You can gaze out the windows of your McHenry home this fall to see the changing foliage as the autumnal transformation sweeps like a wave over the area. But if you really enjoy the fall colors, maybe you should get in the car and go somewhere to see the change in its full splendor.

There are heavily wooded areas where autumn colors are more pronounced since all those trees have more leaves. Some areas here in McHenry County offer splendid opportunities to enjoy the seasonal change. But you may want to take a drive to see autumn in a visual display of its full potential.  

There are actually maps you can find online that show when the leaves are expected to change and at what stage you’ll find them on a given day. According to one-such map, McHenry could expect to see the first signs of autumn’s colors as early as Sept. 13 with the peak in fall colors occurring around Oct. 18. 

The same map shows that, if you travel about halfway up into Wisconsin, fall colors should reach their peak around Oct. 4. By Oct. 11, the map suggests that you’ll only need to drive over the border to get a taste of all those reds, yellows, oranges and browns.

As mentioned, there are a number of such maps online. A search for “when to expect fall colors in the Midwest this year” should provide you with a number of maps to consider.

While taking a drive to check out the fall foliage, make sure your car is ready for the trip. Getting stuck on the side of the road might make the trip more memorable but, not necessarily, in the way that you want.

If your car needs an oil change, this is a good time to have the work done. And you can have the car looked over in the meantime to make sure everything is in good shape.

In any case, fall colors are coming this way. Enjoy them while you can, whether you wait for them here in McHenry or if you go out to meet them.