Pick out a prize pumpkin for the carving, meander through the five-acre corn maze, or take a ride on the tractor. 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Prairie View, 847-634-3291, www.didierfarms.com.

Take a trip to the Shawnee National Forest region for music and wine, and watch the colors change in front of your eyes at this festival dedicated to the beauty of autumn. Alto Pass Winery and Vineyard, Alto Pass, www.altovineyards.net.

3rd Annual Soulard Oktoberfest (St. Louis, MO)
FREE! Three days of German foods, beers, wine and music. Performances by 2-time Grammy winners, Brave Combo and dSb. Call 314-368-3419 or e-mail info@soulardokotberfest.com or visit www.soulardoktoberfest.com. Soulard Market Park, Lafayette and 7th streets, St. Louis

Tour the scenic valley through Fulton County, and stop at the historic towns along the route. Throughout Fulton County, www.spoonriverdrive.org.

A fall festival featuring local craftspeople. Native Cabin, 10405 Berry Brook Rd., Modesto, 217-439-7537, www.nativeacres.com.

A central Illinois grilling competition to see who can take the heat of creating the best barbecue, featuring bluegrass music and plenty of ’cue to go around. Downtown Arthur, www.illinoisamishcountry.com.

Ride into the country and take in the scenic drive through Pike County. Local roadside stands will pack your belly with produce and baked goods. Pike County, 217-285-2971, www.pikeil.org.

Devise a plan, get the supplies, build a chucker, and go to Morton to test your skills at this one-of-a-kind event where individuals compete to see who can chuck a pumpkin the longest distance. Green Acres Farm, Allentown & Springfield Roads, Morton, www.pumpkincapital.com.

Hop in the Monticello boxcar for a haunted ride through Camp Creek Hollow and a scary story on Cemetery Road. Monticello Railway Museum, Monticello, www.mrym.org.

Gather around the town’s cherished windmill for a traditional German meal of brats, red cabbage, potatoes and gravy, salad, and dessert. Prairie Mills Windmill and Golden Museum, www.goldenwindmill.org.

A family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring more than 500 jack-o’-lanterns, a costume parade, and haunted house. Nauvoo, www.beautifulnauvoo.com.