Illinois really shows off its best side during the Fall months. The weather is pretty much perfect. There's a special "fall" scent in the air. And the trees put on their annual display of fireworks all across the Land of Lincoln.

The great site Only In Your State compiled a list of 8 spots to visit in Illinois this fall. Let's take a look at what they recommend.

1. Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock - Facebook
Starved Rock - Facebook
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A great suggestion. This is possibly the prettiest spot in Illinois when the leaves begin to change color. There are plenty of trails to hike and even some waterfalls to discover. You can't go wrong with Starved Rock in Autumn.

2. Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden - Facebook
Chicago Botanic Garden - Facebook
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The Chicago Botanic Gardens are comprised of 27 separate gardens over a 300 acre area. The Botanic Gardens are gorgeous anytime of year, but it shines around Halloween.

3. Illinois River Road Scenic Byway

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway - Facebook
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway - Facebook
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The Illinois River Road system is the perfect way to get somewhere in Illinois when you have a little more time on your hands and want to enjoy the scenery. It will take you through small towns you haven't heard of and take you back to a simpler time.

4. Six Flags Great America Fright Night

Six Flags Great America - Facebook
Six Flags Great America - Facebook
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Six Flags Great America is a great trip whenever it is open, but it's especially great when the park dresses up for Halloween during their Fright Night season. Ghosts and goblins haunt the park as these thrill rides get a little scarier in the Fall.

5. Galena

Galena - Flickr
Galena - Flickr
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This picturesque city nestled in the banks of the Mississippi River isn't the best spot to take the kids but it can make for a memorable romantic getaway. Book your room early so you can get a view of the banks of the Mississippi as the trees turn colors in the Fall.

6. College Football Game

University Of Illinois - Flickr
University Of Illinois - Flickr
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Nothing says Fall in the Midwest quite like a college football game. Fortunately, Illinois is packed with schools that have football programs. Unfortunately, none of them are very good. You'll still love tail gaiting, no matter what happens on the football field.

7. LaRue Pine Hills 

LaRue Pine Hills - Facebook
LaRue Pine Hills - Facebook
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This is the farthest southern spot on our list and probably the most awe-inspiring. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, LaRue Pine Hills is arguably more impressive than the Forest's more famous, Garden of the Gods. Everyone needs to make it to southern Illinois at least once in their lives.

8. The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum - Facebook
The Morton Arboretum - Facebook
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Possibly the most beautiful spot in Northern Illinois. The Morton Arboretum is where you go to forget about the outside world. A brand new garden is set to open on September 18th.

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