Looking for fall fun in central and eastern Iowa? Check out these pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall festivals near Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City.
Fortunately, in Iowa, you don’t have to go far to find a place to embrace the fall season. From laid-back family farms near Des Moines to full fall festivals around Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, these Iowa destinations offer lots of fun ways to spend a crisp autumn day.
Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch — Cumming
For a slightly more relaxed fall outing, Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming is a good place to start.
It’s a little cozier and more laid-back than some of Iowa’s larger fall destinations, but there are still lots of activities to keep kids entertained. Along with pumpkins, visitors can enjoy pony rides, train rides, photo opportunities, and a corn maze.
There’s also a corn pool, and the particularly memorable bathtub train for kiddos (and adults) alike.
Pumpkinville and Cornmaze — Mitchellville
Pumpkinville and Cornmaze in Mitchellville has one major advantage for families trying to keep a fall outing affordable: there’s no general admission fee.
That free admission includes hayrack rides, a hay train, a playground, a bounce house, sack races, tug of war, and more. The farm also has numerous fall staples for sale, including pumpkins, mini pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, corn shocks, broom corn, and straw bales.
And then there’s the corn maze. Actually, two corn mazes. Both are designed as scavenger-hunt-style challenges, with clues hidden throughout the cornfield that eventually lead participants to a magic phrase. Go solo, stay together as a group, or split into teams and make it a competition.
Beyond the mazes, there are slingshots, basketball, a football field, a granary, pumpkin activities, the list goes on.
Wills Family Orchard — Adel
If you’re looking for a fall day that includes apples, pumpkins, cider donuts, and a hayride, Wills Family Orchard in Adel is the place for you.
The family orchard offers seasonal festivals with apple and pumpkin picking, mums, cider, cider donuts, orchard-fresh food, and activities for all ages.
An activity pass is $12 per person, plus tax; children 2 and younger are free. The pass includes attractions such as the corn maze, hay wagon ride, corn pools, duck races, pedal tractors, slides, the Chippin’ Coop, and the low ropes course. There’s also a barnyard where visitors can meet the animals.
And then there is the food. The farm makes its own apple cider donuts, caramel apples, apple pie, and other treats, while the lunch menu on festival weekends includes pulled pork sandwiches, brats, hot dogs, and sides. Apple cider, cold brew lattes, and other drinks round out the options. What more could you ask for?!
U-pick apples and pumpkins are generally available during festival weekends as well, although crop availability can change, so check before you go.
Bloomsbury Farm — Atkins
For a full-scale fall festival experience in eastern Iowa, put Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins on your list.
The farm’s fall season runs from Sept. 11 through Oct. 31, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays devoted to pumpkin picking, corn maze wandering, photo opportunities, and attractions for all ages.
And if you’re looking for something a bit less wholesome after dark, Scream Acres is right next door. The Halloween attraction features three indoor haunted houses and a haunted cornfield, with select dates running Oct. 3-31. So you can make a single trip to Bloomsbury Farm and choose between family-friendly fall fun and being chased through the dark. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, both. Boo!
Bass Family Farms — Mount Vernon
Bass Family Farms in Mount Vernon brings a little bit of everything to its fall festival.
Visitors can take a hayrack ride, choose pumpkins, explore the corn maze, and shop the farm’s specialty food store. It’s also a good stop if you’re decorating for fall, with specialty pumpkins, carving pumpkins, gourds, mums, and mini hay bales available for purchase.
The activity lineup includes a giant jump pad, 18-hole mini golf, spider webs, a sand tire playground, grain cart basketball and football, soccer ball billiards, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin-themed games, and lots of oversized versions of familiar favorites such as Jenga, Connect Four, and checkers. I mean, what more could you ask for?
Hayrack rides run on weekends as well, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the farm’s store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
And don’t leave without checking out the specialty food selection. Apple butter and Snap O’ Lantern ice cream served in a waffle cone are more than enough reason to stop by.
Colony Acres — North Liberty
If you’re heading toward Iowa City, make time for Colony Acres in North Liberty. The farm combines a U-pick pumpkin patch with a market and a whole lineup of fall food and activities.
Pick your own pumpkin, then stop by the market for seasonal goodies, or settle in for homemade donuts, sweets, personal pizzas, and drinks. The farm also has a beverage shed and lots of games and activities to keep visitors occupied.
And if you don’t want to haul a pumpkin through the entire afternoon, you can simply grab one of the harvested pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, or hay bales available for purchase before heading home.
Bart’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch — Marion
For a simple, straightforward fall outing near Cedar Rapids, Bart’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch in Marion offers classic fall activities with no admission charge.
Bring some money, though, in case you want to purchase some goodies. Pumpkins are priced by size, while gourds, corn-on-a-rope, cornstalk bundles, and straw bales are also available for purchase.
The corn maze is $3 per person, and hayrides are $2 per person. Horse and pony rides are available on weekends for $10 per child.
Regardless, it’s an especially budget-friendly option if you’re looking for a place to pick up fall decorations and let the kids burn off some energy without paying a larger festival admission.
Pick your fall adventure
The nice thing about Iowa’s fall farms is that there’s no single way to make the most of the season.
Want something a bit slower? Head to Howell’s.
Want a free afternoon of activities? Pumpkinville has you covered.
Want apples, cider donuts, and a corn maze? Try Wills Family Orchard.
Want enough attractions to fill an entire Saturday? Bloomsbury Farm or Bass Farms can turn fall into an all-day extravaganza.
And if you’re headed east, Colony Acres and Bart’s Farm give you more options around the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids areas.
Whatever you choose, check the farm’s website or social media before you leave. Fall hours, crop availability, and individual attractions can change with weather and conditions (like all this rain, perhaps)—and nobody wants to show up in boots only to discover the corn maze is closed.
