Wondering where to see fall colors in Iowa? Check out our guide
Now is the time to check out the fall colors displayed across Iowa. Here are some of the best leaf-peeping spots.
The combines are out in the fields. The kids have settled into their school routines. And the weather is doing that thing where you start your morning with a sweater but then have to peel it off by early afternoon as the sun blazes across the sky. The AC is off and window and patio doors are flung wide. As my mom would say (heck, still says), “it’s good sleeping weather!”
But that also means it’s good leaf peeping weather. That’s right. The fall foliage across Iowa is starting to show off. There are plenty of spots around the state to take in the breathtaking colors of autumn. Read on to learn about a few of them.
But perhaps our biggest tip is to check with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Its website helps track the Iowa fall colors, highlighting different areas of the state and what the leaves are most recently doing and when peak color viewing is expected. It also has a helpful guide as to what native trees to look for and what changes to expect.
It’s interesting to note that this year, because Iowa has had a lack of water the fall colors are likely to be brighter. One silver lining to a state-wide drought perhaps.
Here’s an overview of leaf peeping around the state as of the end of September.
Where to see fall colors in Northeast Iowa
In Northeast Iowa the Virginia creeper and sumac are turning crimson. There is also a lot of yellow popping on the cottonwood, elm, ash, walnut, hackberry and basswood trees. The sugar maples are just starting to turn orange.
If you are headed to northeast Iowa there are several good spots to take in beautiful fall foliage. Check out Yellow River State Forest in Harpers Ferry, where there are 25 miles of trail that wander through the trees. Spots along the Upper Iowa River, accessible in Bluffton and Decorah for example, are great for fall foliage viewing. You could even consider taking in the views via kayak or canoe. Peak viewing in northeast Iowa is estimated to be from about October 10th through the 20th.
Where to see fall colors in North Central & Northwest Iowa
Here you’ll see that the walnut, ash, elms and hackberry have started turning yellow. Some of the maple trees have started to turn orange as well. The peak viewing for these parts of the state will happen in mid-October.
You might consider checking the leaves out at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, where there is a 45-foot tall observation tower that offers spectacular views. If you are taking in the fall foliage via vehicle, consider a drive along the 36-mile loop of the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway through O’Brien, Clay, Buena Vista and Cherokee counties in northwest Iowa. While off the beaten path, this area promises some lovely fall views.
Where to see fall colors in Central Iowa
In the heart of the state, the fall colors have gotten a slower start. Some walnuts, ash and elms are showing yellow colors. There are a few spots of red or orange on the maples and the woodbine has turned crimson. Peak viewing is pretty specifically narrowed to about October 19 and 20 this season.
A unique way to take in the colors in this part of the state includes a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. You’ll be astonished as the train chugs its way across old trestle bridges on a 11-mile ride that feels like you are right in the trees. The famed Bridges of Madison County near Winterset are another stunning spot to catch fall colors, whether exploring on foot, by vehicle, or on the water (via the Middle River Water Trail.)
Where to see fall colors in Southeast Iowa
Some lower portions of the state take a little longer to start the process of the leaves turning and fall for the season. There are some yellows and browns starting to show up across the forests of the southern part of the state. The Virginia creep and poison ivy (yikes!) are bright red so watch out. Peak colors should arrive around October 20.
Both Pinicon Ridge Park (near Central City) and Palisades-Kepler State Park (near Mount Vernon) are prime locations for immersing yourself in the fall colors.
Where to see fall colors in Southwest Iowa
While this is a less forested part of the state, it’s a great opportunity to get out and see some of the colors of fall on the native grasses, which turn a reddish color in the Loess Hills. The sumac has not started turning too colorful yet, but dogwood trees have. The cottonwoods, walnuts and ash trees are beginning to turn yellow. It’s likely that peak viewing will be in mid-October.
You can see the fall colors in this area of the state on horseback, courtesy of Shimek State Forest, where you can book a three-hour horseback ride near Farmington. A visit to Wildcat Den State Park in Muscatine will offer more incredible views of the changing leaves this season as well.
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