2024's Towns In Iowa That Come Alive In The Fall

Iowa is one of the major breadbaskets of the United States, and with that fact alone, its harvest season in the fall means there is plenty to see and taste as the year draws to an end. From town fairs and farmers' markets to its parks and wildlands that explode with color as the leaves change, fall in Iowa is something that everybody should experience at least once. Today, we will focus on some of the best small towns you can check out during your next autumn adventure in the Hawkeye State, each bringing to the table its own assortment of things to celebrate the season in 2024.

Decorah

Set along the scenic Upper Iowa River, Decorah stands out in the fall for its rich landscapes and throughout the rest of the year with its strong attachment to its Nordic roots.

As leaves change across the river bluffs, outdoor trails like the Trout Run Trail attract visitors seeking vibrant autumn views. Phelps Park, with its rustic stone bridges and overlooks, becomes a prime spot for leaf-peeping as well, while Dunnings Spring Park is another great spot for outdoor exploration around its waterfall. Local apple orchards and pumpkin patches around Decorah also help complete the experience, making it one of Iowa’s best autumn escapes.

The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum offers a unique cultural experience, archiving the town's heritage deeply tied to its original settlers, many of which hailed from the country of Norway. Decorah also holds its annual “Nordic Fest” in late summer, but fall visitors can still experience Nordic-inspired cuisine and traditions at local eateries and bakeries.

Amana Colonies

Comprising seven historic villages in eastern Iowa, the Amana Colonies transport its visitors into a world that proudly displays its German heritage, surrounded by a wonderful rural landscape in America's heartland.

Nestled in rolling farmland, the Colonies are particularly known for their craft shops, breweries, and wineries that showcase many of the season’s best harvests. During the Amana Colonies Oktoberfest, which typically occurs in early October, the villages come alive with lively folk music, Bavarian-style foods, and local brews, a great way to warm up as the weather cools down.

For those interested in seeing the region's natural offerings, many of the nearby woodlands and trails are ideal for a quiet stroll through the changing colors. Hanging Rock Ridge Wildlife Management Area and Burr Oak Wildlife Area County Preserve are both just a short drive away and are highly recommended. Heritage sites like the Amana Heritage Museum and historical communal kitchens give visitors a deeper glimpse into the colonies’ unique past. For over a century, communal living and craftsmanship have been traditions among its residents.

Pella

Pella is another town in Iowa that is distinct for its European connection. Here the historic Vermeer Windmill and canal look especially picturesque against the abundant fall foliage of this area just southeast of Des Moines.

As the weather cools, anyone looking to spend some more time outdoors can hike through Lake Red Rock, just minutes from town, where trails skirt the sizable lake. Parks that line its shores include Elk Rock State Park, Whitebreast Park, and a number of campgrounds, like the Roberts Creek Campground East.

Back in town, you can take a stroll through the city square, where tulip beds are replaced with autumnal displays and local shops stock seasonal treats like Dutch apple pastries and spiced baked goods. The Pella Historical Village also provides more insight into early Dutch-American life in Pella, with over 20 buildings, including the Scholte House Museum and Wyatt Earp’s boyhood home.

Mount Vernon

On the outskirts of Cedar Rapids, this small college town is not only gorgeous in the fall months, with the woods surrounding it exploding with color, but is also worth a visit for its longstanding traditions. Home to Cornell College, the picturesque campus is open to visitors and adds to the town’s visual appeal in a great way with its gothic architecture and mature trees displaying brilliant colors.

Just outside of town, Palisades-Kepler State Park offers hiking trails that weave through wooded bluffs along the Cedar River, providing spectacular views of this heavily forested part of the state. The annual “Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival” in Mount Vernon brings the community together each October for a lively event filled with a variety of locally made chili, live music, and family-friendly activities, making it a great event to take part in as the weather beings to cool down.

McGregor

Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River and surrounded by the rugged cliffs of northeastern Iowa, McGregor is a perfect fall retreat with amazing natural scenery and a number of historic landmarks. Many come here to see the nearby Pikes Peak State Park as the trees begin to change in late September and October, where overlooks provide excellent views of the river valley. The park’s networks of maintained hiking trails, including the trek to Bridal Veil Falls, are especially picturesque in October, drawing nature lovers and photographers alike as the fall colors reach their peak.

McGregor’s historic downtown captures the spirit of a 19th-century river town, with preserved architecture, many of which now house shops and restaurants. A walk or drive along Main Street will take you past the town's numerous flat brick storefronts, one of which holds the McGregor Historical Museum, a great location to learn more about the area's history. A short drive away, Effigy Mounds National Monument offers another opportunity to explore Iowa’s unique landscape and ancient Native American history.

Experience Iowa This Fall

The Hawkeye State is clearly a delight to visit in the fall, and with these amazing towns providing you with stops along the way, you have no excuse not to spend at least a few days exploring this 2024 season. From adventuring in scenic state parks and historic sites to partaking in traditional festivals, Iowa ranks high among destinations that brim with things to see and do as the year draws ever closer to its end. And the best part is that Iowa will likely be far less crowded than other popular regions in the country for fall sight-seeing, like New York and Vermont.