2025's Towns In Missouri That Come Alive In The Fall
Missouri has a special magic in the fall. You can feel it in the crisp air and see it in the color-changing trees. Missouri rivals Colorado in the beauty of nature in the fall, and the ample opportunity to explore and enjoy things to do and places to go. From late September through mid-October, the Ozarks and beyond show off their best colors. If you know where to look, you’ll find towns that truly come alive this time of year. Whether it’s a scenic drive through the hills, a festival that fills the streets, or a quiet hike under a canopy of changing leaves, fall in Missouri is all about slowing down and soaking in the season.
Weston
Weston is the kind of place that makes you feel like fall was made for it. The trees in Weston Bend State Park explode in color around mid-October, especially along the overlook that gives guests a sneak peek down at the Missouri River. The Weston Red Barn Farm draws families for pumpkin patches, hayrides, and apple picking as favorite fall activities. All outdoor activities are open thanks to mild weather. If you can make it, the Applefest in downtown Weston fills the streets with booths, music, and the scent of fresh cider. It takes place in autumn and has been a staple for the community since the 1990s, making it an ideal time for a fall vacation.
Hermann
Peak color in Hermann typically occurs in early October, when the hills along the Missouri River come alive with vibrant colors. The town’s vineyards turn golden, and the well-loved drive along Highway 100 feels like riding through a painting. For a true fall view, head up to Stone Hill Winery’s bluff or walk along the Riverfront Walking Trail, where the reflections double the colors. Hermann’s Oktoberfest is one of the state’s most loved fall celebrations, drawing crowds for outdoor music, parades, and harvest traditions. The crisp mornings and harvest in the air make the whole town feel like autumn all the time.
Van Buren
Tucked along the Current River, Van Buren is a quiet but beautiful fall getaway. Peak colors usually arrive by early October, when the trees along the river are changing to a crisp, bright orange and gold. Big Spring, one of the largest natural springs in the country, is framed in fall foliage and makes for an unforgettable walk. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways around Van Buren are ideal for day trips and hiking, with trails like Cave Spring Loop offering shaded paths and eye-opening views of the river valley. There is a soft stillness in Van Buren in the fall, making it different from bustling places like Branson. During fall, especially, you’ll find the atmosphere mixed with the sound of crunching leaves and migrating birds overhead, which makes it a small town worth savoring.
Ste. Genevieve
As Missouri’s oldest town, Ste. Genevieve has plenty of history, but fall is when it really has the chance to stand out. Peak foliage typically occurs in early to mid-October, and the drive into town along Highway 61 is a long, scenic stretch of highway that transitions into dazzling colors. Hawn State Park, right outside of town, is the crown jewel for fall hiking in the area, with the Pickle Creek Trail presenting bluffs, streams, and maples that paint a perfect autumn scene. The Jour de Fête Harvest Festival brings the community outdoors with crafts, music, and family-friendly events. For a quiet moment that feels like stepping back in time, stroll the historic district in late afternoon sunlight when the old French colonial homes glow gold under the changing trees.
Eminence
Eminence in the fall is pure Ozarks magic. Nestled deep in the hills, peak foliage shows up around early to mid-October like most in the area, and the views from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are unforgettable. Trails along the Jacks Fork River offer some of the best leaf peeping in the state, with bluffs rising high above the water and reflections of color below. Horseback rides through the forest are a seasonal tradition here, carrying riders through quiet ravines lined with golden oaks. The short hike to Alley Spring is gorgeous in autumn when the bright blue water is framed by deep red maples and orange hickories surrounding the mill.
Cape Girardeau
Sitting along the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is another town that shines in October. Peak color usually arrives mid-month, when the bluffs and rolling hills turn a deep red and yellow. Trail of Tears State Park is the standout here, offering high overlooks where you can see the river winding below, framed by autumn color on every side. Downtown stays lively with outdoor markets in the crisp weather. One can enjoy dinner at Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, which features a lovely atmosphere with charming murals. One of the most peaceful spots to enjoy the season is the Riverfront Park floodwall, where you can sit along the murals and watch late afternoon sunlight spill across the water and treetops.
St. James
Known as a wine country hub, St. James also happens to be one of the best spots in Missouri for fall scenery. The nearby Mark Twain National Forest catches fire with color in October, making drives along Highway 68 unforgettable. Closer by, Maramec Spring Park is wonderful this time of year, with its bright blue waters reflecting the fiery maples that ring the shoreline. After exploring the trails, many visitors make their way to the old Maramec Iron Works ruins inside the park, where stone walls, walkways, and preserved mill foundations offer a hauntingly beautiful peek into Missouri’s 19th-century industrial past.
Rocheport
Rocheport is a small river town in Missouri with a big atmosphere in autumn. Peak colors usually hit like most of this part of the state, with the brightest and boldest found in the fall, and the Katy Trail is the highlight. Biking or walking along the trail near Rocheport means weaving under canopies of golden trees, with cliffs on one side and the Missouri River glowing on the other. The bluffs above the river are some of the best overlooks for fall color in the state. Outdoor traditions continue in the heart of town during the annual Rocheport Fall Harvest Festival, when Main Street fills with local artisans, live bluegrass, and wine tastings from nearby vineyards.
Steelville
Known as the “Floating Capital of Missouri,” Steelville is also one of the best places to experience fall. By early October, the trees along the Meramec River are at their brightest, and the surrounding Ozark hills look like they’re on fire. Canoeing or kayaking with Huzzah Valley Resort at this time of year is exceptionally breathtaking, with the water reflecting every shade of gold and red, and not too cold to be on the water. The Meramec Music Theatre hosts outdoor events throughout the fall, and nearby trails, such as the Berryman Trail, are perfect for hiking under the autumn sun with ample tree cover. For a quiet moment away from the crowds, Hoppe Spring Park offers a peaceful place to sit under fiery maples and watch the late afternoon light drift across the historic heart of town.
Branson
In the fall, the hills around Branson are some of the most colorful in the Ozarks. Peak color usually arrives in mid-to-late October, with the Ozark Mountain Highroad offering a scenic drive full of overlooks and pull-offs. On the other hand, Table Rock Lake is ringed with fiery shades of orange and red around the bright blue water, making it perfect for a fall hike or lakeside stroll. For a unique seasonal experience, the Branson Scenic Railway offers fall foliage tours, transporting passengers through tunnels and over trestles surrounded by the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. Autumn in Branson provides a natural backdrop to everything else the town has to offer.
Jefferson City
Missouri’s capital might not always top fall travel lists, but it should. By October, the bluffs along the Missouri River are alive with color, and the view from the Missouri State Capitol grounds is one of the best in the state. Those who appreciate nature will adore Binder Lake Park, which offers trails that loop through vibrant forests and quiet shorelines, making it perfect for a crisp morning walk. For a scenic drive, head out along Highway 50, where rolling farmland and tree-lined roads turn into a patchwork of color. After golden hour, many visitors make their way up to the Lewis and Clark Monument overlook above the riverfront, where the Capitol dome rises above the fall treetops and glows warm against the last light of the day.
An Autumn Getaway In Missouri
Fall in Missouri has a way of sneaking up on you, then leaving you breathless with its color and atmosphere. These towns, from the riverfront bluffs of Cape Girardeau to the lively hillsides of Branson, offer their own way of celebrating the season. Whether it’s hiking beneath fiery fall foliage, joining in on a local harvest festival, or watching the light hit the trees at sunset, autumn here is about connection. When you’re looking for more than a pit stop, these towns offer a glimpse into nature, tradition, and the rhythm of slowing down. In 2025, these towns offer a beautiful place to stop and enjoy the seasons, with excellent food and fun activities, all while taking in the wonders of fall in Missouri.
