After traveling solo through all 50 states, I’ve found that fall has a unique magic in every part of the country.
From the golden aspens of my current home in Colorado to New England’s bucket-list-worthy fiery maples, each region has its own seasonal beauty and charm.
However, one part of the country that has surprised me most is the Midwest. Despite being born and raised in Illinois, I didn’t appreciate the beauty and charm of this area in the fall until I moved away.
Often overlooked as “flyover country,” the Midwest transforms each autumn into a sight that, to me, rivals the more popular leaf peeping areas of the country.
Midwestern small towns feel like they’re built for fall
The Midwest is known for its small, rural towns, filled with farmland and a very distinct charm — which, in my opinion, is most evident in the fall months.
I especially love towns like Bayfield, Wisconsin, and Petoskey, Michigan, which have walkable downtown areas with unique shops and local restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful foliage.
Speaking of foliage, it doesn’t get better than the Midwest
When most people think of fall foliage, they think of New England. And I get it — I’ve visited the region during peak fall foliage several times, and always recommend others do so.
However, I’ve found that many people don’t realize the fall colors in many parts of the Midwest are just as brilliant.
I’ve been especially impressed by how beautiful the leaves in the Great Lakes region are, with abundant maple, cottonwood, oak, aspen, and birch trees that turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, copper, and gold.
Outside the Great Lakes, similarly striking scenes exist in Southern Illinois and Missouri (especially in the Ozarks).
And, one of my favorite ways to view all of this incredible fall foliage is with a scenic drive.
For example, I love driving the 20-mile Tunnel of Trees in Michigan, which is especially gorgeous in the fall months.
I also enjoy taking a trip along the Great River Road, which winds its way through several Midwestern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.
My hometown area in Illinois even hosts multi-weekend fall events centered on scenic drives. These paths wind through multiple small towns with beautiful foliage-filled roads to several festivals filled with arts, crafts, food, and entertainment.
There are lots of ways to get outside and explore
If you’ve spent time in the Midwest, you know it’s overflowing with opportunities to get outside.
Plus, the outdoor activities don’t stop in autumn here — with fewer crowds, cooler weather, and a backdrop of beautiful changing leaves, they only get better.
For example, I love hiking on a portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which winds an impressive 1,200 miles through Wisconsin. I also enjoy kayaking to sea caves in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior.
Similarly, I always stop to admire the changing leaves and waterfalls on a hike at Gooseberry Falls State Park in Minnesota.
Overall, there’s so much to love about this part of the country during the fall months
As someone who grew up in Illinois, I think there’s truly something special about a Midwestern fall. From festivals and scenic drives to apple picking and a wide range of events, there’s always something to do.
Plus, I think there’s something wholesome and unmistakably American about the season here — harvest time, football games, apple picking, and small-town fairs.
These simple pleasures remind me of a slower, quieter time. It’s not commercialized or overdone; it just is. And somehow, in all its quiet familiarity, it’s stunning.
This story was originally published on October 2, 2025, and most recently updated on September 16, 2026.
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