Autumn Escapes in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois + 2024 Fall Foliage Map

The Autumnal Equinox fell on Sunday, September 22nd this year, and if you’ve been outside lately, you’ve probably noticed the hints of color starting to pop in the treetops. Before long, our local forests and valleys will be bursting with the vibrant hues of fall! While New England is famous for its leaf-peeping season, there are plenty of beautiful spots right in our backyard just waiting for you to explore.

2024 Peak Foliage Predictions

The heat is still on for most of us in the South and Midwest regions, but cooler temps are around the corner (I hope). Speaking of the seemingly abnormal warmth heading into the end of September, will this affect when the colors peak?

The answer is yes! According to an article on AccuWeather.com, the weather during the summer and early fall months plays very much into the outcome of colors. The optimal climate leading up to the tree's annual transition is warm days followed by cool nights. Keep in mind, that the wide array of weather over the last six months with periods of drought or abundance of rain can also result in dull colors or early leaf dropping.

The article highlights how states from the Great Lakes, through the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, will more than likely steal the show from other, more popular destinations this year. The foliage will be the most vibrant in these areas of the country, which is lucky for us living in the Ohio River Valley and places that stretch just beyond our region. 

So where are the best places to journey to, to find the optimal views? First up, you'll need to visit the 2024 Fall Foliage Prediction map. It lays out when foliage will be at its peak in different regions.

Indiana

This year, Indiana's trees are expected to peak right around October 21st, these are going to be some of the best spots in the state to, spot the colors.

Brown County State Park: Nashville, Indiana- Just over two hours from Evansville.

Hoosier National Forrest: Bedford, Indiana-  An hour and a half from Evansville.

Harmonie State Park-  Roughly 38 minutes from Evansville.

Lincoln State Park- Five minutes down the road from Santa Claus.

Illinois

While not one specific parking destination Grandview Drive has river views and historic homes which makes for a scenic drive. Starved Rock has beautiful natural rock formations, as well as Garden of The Gods.

Grandview Drive, Peoria- Four hours and forty minutes from Evansville, Indiana. (totally worth the drive)

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby- Five hours from the tristate. (one of my favorite discoveries while researching locations. Stunning says it all.)

Shawnee National Forrest (Garden of The Gods), Herod- An hour and 20 minutes away from Newburg, Indiana

Kentucky

The grass might be blue but the trees are yellow, orange, and red. These are my home state's top picks.

Mammoth Cave National Park-  The drive from Bowling Green is usually about 45 minutes.

Land Between The Lakes- There are many different things to partake in in this region, including fall leaves. This destination is roughly 30 minutes away from Hopkinsville.

"Tom" Sawyer State Park, Louisville- Enjoy nature, pumpkin carving, and spooky Halloween events at the park in Louisville.

Bernheim Forrest, Clermont- A beautiful place to visit turns truly enchanting with the changing seasons. Bernheim is around an hour and 45-minute trip from Owensboro. 

Missouri

More than just a state with a rather large arch, there's much more to see than just that. There's also more to enjoy in Branson than its tourist traps and Vegas-style shows. These are my top destinations to point your compass towards in the Show-Me State.

Lake of The Ozarks, Osage Beach-  Located an hour and a half away from the tristate.

Prairie Garden Trust, New Bloomfield- Four and a half hours from Newburg, Indiana

Branson- Under a seven-hour drive from Henderson, Ky.

Well, there you have it folks, whether you take to the roads to discover these beautiful destinations or take a moment to observe what you find in your backyard. Enjoy a moment in nature, lost in the tranquility and awe of what the season of change brings to us. 

Autumn has always been a great refresher to me after the heat and humidity of the summer, it's almost as if we are standing on the edge of change and growth of our own. It's a time of magic being real and close at hand, palpable on the misty morning winds. Enjoy this new and colorful season!