The leaves are changing, homework is getting harder, and there are about 30 more days of acceptable weather left this year. Do NOT spend them sitting in a dorm room. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in the Chicagoland area, and there are countless ways to indulge in autumn’s splendor. The best part – Many of these attractions are cheap and some are even FREE. So read on, broke college student, and check out some of these lovely fall attractions:
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden features one of the absolute best places to take in the trademark colors of fall. Along the Skokie River, visitors are able to take in a massive amount of gorgeous landscape (385 acres to be exact) as they stroll through nature-themed sections of the Garden. The only thing that one would have to pay for is parking because park admission is FREE. Cut around the parking fee by dishing out a small amount and taking the Metra’s Union Pacific North Line. Train tickets are more than reasonable, it’s cooler than driving, and it’s far less hassle. For a list of full festivals and featured activities, check out their website: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/
Richardson Farm
Richardson Farm boasts the “World’s Largest Corn Maze.” Visitors can get lost in over 33 acres of live corn in this year’s Star Trek themed maze. The full maze can take up to 2 hours to complete, but there are other shorter adventures for those who don’t feel up to the task. Admission is $16, but this includes the maze and various other activities that make Richardson Farm a day-long mission of fun. While it is a bit of a hike from campus (a little over an hour) if you can find a way to get out there, you will not be disappointed! More information can be found on their website here:
http://richardsonadventurefarm.com/index.htm
Halloween Gathering Festival/Parade
On October 22, the Chicago Cultural Mile Association is one of the most unique Halloween celebrations in the nation. Beginning at 2:00pm in Millennium Park, this festival that is right up the alley of the Chicago art lover, will feature performers from The Art Institute of Chicago, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Field Museum among other smaller local acts. This afternoon festival transitions into a night-time Halloween parade that kicks off at 6:00pm along Columbus Dr. from Balbo St. to Monroe St. This festival encompasses a tremendous amount of Chicago culture and admission to the afternoon festival and the parade is completely FREE.
The only problem that you will have is trying to find the time to squeeze in every last bit of fall fun that the Chicagoland area has to offer. So get out, drink some apple cider, and enjoy one of the most unique times of year in a city that never runs out of adventure. Happy Fall Chicago!
