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 Busse Woods
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 25 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 Elk Grove Village and across Illinois.
That is 3 days later than usual (October 23): the six weeks to October 17 ran 2.6°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Busse Woods
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Rock Cut State Park66 mi · 1 hr 16 minPeak: Oct 23Status: Peak color
- Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)65 mi · 1 hr 17 minPeak: Oct 26Status: High color
- Seven Bridges Trail at Grant Park77 mi · 1 hr 38 minWisconsinPeak: Oct 28Status: Moderate color
- Schlitz Audubon Nature Center92 mi · 1 hr 57 minWisconsinPeak: Oct 26Status: Moderate color
- Castle Rock State Park95 mi · 1 hr 58 minPeak: Oct 23Status: High color