EDITED BY GEOFFREY JOHNSON

After the frenetic journeys of summer, fall is the season less traveled—and probably the best time to explore the Midwest. Brilliant blue skies set off landscapes aflame with color, crisp air heightens appetites—all the better to sample fall’s culinary bounties—and cool nights make for good sleeping, whether beneath the stars or in a quaint B & B. Hike a little-used gem in southern Illinois, cycle along the Mississippi River, try antiquing on the other side of the lake, go bird spotting on a giant marsh, combine dune climbing with fine dining—or stay close to home with an afternoon along the Fox River. But fall’s glories are fleeting (one of the season’s melancholy delights), so get out there and enjoy.

Follow the links below for our destinations:

(1) GREAT RIVER ROAD | (2) TRAVERSE CITY | (3) SHAWNEE
(4) BUCHANAN | (5) KETTLE MORAINE | (6) GENEVA

Photograph: David Muench/Corbis