Where to Catch the Fall Colors in Lemont
Photography by Molly Hebda Photography
With the arrival of Folklore Coffee in late 2023, we’ve officially turned into a version of Stars Hollow where everyone knows your name, and the leaves and snow crunch just right at the turn of the season. If you are looking to take in the breathtaking sights of firey red and orange leaves this season, look no further than Lemont Downtown and the nearby Cook County Forest Preserves to get your fix.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots to take fall family photos and simply, enjoy the season. Stand in just the right spot and you can view the stunning seven steeples as they peak through the foliage.
Take full advantage of the scenery by meeting up with one of our local photographers like J.R. Owen & Co., Hilltop Photography Co., or Molly Hebda Photography to take family photos, headshots, or plan out your fall wedding photos.
Lemont Downtown
Our historic downtown is easily strollable. Park anywhere and then make a move in any direction to capture the perfect fall moment with the fiery trees as your backdrop. We recommend:
Grabbing a photo next to the clock at Stephen St and Canal St, or staying awhile to sit on the patio at Digs on Canal and watch the trains go by.
Stop on the pedestrian bridge above the canal to get a 360-degree view. This also makes for an excellent photo op or place to grab a lucky smooch.
Park at the I&M Canal lot and go for a bike ride along the trail. You can rent one at Canal Center (formerly known as Safety Village).
Get a bird’s eye view of the trees by Ziplining at The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Buy an explore pass for a day filled with adventure.
Swallow Cliff
The diverse landscape at Swallow Cliff makes for an excellent workout or leisurely day exploring what the glaciers carved. Grab a friend to use the 100-foot high bluff as a stair workout, or slow down and spend some much-needed time in nature. We recommend:
The marshes and meadows fill with songbirds at every change of season. Grab your binoculars from WBU Palos Park and a song-identification app and try your hand at birding.
Make use of the unpaved walkways for an invigorating nature hike.
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
The change of season can be an exciting time for babies and toddlers. If you’re using the fall leaves as a backdrop to a classic family photo, we also recommend fitting in some hands-on learning and discovery time at the Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. We recommend:
Explore Sagawau’s exhibits on geology, human and natural history and habitat management.
Check their calendar throughout the season for conservation efforts, book reviews, movie screenings, and talks.
Use the pathways for an easy, paved hike through nature.
St. James at Sag Bridge
Set atop the highest point of the Des Plaines River, St. James at Sag Bridge Church and Cementary has well-kept grounds and breathtaking views.
We recommend reading local author Pat Camaliiere’s book, The Mystery at Sag Bridge as part of her Cora Torri series. It’s a wonderful mystery book that will educate you on local history while entertaining.
Photo by Openlands
Little Red School House
The quintessentially fall Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has educated and delighted generations of families with live animals, exhibits, and self-guided trails. We recommend:
Take advantage of the paved and unpaved nature trails. It’s the perfect spot to hunt for leaves, pinecones, and acorns with your kids.
Events and programming are top-tier ways to do something fun while soaking in the energy of fall.
Photo by Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Waterfall Glen
As one of the most expansive forest preserves near Lemont, Waterfall Glen is the perfect space for a leisurely hike, camping, or fishing. We recommend:
Bring a camera and shoot your photos or selfies in various spots along the way. The entire walk will only take an hour roundtrip with frequent stops.
Pick up takeout in Lemont Downtown and have a picnic at one of the reserved tables.
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