Get a head start on fall with apple picking, hikes, cider, gardens and other Iowa activities that are especially good in late August and early September.
A biased opinion, perhaps, but fall in Iowa is the best season of all. And you don’t have to wait until October to start enjoying it.
By the end of August, mornings start feeling a little different. Football is back. Pumpkin-spiced everything hits menus everywhere. But the big fall rush hasn’t quite arrived yet. That’s the sweet spot.
Before pumpkin patches fill up and peak fall color sends everyone looking for the same scenic overlook, take advantage of late August and early September to get outside and enjoy some of Iowa’s best seasonal activities.
Take a hike—literally
Early fall is a great time to explore Iowa’s trails. Temperatures can still feel like summer, especially in the afternoon, but cooler mornings make a hike much more comfortable than it might be in July.
In central Iowa, Ledges State Park near Madrid is an easy choice. The park’s sandstone cliffs, wooded trails, and views of the Des Moines River make it a great place to soak in the changing foliage.
Head east to Maquoketa Caves State Park, where hiking trails wind through a landscape of wooded hills and limestone caves. Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the caves, and check conditions before you go.
In western Iowa, Preparation Canyon State Park offers hiking through the Loess Hills, one of the state’s most glorious landscapes. The park is particularly scenic in the fall, when the surrounding hills begin taking on their autumn colors.
And in southern Iowa, Stephens State Forest offers a lot of room to roam. Iowa’s largest state forest encompasses more than 15,500 acres across seven units and five counties, making it a good option when you want to spend a few hours—or longer—exploring Iowa’s woods.
Catch a buzz
Wineries and breweries are year-round destinations, of course, but late summer and early fall might be the best time to enjoy them in Iowa. It’s still warm enough to sit outside without losing feeling in your extremities, while the changing season gives patios an extra special vibe.
For something especially seasonal, look for Iowa cideries. Hard cider is practically built for this time of year. It’s refreshing enough for a warm September afternoon but fits right in once the temperatures start dropping.
Wilson’s Orchard & Farm, which has locations in both Iowa City and Des Moines, is one option, while Winterset Cidery is another name cider fans may recognize. Its farm-based location gives it a rustic vibe that feels right out of a Hallmark movie.
You can also make an afternoon of visiting an Iowa winery or brewery with outdoor seating. Check individual businesses for seasonal hours and events before heading out, since schedules can change as summer turns to fall. To get you started, some quaint fan favorites include Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, Alluvial Brewing, and Fireside Winery.
Tailgate with your buddies
Fall means football. And in Iowa, football is foundational.
The beginning of the college football season is a pretty good excuse to make a day of it, whether you’re headed to Ames, Cedar Falls, or Iowa City (and yes, you can have a preference!). Tailgating gives you a reason to get outside while the weather is still relatively manageable, and early-season games don’t require you to bundle up under three layers of clothing.
Not a college football person? Fall baseball is another option.
The Iowa Cubs and Cedar Rapids Kernels both play into September, giving fans a chance to squeeze in another game (and hot dog) before the season wraps up.
See the gardens
Don’t assume gardens are only a spring and summer activity. Late August and early September can be a great time to visit an arboretum or botanical garden, when many plants are still in bloom, and the first signs of fall are beginning to appear.
Reiman Gardens in Ames is a 17-acre public garden on the Iowa State University campus, with a variety of themed gardens and indoor spaces. It’s a good place to see the transition from summer planting to fall color.
The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens near Madrid is another option, with extensive gardens, trees, and trails to explore. For the little ones, the Treehouse Village is like wandering right into a picture book.
In eastern Iowa, check out Bickelhaupt Arboretum in Clinton. The arboretum features a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and plants spread across the property. You might even spot the beautiful wildflowers.
And in Odebolt, Prairie Pedlar features more than 75 display gardens, along with a refurbished bow-truss barn, historic country schoolhouse, and other buildings. It’s a picturesque, quaint spot that embodies the coziness of fall.
Get lost—maybe
Pumpkin patches tend to get most of the attention once October arrives, but corn mazes can be just as fun.
Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkin Farm in Decorah creates a new corn maze each year and also has a tire maze shaped like a pumpkin.
In Atkins, Bloomsbury Farm (dubbed an Adventure Farm) is home to a 10-acre corn maze. The farm also offers other attractions, including its dual zip line, which stretches more than 1,200 feet across the property.
For another northeast Iowa option, Sherman’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze in Manchester has been welcoming families for more than 40 years. Admission to the farm is free, while the corn maze costs $6 per person and is open on weekends. The farm also hosts seasonal events throughout the fall.
Make time for an early fall road trip
You don’t have to wait until the leaves are at peak color to take a scenic drive.
Iowa’s Loess Hills, with its rolling roads and wooded areas around the state’s rivers, offer good opportunities for a road trip as summer winds down. Pick a destination—an orchard, a winery, a small-town festival, or a hiking trail—and take the scenic route there.
One particularly good fall destination is Woodbine, which sits along the Loess Hills in western Iowa. The town’s annual Applefest takes place on the last Saturday of September, Sept. 26, 2026. The free event features a car show, indoor and outdoor markets, food, live music, and other activities throughout town.
