Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Starved Rock State Park
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 North Utica and across Illinois.
That is 4 days later than usual (October 23): the six weeks to October 18 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 Starved Rock State Park
1 to 2 hours
- Black Partridge Park52 mi · 1 hr 16 minPeak: Oct 24Status: High color
- Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)76 mi · 1 hr 33 minPeak: Oct 26Status: High color
- Castle Rock State Park64 mi · 1 hr 37 minPeak: Oct 23Status: High color
- Rock Cut State Park82 mi · 1 hr 37 minPeak: Oct 23Status: Peak color
- Morton Arboretum80 mi · 1 hr 40 minPeak: Oct 28Status: High color
- Blackwell Forest Preserve70 mi · 1 hr 41 minPeak: Oct 27Status: High color
- Busse Woods97 mi · 1 hr 59 minPeak: Oct 26Status: Moderate color
- Jackson Park96 mi · 2 hrPeak: Nov 11
