Illinois

When’s the best time to see fall colors in Illinois from Rockford to Carbondale

Published

3 weeks ago

October 21, 2025

When’s the best time to see fall colors in Illinois from Rockford to Carbondale

Jack Ivanic
| Special to the Rockford Register Star

When it comes to fall colors, Illinois stretches the season longer than most states, with colors starting in northern Illinois in late September and peaking in the south well into November.

Each year, websites like SmokyMountains.com publish a fall foliage prediction map that shows stages such as patchy, partial, near-peak, peak, and past-peak across the country. While the map is focused primarily on the eastern U.S. and regions like the Smoky Mountains, it also provides a helpful nationwide context and visual timeline for seasonal leaf change.

Here’s what the fall color timeline looks like across Illinois.

Northern Illinois: Late September to mid-October

If you live near Chicago, Rockford, or the Galena area, you’ll see the first hints of color before the rest of the state. Leaves in northern Illinois usually begin to change by the third or fourth week of September.

The peak display arrives around the second or third week of October. Popular spots include Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Rock Cut State Park, and the Great River Road, which runs along the Mississippi.

Central Illinois: Early to Late October

In the heart of the state, from Springfield to Peoria and Champaign, trees hold their green a little longer. Color typically starts to appear in the first half of October.

By the middle to late part of the month, central Illinois hits its stride.

City parks, forest preserves, and stretches of rural highway all light up. Spots such as Allerton Park near Monticello and the Sangamon River Valley as reliable fall color destinations.

Southern Illinois: Late October to Early November

Farther south, warm temperatures delay the season. Expect to see changes beginning in the last two weeks of October, with the best colors holding into early November.

In Southern Illinois, you’ll find some of the most memorable fall backdrops in the state. Rock formations at Shawnee National Forest’s Garden of the Gods and the bluffs of Giant City State Park provide great viewing points.

What to Wear

Packing smart can make your fall color adventure more comfortable. Mornings in Illinois can be chilly, while afternoons often warm up quickly. A light jacket or fleece paired with a long-sleeve shirt gives you flexibility. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are important if you plan to explore trails in parks. Packing items such as hats, gloves, and even a scarf can come in handy if temperatures drop, especially on bluffs and overlooks where the wind picks up.

Planning Your Visit

From late September in the north to early November in the south, Illinois delivers a long season of color worth exploring. The good news is that Illinois offers a six- to eight-week window for watching the fall colors. If you miss the show in one part of the state, you can always head a little farther south and catch it there.

Jack Ivanic is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.

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Illinois

Stojaković leads Illinois to statement win over No. 11 Texas Tech

Published

15 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Press Room

Stojaković leads Illinois to statement win over No. 11 Texas Tech

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois narrowly passed its first major test of the season Tuesday night, outlasting No. 11 Texas Tech in a back-and-forth battle at State Farm Center that marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

Tuesday night’s matchup at State Farm Center in Champaign marked the Illini’s first true test of the 2025-26 season, coming off two comfortable wins versus Jackson State and Florida Gulf Coast. Illinois leaned on sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković and veteran guard Kylan Boswell to gain control of the game in the dying minutes while Orange Krush’s energy helped seal a defining November win.

After an underwhelming debut against Florida Gulf Coast, sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković heavily contributed to Illinois’ offensive efficiency, boosting them to a 13-point halftime lead after shooting 5-for-5 from the field in the first half. After finding driving lanes in the paint to keep Illinois ahead late in the second half, Stojaković finished with 23 points on 11-for-16 shooting and sealed the win with a decisive block in the last minute of his breakout game for the Illini.

“You’ve got a couple guards that are physical and downhill, and then you’ve got guys who can shoot it and create some space,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. “Andrej is a tremendous value, he was much better tonight. The other night, he was a little sped up. I don’t think we played as fast tonight.”

On top of Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland referring to Boswell’s defensive presence as a “stump”, he was the engine for Illinois today finishing with 22 points and a few clutch free throws that helped him narrowly reach the 1,000 point career milestone on a night to remember.

Although the Illini were without forward Tomislav Ivišić, his twin brother Zvonimir and Big Ten Freshman of the Week David Mirkovic stepped up in the paint to fill the hole that Tomislav left. Big Z finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks as Mirkovic tallied 11 points and four rebounds.

International guard Mihailo Petrovic also remained sidelined after being listed as questionable in what would’ve been his Illinois debut.

The gritty matchup gave Illini fans their first look at how they would stack up against a ranked opponent, showing just how far they have come since last season’s tournament run by defeating one of the best programs in the nation.

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Illinois

Are Illinois schools closed on Veterans Day? Here’s a list of what’s open and closed

Published

1 day ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

Are Illinois schools closed on Veterans Day? Here’s a list of what’s open and closed

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Veterans Day holiday is celebrated on Tuesday, November 11th, honoring the service and sacrifice of all veterans.

The holiday began as Armistice Day in 1918, a celebration at the end of World War I, and evolved into a way to honor all U.S. veterans and those currently serving in the military.

It was made an official federal holiday in 1938.

Government workers are given a day off work on Veterans Day, although this year, many of them are not at work due to the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.

Are Illinois schools open on Veterans Day?

The Illinois State Board of Education says Veterans Day is considered a “legal school holiday” but “school activities are permitted.”

Rockford Public Schools have November 11th off to observe Veterans Day. Other schools in the surrounding area are also off.

Is there mail delivery on Veterans Day?

The U.S. Postal Service is closed in observance of Veterans Day, but UPS and FedEx will remain operational for the holiday.

Are banks open on Veterans Day?

Most banks across the country are closed for Veterans Day, although the U.S. stock markets are open for trading.

Is the DMV open on Veterans Day?

All Secretary of State’s offices will be closed on Veterans Day, in observance of the holiday.

These restaurants are offering deals on Veterans Day

Applebee’s – Free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military.
Buffalo Wild Wings – 10 free boneless wings + fries for veterans and active-duty military.
Chili’s – Free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
Chipotle – Buy one entrée, get one free (4–8 p.m.) for military community.
Cracker Barrel – Free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans.
Denny’s – Free Original Grand Slam® (5 a.m.–noon) for veterans and active-duty military.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Free pulled pork sandwich for veterans and active-duty military.
Golden Corral – Free meal during Military Appreciation Night (4 p.m.–close).
IHOP – Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo for veterans.
Little Caesars – Free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) for veterans.
Mission BBQ – Free sandwich on Veterans Day.
Olive Garden – Free entrée from special menu (includes soup/salad + breadsticks) for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
Outback Steakhouse – Free three-course “Aussie” meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 10 & Nov 11 with valid military ID (dine-in).
Red Lobster – Free “Veterans Shrimp & Chips” entrée for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews – Free “Red’s Big Tavern Burger” for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in).
Scooter’s Coffee – Free medium drink for veterans/active duty with valid ID on Nov 11 (mobile order not available).
Starbucks – Free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military servicemembers and military spouses on Nov 11 (café & drive-thru only).
Texas Roadhouse – Free meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 at participating restaurants.

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Illinois

Several Chicago-area schools announce closures ahead of expected snow. Here’s a list

Published

3 days ago

November 9, 2025

Press Room

Several Chicago-area schools announce closures ahead of expected snow. Here’s a list

Editor’s Note: Our latest weather story on the winter storm can be found here.

Several schools across the Chicago area have announced closures, delays or switches to e-learning ahead of a winter storm beginning late Sunday night.

More than half a dozen schools announced closures, or moves to e-learning protocols, ahead of the anticipated snowfall, according to the Emergency Closing Center.

Below is the latest list of schools that have announced closures, early dismissals or switches to e-learning for classes on Monday.

Dist #125 (Atwood Heights)	Alsip	Delayed 1 Hour
Dist #128 (Palos Heights)	Palos Heights	Delayed 2 Hours
Horizon Science Academy Southwest	Chicago	Closed Tomorrow No Evening Activities
River Forest School Corporation (Madison St)	River Forest	Closed Tomorrow E-learning
Dist #1 (Momence Community Unit)	Momence	E-learning
Crown Point Community School Corp	Crown Point	Delayed 2 Hours
Lake Station Community Schools	Lake Station	Closed Tomorrow E-learning

The announcements come as a winter storm warning was set to take effect for Cook, Kankakee and Lake counties in Illinois, as well as Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.

Dangerous to impossible travel conditions due to lake effect snow were expected, the National Weather Service stated. Snowfall rates could exceed three inches per hour, and total snow accumulations in excess of 12 inches were possible, meteorologists said.

Track an updated list of school closings across the Chicago area here.

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