmQEndh2Bh8?si=BbMcUekKEWoslDBp
Just a concrete jungle?
To those who say Chicago is just a concrete jungle – I invite you to look closer. In autumn, the city reveals its softer side, where urban life and nature create a symphony that’s both surprising and enchanting. And now you know where four of the best spots to experience the fall foliage in Chicago are, waiting to enchant those willing to wander off the beaten path.
So grab your favorite sweater, a warm drink, and save this video to help plan your trip to Chicago and its must-see autumn symphony!
Until my next letter,
Myse ❤️
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