13 Top Places To Visit In Iowa This Fall

Iowa's fertile lands, with rolling forests and mazes of cornfields, transform into a colorful wonderland each fall. As autumn weather sweeps in, the Hawkeye State's natural beauty is on full display. From vibrant, flaming orange and cheerful yellow leaves blanketing trees to bountiful pumpkin patches and family farms preparing for harvest season, fall in Iowa brings delightful scenery and activities around every turn. With these 13 top places to visit in Iowa this fall, you can look forward to a packed itinerary that takes full advantage of the seasonal splendor. With options ranging from scenic drives through fall foliage in Winterset to festivals celebrating the season in Walnut, a getaway to these top places to visit in Iowa guarantees memories of cozy autumn enjoyment and rustic Midwest charm.

McGregor

This small village in Clayton County has a trick up its sleeve that draws tourists in numbers every fall: When the foliage peaks, visitors gather at Pikes Peak State Park to witness a breathtaking autumn wonderland. Eleven miles of trails crisscrossing the park beckon visitors to explore the scenery up close, and they can scale the summit of a 500-foot bluff for majestic vistas of the fall colors and the Mississippi River.

The community celebrates autumn with the annual Leaf Arts and Crafts Festival at Triangle Park. Guests are welcome to join townsfolk in marking the season with lovely handcrafts, great food, and live music playing in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Just 15 minutes outside McGregor, you can head across the Mississippi to Wisconsin’s Prarie du Chien. There you'll find Shihata's Orchard, where classic apple-picking and pumpkin harvesting will help get you prepped for Halloween decorations.

Granger

This tiny village is home to Jester Park Nature Center, which bursts into a spectrum of yellow, orange, and red hues, best witnessed in mid-October. Sprawling more than 1,600 acres along the shores of Saylorville Lake, the park is a hub for campers and picnickers, and the Jester Park Equestrian Center provides exciting tours on horseback and wagons for woodland and lake views. The crisp weather is perfect for a round of golf at Jester Park Golf Course, which offers 18 challenging holes. Meanwhile, the calm waters of Saylorville Lake inspire boating, swimming, and other aquatic-based fun.

Harpers Ferry

This sleepy village of Allamakee County comes to life in autumn as the transitioning leaves brighten its sprawling nature areas with brilliant colors. October is the perfect month to witness the seasonal changes, with plenty of photo opportunities across the 8,500 acres of Yellow River State Forest. Old-growth oak trees display russet-red, yellow, and brown patches, and adventurers can access 25 miles of walking paths running through the wilderness. Tourists take the Maiden Voyage Tours for a rich perspective of the magical scenery from the water. Another excellent way to enjoy fall in Harpers Ferry is to stroll through millennia-old woodlands at Effigy Mounds National Monument and discover dozens of prehistoric mounds from the pre-Columbian era.

Boone

Boone boasts a mixture of rich culture and captivating history. However, autumn is an excellent time to revel in its beautiful nature. Visitors can hop aboard the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad for a romantic sightseeing tour with front-seat panoramas of the transforming landscapes. The annual Pumpkin Express marks the highlight of this fun train. Besides fantastic tours, guests can revel in classic fall activities, ranging from pumpkin patch visits to Halloween costumes. Boone is a 10-minute drive from Ledges State Park, whose miles of trekking routes cultivate fun fall adventures. The park's trademark and namesake 100-foot-tall sandstone ledges present stunning vistas of the surroundings.

Honey Creek

Secluded fall getaways in Iowa don't get much better than Honey Creek. This adorable hamlet near the Loess Hills region houses the Hitchcock Nature Center, an excellent spot for low-impact recreational fall activities. Boasting 13 miles of trails, a campground, and a 45-foot observation tower, visitors have plenty of options to delight in the fall foliage. Honey Creek further provides access to the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, along which you can take a pleasure drive to watch the undulating landscapes draped in reds, golds, and oranges. Alternatively, you can get behind the wheel to discover a blend of rich history and captivating nature along the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway as your fall tour highlight in Honey Creek.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is another popular fall destination in Iowa. Upon arrival in the town, many converge at Palisades-Kepler State Park to observe the peak of the autumn splendor. This 840-acre sanctuary harbors a network of hardwoods that explode into a spectrum of red, yellow, and orange colors. Activities abound throughout the area, from hiking and camping to boating down the calm waters of the Cedar River. Meanwhile, Bass Farms provides family-friendly fall activities like pumpkin patches and harvests. The establishment also holds the Fall Festival, celebrating autumn cheer with a corn maze and more.

Donnellson

A raft of kid-friendly seasonal pursuits make Donnellson one of the best places to visit in Iowa. As the changing colors gradually dominate the outdoor scenery, Harvestville Farm invites guests of all ages for exciting activities across its 40-acre property. The area transforms into a harvest heaven where visitors can pick their own pumpkins, gourds, and squash as children have fun at the two designated play areas. Furthermore, Appleberry Orchard doubles the autumn cheer at Iowa's oldest working orchard. Besides picking apples and savoring delicious pies, other things to look forward to include strolling through a corn maze, riding horse-drawn wagons, watching pig races, petting farm animals, and more.

Jefferson

This charming community along the North Raccoon River welcomes tourists for a low-key yet fun-filled autumn vacation. It has sprawling open spaces where you can immerse yourself in the outdoors. Hiking or biking along the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail is a proper way to take in the fall hues and their splendid reflection on the river. A similar scene plays out at Spring Lake Park, home to a 50-acre lake surrounded by 240 acres of lush woodlands. This recreational hub delights visitors with hiking, camping, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and picnicking opportunities. Furthermore, guests can delight in classic fall fun at Deal's Orchard, which hosts everything from pumpkin patches and apple pickings to a corn maze and hayrides for all ages.

Walnut

Walnut is renowned for its dozens of antique shops, and the small town puts on an impressive show in the fall. This is thanks to the Walnut Antique Fall Festival, which invites newcomers for a casual but remarkable shopping experience. Various vendors set up indoor and outdoor shops, selling assorted souvenirs, collectibles, and gift items. Meanwhile, the Splash Pad at Fireman's Park provides a delightful spot for the local community to gather and have family-friendly fun. The small oasis in the heart of the city has amenities like wooded walking trails, from which trekkers can view the changing leaves, and a playground.

Clear Lake

Peak autumn foliage in Clear Lake usually comes during October, and visitors can find the best views at the Central Gardens of Northern Iowa. This 2.75-acre downtown oasis dazzles with brilliant shades of color on wildflowers and trees across its dozens of themed gardens. Old-fashioned fall fun takes center stage at Plain Ol' Pumpkins, where tourists can get lost in a corn labyrinth, enjoy hayrides, indulge in pumpkin picking, dip in a corn pool, and pose for cool photos. Fridays and Saturdays in October are reserved for the Nightmare Haunted Hike, which takes Halloween enthusiasts on a heart-stopping journey full of scares and surprises at every turn. This unforgettable experience is not for the faint of heart.

Muscatine

This Mississippi River village harbors multiple nature areas that transform into a colorful wonderland in the fall. It is home to Wildcat Den State Park, where 75-foot cliffs and dramatic rock formations share space with acres of woodlands that reach their foliage climax in early October. While there, be sure to sample local history at the 1848 Pine Mill Bridge and Pine Creek Gristmill. Discovery Park allows you to soak in the season's splendor along its wooded nature trails, leading to a small fishing pond. The site is popular among picnickers, strollers, and anglers. Finally, one of the most anticipated events in Muscatine is the Annual Muscatine Parks and Recreation Fall Festival. Friends and families unite to celebrate the season with crafts, costumes, good food, and more.

Solon

Fall travelers looking to spend most of their vacation time outdoors will love the experience in Solon. The town is home to Iowa's largest state park, Lake Macbride State Park, which provides a 2,180-acre playground. Apart from watching autumn-inspired colors and walking down isolated trails with crunchy fallen leaves, Lake Macbride supports a range of recreation, from fishing and boating to kayaking and swimming. Macbride Nature Recreation Area ensures more fun in the wilderness. It is a lush, 485-acre area thriving with wildlife and a great spot to watch raptors. One of the best ways to get around and admire the changing scenery is to bike along the Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail. This picturesque route passes through a wooded section and offers several photo ops along the way.

Winterset

Famous for its covered bridges, Winterset gained prominence when it was featured in the "Bridges of Madison County" novel and film. The town is a lovely place to view the changing leaves. Visitors can feel its autumn splendor by driving along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. This incredible trip exposes you to transitioning leaves in Winterset's backcountry as it passes through historic covered bridges, including the Roseman Covered Bridge. Pause at the landmark for a superb photo op and enjoy its rural atmosphere. Meanwhile, the second week of October sees the local community celebrating the season with the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival. This lovely spectacle fills the Winterset courthouse square with over 100 arts and crafts and food vendors in a fun atmosphere with live music and interesting demos.

Final Thoughts

Whether sampling the harvest in Winterset or strolling the trails blazing with fall colors in Mount Vernon, visiting one of these 13 top places to visit in Iowa promises delightful scenery and experiences unique to the season. From scenic covered bridges and corn mazes to festivals showcasing local cuisine and culture, communities across the Hawkeye State provide warm welcomes to enjoy nature's splendor. Iowa's autumnal transformation turns the landscape into an artwork ripe for discovery statewide.