Chicago is one of the most best prominent and most influential American cities with a strong identity, industry, history, incredible culture, and sports franchises. It is an economic and educational center. The windy city is known for harsh cold winters, but it is also an excellent choice for a fall city getaway. Fall Activities in Chicago.
Besides the usual city attractions, fall is the time of numerous festivals, changing colors in city parks, and excellent accommodation rates after the summer high season.
Fall activities in Chicago | Best Things to Do in the Fall in Chicago
Visiting Chicago from Europe requires usa esta visa, a travel authorization obtained from the US government. The application process is online through the ESTA page, and you must answer a series of questions and pay a small fee. The authorities usually need up to three days to process the application. This program is only for countries in the Visa Waiver regime. Once you obtain your permit, you have two years to exercise the right to visit the US.
Best things about fall in Chicago
Chicago has excellent public parks, and the already beautiful city adds another layer with extraordinary leaf color changes. The best hiking areas include Lincoln Park around North and South Pond, Jackson Park, and Morton Arboretum.
As a tourist powerhouse, Chicago attracts millions of visitors every year, and summer is high season, which means that you can get world-class accommodation in the city with affordable prices, special discounts, and offers.
Did you know that Chicago has a vibrant beer scene, and fall is time for Octoberfest, a tradition transferred from Munich, Germany, to almost every part of the world? Chicago breweries also offer promotions and unique beers in that period. Some of the best breweries include Half Acer Brewery Balmoral, Marz Community Brewing, Off Colour Brewin’s Mousetrap, Whiner Beer Company, and many others.
Chicago fall festival
Besides numerous spots to enjoy the fall foliage, fall months have plenty of festivities. The annual Ravenswood Apple Fest has over 30 years of tradition, including a farmer’s market, kid activities, and live music performances located in Lincoln Square.
Chicago Southside Film Festival usually has performances throughout the city with documentaries, music videos, and short films.
If you visit with the kids, there is a Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo that offers giant pumpkins, an edible garden, and live music. You can also see master pumpkin carvers working their magic.
Other festivals that celebrate the diversity of the Chicago community include the Mexican Independence Day Parade, the Ukrainian Village Festival, the World Dumpling Fest, and plenty of events surrounding Halloween.
Highwood pumpkin fest
The most notable Halloween celebration is with Highwood Pumpkin Festival. The visitors have as many pumpkins as they need for carving; there is a trick or treat and costume contest. The Festival includes Pumpkin Parade and for younger visitor’s pony rides, a petting zoo, and plenty of food and drinks.
Highwood pumpkin festival has a three-day program with plenty of activities from 11 AM till 11 PM every day.
Chicago hidden gems restaurants
The culinary scene in Chicago is extremely competitive, and there is a Michelin star restaurant with waiting lists and other famous places. Still, there are also not such well-known restaurants that offer world-class meals.
In the northern part of Michigan Avenue, you can find one of the best burger places in Chicago in Billy Goat Tavern that makes its buns if you’re up for some southern comfort food, is often a cold city, thy Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles.
North Pond is a more posh place to eat a high-end meal while enjoying perfect scenery on the pond in Lincoln Park.
Heaven on Seven offers Mediterranean and Creole cuisine, while Aloha Eats has Hawaiian food and barbecue. If you like Mexican food, try Birrieria Zaragoza.
Fun things to do in Lincoln Park Chicago
Lincoln Park is a big public park in the city, and it is bigger than the famous counterpart in New York. It has seven miles of lakeshore, plenty of hiking trails, woods, ponds, playgrounds, and sports courts. Lincoln Park Zoo has more than 1000 animal species, and it has free admission.
Chicago History Museum and North Avenue Beach are areas adjacent to Lincoln Park. You can also explore Lincoln Park Conservatory with an enormous amount of plants under its glass dome.
Before you start packing the suitcases for Windy City, check your ESTA status. The advice is to get the travel authorization first and book flights and hotels second. With an ESTA permit, you can visit the US for up to 90 days.
Conclusion | Fall Activities in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most significant cities globally with a stronger city economy than in some countries. Along with the usual downtown, Riverwalk, and lake attractions, fall time brings out an additional layer for all visitors while offering lower hotel rates at the same time. Fall foliage, excellent public festivities, exploring world-class food and drinks provide is just the tip of the fantastic tourist offer in Chicago. Sports fans can go to Chicago Bulls basketball games, Bears football, or Cubs baseball games. The city has excellent theatres and concert halls with world-class shows and acts.