Best Venues for Autumn Colors, Pumpkin Picking

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Although the unseasonably warm weather will soon give way to more typical fall weather, the extended forecast shows many more pleasant days for autumn excursions.

For active families, the Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) offers a broad spectrum of hues provided by native species.

The sugar maples are currently transforming into shades of gold, orange and reds.

LCFPD environmental communications specialist Allison Frederick said the best sites for early fall are the southern forest preserves, such as Ryerson Woods, Wright Woods and Half Day, due to their large stands of maple trees.

“The oaks are later and range from brown to orange. To see oaks as well as grasses some great spots are Middlefork Savanna and Rollins Savanna,” Frederick said.

“Rollins Savanna is really great because there are prairie species including big bluestem and little bluestem and lots of asters right now.”

As a bonus at Rollins Savanna, hikers may also get a glimpse of migrating waterfowl.

Frederick said another premier place to see migrating birds and a variety of colors is the Des Plaines River trail.

Another way families can enjoy the fall colors as well as a myriad of activities is to visit an area pumpkin patch. Some area pumpkin farms include:

• Didier Farms in Prairie View-Lincolnshire has a pick-in-the-field pumpkin patch, both tractor-pulled and horse-drawn hayrides, corn maze, bouncy castle and petting zoo. New this year is an educational white tiger exhibit. On Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is free, but tickets can be purchased for activities. On weekdays, there is an admission price of $13 that includes numerous activities.
• Patch 22 in Wadsworth is family-run farm that offers a pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting farm, pony rides and a spooky hayloft. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays, throughout October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the farm is free, activities are various prices.
• Susanna Farms in Lake Villa has a pumpkin patch with pumpkins already gathered from the field, There are farm animals to visit, a hayride, a haunted hayride and corn maze. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are various prices for activities.
• Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm in Waukegan offers already-picked pumpkins, a giant corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo and farm animals. Kroll’s is open from noon to 11 p.m., Fridays; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays. Admission to the corn maze is $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under; and free for children under 3.
• Stade's Farm & Market "Shades of Autumn" fall festival in McHenry offers hayrides to the pumpkin patch for picking, pumpkin canon demonstration, giant bale maze petting zoo, pony rides and many attractions. Admission is free, but some activities require tickets. Open every weekend through Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.