One of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in this gorgeous time of year in Iowa is to simply explore it—via a road trip, a hiking adventure or even an afternoon bike ride. The weather is perfect and the fall foliage is abundant—so why not enjoy it while you can? Here are the best places to see fall leaves in Iowa.
[Originally posted Oct. 2022]
Dubuque
Dubuque is settled right alongside the Mississippi River and attracts visitors from all over for its unique culture, cozy charm and scenic beauty that practically surrounds the area. During the fall months, the city is bustling with fall festivals and pumpkin patches. And the outskirts of the city are accented with colorful leaves and an abundance of fall foliage—making Dubuque the most perfect place to celebrate autumn in all of its glory, especially early- to mid-October. For more information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org.
Wildcat Den State Park
Muscatine County
Located in Muscatine County, Wildcat Den State Park features 75-ft. cliffs, rock formations and several historic structures—including the 1848 Pine Creek Grist Mill and Pine Mill Bridge, which are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond a unique and deep-rooted history, this corner of the state also boasts plenty of autumn hues, starting as early as the first weekend in October. For more information, visit www.iowadnr.gov.
Lake Macbride State Park
Solon
Lake Macbride is Iowa’s largest state park, which boasts nearly 2,180 acres that provide space for a number of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, camping and hiking. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the area’s gorgeous fall season—and wide variety of autumn-inspired colors—Lake Macbride State Park is a must-visit destination for seeing fall leaves in Iowa. For more information, visit www.iowadnr.gov.
Dunning’s Spring Park
Decorah
Dunning’s Springs Park is one of the Midwest’s most charming sites—plus, it’s also a prime location for catching glimpses of the changing fall leaves in Iowa. The wooded park is an outdoor oasis that features a stunning 200-ft. waterfall, extensive walking trails and secluded spots for picnicking. Sit back, relax and explore this highly saturated space. For more information, visit parks.decorahia.org/decorah-parks.