2025's Towns In Iowa That Come Alive In The Fall

Iowa’s expansive cornfields, vast tallgrass prairies, oak savannas, and lush forests transform into a radiant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows when the fall season comes around, resulting in one of the best seasonal vacation destinations. The dynamic outdoor ecosystem presents delightful viewing opportunities that draw leaf peepers across the region. At the same time, the crisp air and mild conditions encourage adventurers to step outside and savor the fascinating foliage. Several small towns across the Hawkeye State usher in the season with exhilarating harvest festivals and fall‑themed events, spreading cheer throughout the community.

Hence, autumn is an excellent time to explore what makes Iowa so special through an array of fun-filled experiences. From marveling at the stunning displays of color in the rich wilderness of McGregor to marking a long-held fall festival alongside friendly locals in Mount Vernon, here are towns in Iowa that come alive in the fall.

Ely

Travelers visiting Ely in the second or third week of October have the best opportunity of catching its transitioning foliage at its most alluring hues. This adorable suburb in Linn County welcomes sightseers to take it easy in the charming green space of Ely City Park, where peaceful picnic spaces under shady trees allow you to relax and watch the falling leaves. The park houses a serene pond and provides access to the Hoover Nature Trail. This scenic 5.8-mile pathway provides an excellent escape for those who want to feel the fresh air while discovering the canvas of colors in the Ely countryside.

The annual Ely Fall Fest headlines the season's festivities in the community and offers a variety of entertaining events for all ages. These range from a car show and delicious food to a vendor fair and popular Kids Zone, bringing families together for some autumn cheer.

McGregor

Autumn in McGregor comes with gorgeous colors across its vast network of natural areas and a string of exciting festivals to usher in the season, making it one of those towns in Iowa that come alive in the fall. Pikes Peak State Park is a leading site for leaf peepers visiting the town, with over 10 miles of trails cutting through the wilderness under a canopy of fiery red, subtle yellow, and bright orange colors. Adventurers can also climb the park's 500-foot bluff to savor unbeatable views of the Mississippi River.

Those who want a complete outdoor experience can pitch a tent at Spook Cave & Campground for a chance to breathe the crisp fall air while sleeping amidst raw nature. McGregor also hosts the annual Leaf Arts and Crafts Festival, which draws hundreds of attendees to Triangle Park for a celebration of the foliage and the arts.

Anamosa

Anamosa is a small town in Jones County that offers a laid-back scene to spectate the fall foliage away from the crowds of Cedar Rapids. It reaches peak foliage colors around mid-October, inviting enthusiasts to revel in the spectacle at Wapsipinicon State Park, as the 394-acre reserve explodes into a sea of burgundy, amber, and mustard. Furthermore, there are exciting recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing in the Wapsipinicon River.

Multiple golf courses in Anamosa invite fans to relish the clean air outside while indulging in their favorite sport. At Fawn Creek Country Club, you can test your swing on a 9-hole course and watch the changing leaves in the site's forested surroundings. Since 1989, the town has held the Anamosa Pumpkinfest, which brings fun activities for all ages, featuring crafts, food, a parade, a car show, and a 5K race, with the highlight being a giant pumpkin display and weigh-off.

Jefferson

Jefferson boasts a picturesque setting on the banks of the North Raccoon River, which provides the perfect backdrop to watch the leaves gradually change color in autumn. With the peaking foliage coming in October, vacationers are welcome to hike the North Raccoon River Water Trail. This looping pathway straddles the winding waterway, offering front-seat views of the fall scenery as it reflects off the water and a great way to enjoy the season's fresh air. More visual spectacles await at Spring Lake Park, which covers almost 240 acres with a pristine 50-acre lake on site. The area draws campers, hikers, kayakers, swimmers, and fishermen looking to make the most of the great outdoors.

Elsewhere, Deal's Orchard welcomes families for its annual Fall Festival, where attendees get to pick fresh apples, get lost in corn mazes, admire pumpkin patches, and enjoy hayrides, among other family-friendly activities.

Muscatine

30 miles from Davenport, Muscatine is a vibrant Mississippi River community that adds color to its fun personality during autumn. Unsurprisingly, leaf peepers flood the town in the middle of October to watch a kaleidoscope of fall hues at Wildcat Den State Park. Spread across more than 400 acres of woodlands, dramatic rock formations, and scenic nature trails, the atmosphere is ideal for hikers, campers, picnickers, and sightseers. Furthermore, Discovery Park offers a mix of lush vegetation and lakes, where guests can paddle on the calm waters and admire the fall colors.

Festival lovers in Muscatine can look forward to the annual Muscatine Fall Festival, which incorporates a raft of entertaining activities to spread the cheer, such as colorful costumes, themed crafts, games, food, and much more.

Walnut

Popularly known as "Iowa's Antique City," Walnut is a small town in Pottawattamie County that doubles down on its moniker in autumn with the annual Walnut Antique Fall Festival. The community comes alive as antique dealers and buyers congregate downtown for two days of fun trading, featuring collectibles, souvenirs, antiques, gift items, and other vintage treasures. Walnut also provides vacationers with a decent foliage show at Walnut Splash Park, where adults can sit under shady trees and admire the leaf transformation as children play with fountains and water cannons.

Furthermore, Veterans' Memorial Park is another outdoor escape for those seeking to savor the clean air and offers several recreational facilities for the public, including ball fields, a playground, and resting areas.

Winterset

This Madison County village, famed for its scenic covered bridges, offers tourists a unique way of watching the foliage change in its lush countryside, 42 minutes from Des Moines. The crisp fall air encourages people to hit the open road along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway and see the beautiful shades of red, yellow, and brown as the cool breeze rushes through their hair. Meanwhile, you can take a break at the historic bridges, including the Roseman Covered Bridge, to admire the old-world craftsmanship.

Also, Winterset City Park harbors 76 acres of woodlands, with gentle nature trails cutting through. These are perfect for lazy hikes under a changing canopy and picnics to delight in the scenery. Finally, hundreds of festival lovers gather in the town to make the annual Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, which honors a lasting tradition through craft vendors, delicious food, and live music.

Forest City

True to its name, Forest City houses a rich network of natural spaces that turn into spectacular foliage viewing sights when the leaves attain their peak color between late September and early October. The town is home to Pilot Knob State Park, where miles of peaceful trails, covered in crunchy fallen leaves, let you immerse yourself in Iowa's fall splendor. Also, a 15-acre lake on the reserve offers delightful fishing spots while dramatically reflecting the spectrum of autumn colors. Meanwhile, Crystal Lake Park serves as the ideal alternative to watch the autumn wonder, inviting adventurers for a swimming or paddling session on the clear waters of Crystal Lake.

Another fun pursuit to fuel your autumn vacation in Forest City is playing a friendly game of golf at Bear Creek Golf Course. With 18 challenging holes to test your skill, this adorable space treats golfers to manicured, tree-lined fairways and stunning mountain views.

Whether harvesting apples and pumpkins in Jefferson or chasing fall colors in the rugged edges of Forest City, these Iowa towns that come alive in the fall promise a jam‑packed itinerary to guarantee an unforgettable retreat. From roadside vistas painted in fiery hues to warm community festivals full of homemade pies, hayrides, and live music, each stop invites you to immerse yourself in the season’s magic. Let the rustling leaves, the scent of cider, and the glow of amber sunsets guide you through this autumnal journey in the United States.