How to use transit to enjoy fall in the Chicago region

September 30, 2026

Instead of mourning another Chicagoland summer come and gone, start creating your plans to make the most of fall. NITA has curated a list of indoor and outdoor activities you can reach by CTA, Metra, or Pace this season.

Downtown Chicago

Creepy Cruise

Think you know the Chicago River Boat Tour by heart? Think again. March through November, First Lady boat tours are offering a spooky twist on the classic architecture tour.  

Rather than focusing on Chicago’s picturesque side, this tour charts a course between ghosts, mobsters, and the shadowy elements that shaped the city. If you love a good haunt, or just want a different take on Chicago’s history, this is the tour for you.  

Where: 112 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

How to get there:  

• CTA Bus #2, #3, #6, #10, #20, #26, #66, #120, #121, #134, #135, #136, #146 #151, or #157
• CTA Green, Pink, Brown, Orange, and Purple lines (Washington/Wabash Stop) and walk for 11 minutes (0.4 miles)
• Metra Electric trains (Millenium Station) and walk 3 minutes (0.1 miles)

Learn more

South Side  

Leaf Peeping at Jackson Park

Located in the Woodlawn community and accessible via the Lakefront Trail, Jackson Park spans 550 acres and features some of the most stunning foliage in all of Chicago. Check out Wooded Island, including the Japanese Garden, for stunning fall colors.

Where: 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL 60637

How to get there:

• CTA Bus #2, #6, #10 #15, or #28 (Stony Island & 59th Street stop).
• Metra Electric (University of Chicago/59th Street stop) and walk for 2 minutes (0.1 miles).

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Leaf Peeping at Dan Ryan Woods

The 257-acre Dan Ryan Woods is a well-loved family destination on Chicago’s South Side, with picnic groves and a mile-long paved loop that connects to the Major Taylor Trail. The site supports a large array of native plants, animals, and migratory birds, providing picture-perfect scenery when the leaves begin to change.

Where: S. Western Ave. & W. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60620

How to get there:

• Metra Rock Island (Gresham stop) and transfer to CTA Bus #87 (87th Street and Western Terminal).
• CTA Bus #87 (87th Street and Western Terminal).
• Pace Bus #349 (Western Ave and 87th Street stop).

Learn more

West Side  

Leaf Peeping at (or staying warm inside) the Garfield Park Conservatory

Don't miss one of the West Side’s most cherished gems, the Garfield Park Conservatory. Step inside for a blast of warmth on a particularly chilly fall day or explore the outdoor gardens to really enjoy the changing leaves.

Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624

How to get there:

• CTA Green Line (Conservatory-Central Park Drive stop).
• CTA Bus #20 (Madison and Hamlin stop) and walk for 10 minutes (0.5 miles).
• Metra UP-W (Kedzie stop) and walk for 13 minutes (0.7 miles).

Learn more

Northwest Side  

Leaf Peeping at Humboldt Park

The iconic park on the Northwest Side of Chicago spanning 200 acres is an excellent place to enjoy fall colors. Explore the lagoons and boathouse, playgrounds, historic statues, formal gardens, natural area, community gardens, and more.

Where: 1440 N. Humboldt Blvd., Chicago, IL 60622

How to get there:

• CTA Bus Route #70 (Division and Humboldt stop).
• CTA Bus Route #94 (California and Hirsch stop).
• Metra MD-N, MD-W, and NCS lines (Western Avenue stop), then take CTA Bus Route #49 north to Division Street. Connect with #70 bus or walk four blocks west.
• Metra UP-W line (Kedzie stop), then take CTA Bus Route #82 north to Division Street and walk east for 5 minutes.

Learn more

North Side  

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

This free fall festival is fun for the whole family, featuring pumpkin picking and Ferris wheel rides above the foliage. Visitors can also enjoy musical entertainment, performances, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment and demonstrations for the animals.

When: Fridays-Sundays now through October 26

Where: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614

How to get there:

• CTA Bus #151 and #156 (Stockton and Webster stop).
• CTA Bus #22 and #36 (Clark and Webster stop) and walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Bus #73 (Armitage and Clark stop) and walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).
• CTA Red, Brown, or Purple Line (Fullerton stop), transfer to CTA Bus #37 (Lincoln & Armitage/Sedgwick stop) and walk for 7 minutes (0.4 miles).
• Metra UP-N or UP-NW (Clybourn stop), transfer to CTA Bus #73 (Armitage and Clark stop) and walk for 4 minutes (0.2 miles).

Learn more

West Suburbs

Leaf Peeping at Lyman Woods Nature Center

Lyman Woods is 150 acres of oak woods, prairie, and marsh habitats that supports over 300 species of native plants. Discover an amazing diversity of plant life, including six species classified as rare in the Chicago region.

Where: 901 31st St., Downers Grove, IL 60515

How to get there:

• Metra BNSF (Downers Grove stop), transfer to Pace Bus #834 (3200 Highland Ave stop) and walk for 6 minutes (0.3 miles).
• Pace Bus #715 (31st/Highland Pkwy. stop) and walk for 2 minutes (0.1 miles).
• Pace Bus #722 or #834 (3200 Highland Ave stop) and walk for 6 minutes (0.3 miles).

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Boo at the Zoo (Brookfield Zoo)

Check out the creatures, creepy crawlers, and more in your costumes at this Halloween-themed event that's perfect for family photo ops. All ages are welcome, and the kids will leave with a sweet treat.

When: Now through October 31

Where: 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513

How to get there:

• Metra BNSF (Hollywood/Zoo stop) and walk for 10 minutes (0.5 miles).
• Pace Bus #331 (31st/Golf View/Brookfield Zoo stop).

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All Hallows Eve (Naper Settlement)

Naperville invites kids 16 and younger to this two-day festival that will be filled with outdoor activities and performances, some of which include a zombie maze, blacklight canvas painting, and an immersive skit inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

When: October 17-18

Where: 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL 60540

How to get there:

• Metra BNSF (Naperville stop) and walk for 19 minutes (1 mile)
• Pace Bus #530 (Washington St & Aurora Ave stop) and walk for 3 minutes (0.2 miles).

Learn more

Northwest Suburbs

Park Ridge Pumpkin Palooza  

Park Ridge’s Farmers Market is stepping up a notch to celebrate the changing of the seasons. In addition to the usual local farmers and artisans, the October 3rd Market will include live music, a kid zone, and seasonal beverages. Parents, this is your queue to relax.  

Located right by the Metra station, this event is easy to get to (and a designated driver is not required).  

When: October 3rd 4pm-10pm

Where: 15 Prairie Ave, Park Ridge, Il 60068

How to get there:  

• Metra UP-NW (Park Ridge Stop) then walk 5 minutes (0.2 miles)

Learn more

North Suburbs

Six Flags Fright Fest

This season Six Flags Gurnee will have your heart rushing nonstop. Now through November 1, step off a thrilling roller coaster into a park transformed after dark. Is Jason hiding behind the popcorn booth?  

With creepy characters, mind twisting mazes, and a lineup of zombie themed performances, Six Flags is the place to get into the spooky spirit.

When: Now through November 1

Where: 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031

How to Get There:

• Metra UP-N to Waukegan Station, transfer to Pace bus 565 (Grand Ave & Lawson/Six Flags Stop). Then walk past the main parking lot to the main entrance

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Can’t Get Enough of Fall in Chicagoland?  

Don’t worry, our list is not exhaustive. If you want to get out before the real cold months, check out these Chicago Park District events. If you’re feeling ready for some cozy indoor activities, Chicago’s museum scene has you covered.

Chicago Park District events

The Chicago Park District hosts events all throughout the city to celebrate Halloween—the perfect opportunity to embrace spooky season and enjoy the changing leaves.

When: Various dates

Where: Various locations

Learn more

Museums

For those notorious gloomy, chilly, or rainy fall days, spend some time exploring museums throughout the region. NITA has some recommendations—and how to get to them—here.