Peak Fall Colors Explode Across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri

This week is peak fall leaf viewing in West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. By next Monday, the brilliance of color will have waned a bit. So where do you go to for viewing this small window of acute beauty?

Make the Most of This Week’s Peak Colors

Around the Quincy/Hannibal area there are some outstanding places for peak leaf viewing. Whether it’s a neighborhood stroll, a walk in the park, or a short drive to take in more scenery — where’s your go-to spot? Here are some that you may have experienced, and some you may want to seek out.

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Maine Street – Quincy, IL. A quick roll down Maine street in Quincy is always a treat, but during fall peak leaves it becomes momentarily perfect. If you’ve driven through that 12^th to 30^th corridor during that colorful window with the leaves falling, you just want to freeze time and take in every leaf, every smell, every slight breeze. Your senses will be engaged during a trip down Maine this week.

Top Spots for Fall Color Around Quincy

Missouri Highway 79 from Hannibal south to Louisiana. The winding two lane drive is a fun drive anytime, but during peak leaves it takes on an elevated vibe. With scenic overlooks to stop at and peer out over the Mississippi River surrounded by all the fall foliage.

Missouri's rolling hills and bluffs frame the fall leaves beautifully

Illinois Highway 96 from Hamilton to Nauvoo takes you along the Mississippi River on one side and a wave of fall color on the other. The bonus to this trek is Nauvoo, Illinois at the end, with charming places to stop and shop or eat.

Scenic Drives Along the Mississippi River 

A walk along the Bill Klingner trail or around South Park, Indian Mounds Park, Sunset Park or Riverview Park in Quincy, or through Quincy’s mid-town neighborhoods (popular walking spots already) will also give you peak fall vibes. In Hannibal get to Riverview Park, and if you are up for a longer jaunt, a drive from Kampsville to Hardin, Illinois, and further from Pere Marquette state park to Grafton and then to downtown Alton, Illinois.

Picturesque Stretches Along the Mississippi River 

The colors bursting across the region this week are like fireworks going off without the audible boom. The intensity of the leaves only lasts for a short period of time. Don’t miss the beauty and wonder of peak leaves this week.