Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)
Peak fall color is predicted around October 26. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 21 to October 31.
- Predicted peak
- October 26
- Best window
- October 21 – October 31
- Confidence range
- ±5 days
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Rockford and across Illinois.
That is 4 days later than usual (October 22): the six weeks to October 17 ran 3.0°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)
Under 30 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Busse Woods64 mi · 1 hr 18 minPeak: Oct 26Status: Moderate color
- Starved Rock State Park76 mi · 1 hr 33 minPeak: Oct 27Status: High color
- Blackwell Forest Preserve69 mi · 1 hr 34 minPeak: Oct 27Status: High color
- Morton Arboretum79 mi · 1 hr 38 minPeak: Oct 28Status: High color
- Lincoln Park85 mi · 1 hr 51 minPeak: Nov 11Status: High color
- Galena80 mi · 1 hr 58 minPeak: Oct 21Status: Peak color
- Seven Bridges Trail at Grant Park93 mi · 2 hrWisconsinPeak: Oct 28Status: Moderate color
