Fall is upon us which means colorful leaves, fresh mums, hot chocolate and pumpkins. Check out some of these places near Joliet to make the most of it all.
1. Joliet Iron Works
Joliet, IL
The Joliet Steel Mill was in operation from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s but now features a .59 mile of paved trail, according to the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The trail provides access to the I&M Canal trail as well. Visitors can also do tours of the historic site.
2. Apples on Oak
Lockport, IL
Apples on Oak is a small, family-operated orchard, according to their website. They have over 700 trees which have 90 to 100 different varieties, many which can not be found at grocery stores. Their goal is to “provide unique apples that range from the newest on the market to antique apples, all of which are bursting with flavor, crisp and juicy,” according to their website.
3. Morton Aboretum
Lisle, IL
If a 40-minute drive is not too much, the Morton Arboretum is another place to check out all the fall colors. The Arboretum has 1,700 acres of land that holds more than 222,000 live plants, according to their website. They also have activities, events and opportunities to learn about the plants and wildlife that inhabit there but visitors are also welcome to just explore on their own.
Admission and hours can be found at http://www.mortonarb.org
4. Hamel Woods
Black Road, Shorewood
Hamel Woods consists of 445 acres and is part of the DuPage preservation system, according to the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Hamel is home to wildlife such as weasels, birds and bats. There is also access to the DuPage River so fishing, kayaking and canoeing are allowed.
5. Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm
Minooka, IL
Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm has different activities such as hayrides, a bean maze, farm animals, live entertainment, a giant playground called Milo’s Castle and of course a pumpkin patch. Everything they have is grown on their farm, according to Heap’s website. They sell pumpkins, gourds, mums, squash, corn and straw bales. If visitors are brave enough, they can also check out Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze and the moonlight hayrides.
Ticket prices and hours listed at http://heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com
Comments