From picking the perfect pumpkin to tracking down the best hard cider, it’s finally time to bundle up and venture into some of the best fall experiences Iowa has to offer.
Bass Farms
Mt. Vernon
Pack up the kids and head over to Bass Farms for a family-friendly fall festival. Enjoy hayrides around the farm, walk the sunflower fields, pick out your soon-to-be jack-o-lanterns from the patch and be sure to stop into the sweet shop for pumpkin treats (the Snap-O-Lantern ice cream is a must to try). Admission is free, and the festival will run daily until Nov. 1, except for Mondays when the farm is closed.
To learn more about Bass Farms, visit bassfarms.org.
Wilson’s Orchard and Farm
Iowa City
For those whose favorite part of fall is a crisp, hard cider, take a trip down to Wilson’s Orchard and Farm for a tour and tasting at the distillery. The pros will show you the entire process from picking from the apple trees down to pouring into the bottle. The farm also offers U-pick options where visitors can pick from the apple orchard, and pick up some baked fall goodies from the store. Wilson’s is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To learn more about Wilson’s Orchard and Farm, visit www.wilsonsorchard.com.
Allen’s Orchard
Marion
Celebrating 52 years of apple-y goodness, Allen’s Orchard is offering fall enthusiasts the opportunity to pick not only from its apple trees but enjoy grown goodies like pumpkins, grapes and pears. Be sure to stop by the bakery for some homemade pies, cider doughnuts and pumpkin turnovers, and order a warm mug of fresh apple cider to sip on the way home. The orchard is open seven days a week with free entry (cost for products and goods).
To learn more about Allen’s Orchard, visit www.allensorchard.com.
Sutliff Farm & Cider House
Lisbon
In addition to its traditional American BBQ, Sutliff Farm & Cider House is offering its crisp, ice-cold ciders, live music and a good time every weekend throughout October. The recently renovated cider house offers a multitude of flavors crafted with juice from its fields, from classic apple to sangria cider. In addition to the cider house, the farm offers U-pick options featuring pumpkins from the patch, apples directly from a branch and sweet corn right off the stalk.
To learn more about Sutliff Farm and Cider house, visit www.sutlifffarm.com.
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch
Cumming
An extensive corn maze, patches filled to the brim with pumpkins of all colors and sizes, a market featuring an assortment of Halloween and fall home décor, and a bakeshop that will have your mouth watering for the sweet treat galore–what more could you ask for to celebrate the beginning of fall? The pumpkin patch is open until Oct. 31, with free admission.
To learn more about Howell’s Pumpkin Patch, visit howellsgreenhouseandpumpkinpatch.com.
Pumpkinville & Cornmaze
Mitchellville
Pumpkinville is the perfect spot for little ones to get in on the fall festivities. The festivities feature a mini corn maze, hayrides, tug-a-pumpkin and so much more to have your tots soaking up all of the fall fun. Be sure to stop by the pumpkin patch on your way out and enjoy a cup of warm apple cider. There is no entry fee, and Pumpkinville will remain open daily with no current end date set.
To learn more about Pumpkinville & Cornmaze, visit www.pumpkinvillecornmaze.com.