Whether you’re into rolling fields, broadleaf forests or winding river valleys, Iowa can produce a fall panorama to fit the bill—and an activity to match. In a state with deep agricultural roots, fall is the time when folks finally relax, kick off their work boots and have some fun. These are our favorite fall activities in Iowa.
Fall in Iowa is the perfect time to target aggressive fish species (largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike) as they voraciously feed, packing on calories to keep their metabolisms functioning in the colder water. One of the best places to chase the fall bite is Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River, which extends from New Albin southward to the dam above Harper’s Ferry. If you’re looking for some backwater secrets, get in touch with Ted Peck who can take you out and put you on the fish.
View this post on Instagram
Trout Run Trail, named for the trout stream that it tracks for part of its course, is an 11-mile loop around the scenic town of Decorah. The loop includes views of the Upper Iowa River, the historic downtown district and the Internet-famous Decorah Eagles, which you can spy from the fish hatchery. Cool down and quench your thirst at Pulpit Rock Brewing on Decorah’s West Side.
For more than 40 years, the village of Remsen has celebrated the town’s German and Luxembourg heritage—as well as the end of the harvest—on the last Saturday of October. The annual Oktoberfest celebration offers food, beer (including one free keg, while it lasts), polka, performances and fun for the entire family.
Remnants of the Big Woods—a deciduous forest that covered much of Northeast Iowa—can be found in Effigy Mounds National Monument. Hike the trails on the bluffs above the Mississippi River for sweeping views of the valley and gorgeous fall foliage. Explore the monument’s namesake burial mounds, many shaped in animal effigies, and learn about the native peoples who made the area their home. Staying in the area? Set up your basecamp at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites in nearby Marquette.
Some of the state’s best MTB trails are along the Iowa River, at the Coralville Reservoir, between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. The trails are located on Army Corps of Engineers land, but they are maintained by the Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (ICORR), which posts events and trail conditions on its website. Fall is an awesome time for a ride, when the valley’s maples and oaks are bursting with color. If you need a rental, hit up Sugar Bottom Bikes in North Liberty.
View this post on Instagram
Step on board and loose the lines, as you step back into the 1800s on an authentic Mississippi riverboat. Riverboat Twilight will show you the splendors of fall in the tree-lined Upper Mississippi River valley. Backwaters, islands and bluffs, from the riverbanks to the horizons, will be clothed in the oranges, golds and crimsons of autumn hardwoods.
Capped at 7,500 runners, the annual Living History Farms Road-O-Cross is the biggest cross-country race in the United States. Held each November, the race challenges runners to wade through creeks, dodge farm animals in pastures, and traverse ravines and gullies over the seven-mile, off-road course. Many wear costumes for the race. Since you’re already in the area, stop by Foundry Distilling Company for a bottle of local whiskey (or make your own!) to enjoy after the race.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for a way to get up close and personal with autumn in Iowa, head to the Pumpkin Ranch and walk into a cornfield like the ghostly ballplayers in “Field of Dreams”—except their field has a gigantic maze carved into it: Iowa’s Mega Corn Maze. Play one of the games inside the maze or simply spend a crisp, fall afternoon wandering among the corn.
View this post on Instagram
In Iowa, the northeast part of the state is trout central. Trout anglers—whether conventional or fly—will relish the many opportunities to hook rainbow, brown or native brook trout in the region’s many streams. Be sure you have a trout stamp for your fishing license before you go. Decorah is a great place to use as your regional HQ. Check out Trout River or Pine Creek. Stay at the Hotel Winneshiek and drink at Toppling Goliath Brewery’s taproom.
