The predicted color stage on the selected date, modelled from years of fall color records. A forecast, not a live observation.When each area's color is predicted to peak this season. The date doesn't change this view.
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Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Blackwell Forest Preserve
Peak fall color is predicted around October 27. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 22 to November 1.
- Predicted peak
- October 27
- Best window
- October 22 – November 1
- 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 Warrenville and across Illinois.
That is 4 days later than usual (October 23): the six weeks to October 17 ran 3.1°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Blackwell Forest Preserve
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Jackson Park42 mi · 1 hr 5 minPeak: Nov 11
- Rock Cut State Park70 mi · 1 hr 32 minPeak: Oct 23Status: Peak color
- Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)69 mi · 1 hr 33 minPeak: Oct 26Status: High color
- Castle Rock State Park77 mi · 1 hr 41 minPeak: Oct 23Status: High color
- Starved Rock State Park70 mi · 1 hr 42 minPeak: Oct 27Status: High color