Where to Go in Chicago? 5 Fall Destinations!

This city is beautiful all year round, but fall truly makes it shine. Whether you're strolling through a lakeside park or wandering along a charming street strewn with fallen leaves, you'll find autumn leaves everywhere. Immersed in the colors of autumn, picking a bushel of apples, or listening to the city's urban legends—Chicago in autumn has something for everyone.

Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Classic Day Trip

Millennium Park's trees turn golden, a cool breeze blows by the lake, and the city is filled with a wealth of cool activities and events. Whether you want to celebrate Halloween or admire the nearby architecture, the hop-on hop-off bus can take you to all the city's attractions. Along the way, you'll see Chicago's towering skyscrapers, the Magnificent Mile, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Millennium Park, and other famous sights.

Location: 98 E Wacker Drive Chicago, IL Chicago River Walk

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The bus runs every 30-45 minutes. The last bus departs from Stop 1 at 4:00 PM.

Willis Tower Skydeck

Chicago can be considered the birthplace of the world's skyscrapers. The Skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower officially opened on June 22, 1974. On clear days, you can see four U.S. states from above.

Willis Tower, the second tallest skyscraper in the United States (after the new One World Trade Center in New York, completed in 2014), is located in Chicago. Originally named the Sears Tower, it is an office building designed by SOM. Completed in 1974, it stands 442.3 meters tall with 108 floors above ground, 3 basement levels, and 110 total floors, covering a building area of 416,000 square meters. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world and the ninth tallest skyscraper today.

Standing on the observation deck, you can take in the scenery of four U.S. states and Chicago's popular landmarks, including Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and the Magnificent Mile. Especially in autumn, looking down from the observation deck offers a unique perspective.

Location: 233 S. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60606

Time: Open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Last admission at 9:30 PM.

Shoreline Architecture River Cruise

Cruise along the scenic river to take in Chicago's beauty. Float down the three branches of the Chicago River and learn about the changes the architecture and landmarks have undergone over the years.

Viewing Chicago's world-famous architecture from the three branches of the Chicago River is unparalleled. From hidden gems to the city's most famous attractions, you'll see more than 40 iconic Chicago landmarks on this 75-minute architectural river tour.

While enjoying the spectacular views, our guide will tell you how Chicago's architecture, buildings, and engineering made the city famous.

Autumn is especially suitable for a boat ride, with weather that is neither too hot nor too cold. You can see fallen leaves piling up on the walkways along the shore—a scene unique to autumn.

Location: Michigan Avenue/Riverwalk (enter Riverwalk at 401 N Michigan Avenue Plaza)

Navy Pier/Polk Bros Park (124 N. Streeter Drive)

360 CHICAGO

360 CHICAGO is located in the John Hancock Building and is a must-visit for travelers who like to challenge heights. First, view the exhibition documenting Chicago's history on the first floor, then take the fastest elevator in the city to the 94th floor in less than a minute.

360 CHICAGO offers stunning views of Chicago's skyline, lakefront, and four states. Only here can you enjoy Chicago's highest thrill ride—TILT—a large moving platform that pushes visitors over the edge of the building. Relax at BAR 94 with local favorites, a wide selection of cocktails, and front-row seats to the city's best views from 1,000 feet high. Explore high-definition interactive touchscreens in seven languages to learn more about the Windy City. If you really want to experience Chicago, your first stop is 360 CHICAGO.

Once there, step onto the 17,000-square-foot observation deck and enjoy Chicago's skyline through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. In autumn, you can see a different view—compared to summer, does the skyline gain a touch of autumn color?

Location: 875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, John Hancock Center

Lincoln Park (Free)

Adjacent to Lincoln Park are Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Theatre on the Lake, a rowboat canal, the Chicago History Museum, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Visit Lincoln Park in autumn to see golden leaves covering the ground. Take a walk in the park—there's always something to interest you!

Lincoln Park is a few subway stops (or "El" stops) from downtown Chicago. It is very "community" and livable. The residents here are among the warmest and friendliest you'll meet; it doesn't take long to make friends and quickly become part of the community.

Location: 2045 N. Lincoln Park W., Chicago IL 60614

Time: Daily 6 am - 11 pm

Millennium Park (Free)

As of 2009, Millennium Park is the second most popular tourist attraction in Chicago, after Navy Pier. Since its opening, Millennium Park has received awards for accessibility and green design. Near Cloud Gate is the Crown Fountain, beloved by children. It consists of a black granite reflecting pool and two 50-foot-tall glass towers. Water spouts from the mouths of ever-changing faces on the glass towers, creating a unique spectacle.

The best times to visit are spring, summer, and fall, especially October. Millennium Park looks particularly beautiful in autumn. Free musical performances are often held here, usually on weekend afternoons. Chicago's winter is too cold, and the face fountain is turned off—missing one attraction is a pity. But winter has its own beauty. The snow-covered plaza and Cloud Gate offer a different kind of scenery.

Location: 201 E. Randolph St., Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave., Chicago, IL 60601

Time: 06:00-23:00 (Jan 1 - Dec 31, Mon-Sun)

Go start your wonderful Chicago trip!