Find apple orchards, fall foliage along hundreds of miles of trails, pumpkin patches, and much more this fall in eastern Iowa.
With a variety of fall events and attractions going on around the state, it’s easy to spend the cool season visiting local hotspots while creating new memories with your friends and family. Our 2022 list of eastern Iowa autumn adventures will give you and your group hours of fall fun.
Many people consider fall to be the most beautiful and enjoyable time of year in Iowa; leaves changing colors, crisp air, college football, pumpkin patches, holidays, and more. With so many fall activities available, Iowa has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. Here are a few of our favorite fall destinations in the Hawkeye State, particularly eastern Iowa:
Wilson's Orchard and Farm - Located in Iowa City, Wilson's has a 40-year history of providing visitors with high quality fruit products and beautiful fall scenery. Nowadays, you can visit Wilson's Orchard and Farm to shop at their farm market, enjoy farm-to-table dining in their cider house and event venue, pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables, or enjoy farm-to-table BBQ that's always smoked with Wilson's applewood. Also, be sure to stop into the bakery and grab some apple cider donuts...they do not disappoint.
Bloomsbury Farm - Just 10 minutes west of Cedar Rapids and 40 minutes north of Iowa City, Bloomsbury Farm is open through October 30th. This beautiful farm in Atkins offers a wide variety of activities for both young and old, including a pumpkin patch, two large corn mazes, hayrack rides, a jumping pillow, sunflower fields, "pumpkin blaster," zip line, petting zoo, and delicious fall drinks.
Palisades-Kepler State Park - Located in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Palisades (for short) is a gorgeous outdoor destination on the banks of the Cedar River. Dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, majestic hardwood trees, and an abundance of wildlife characterize the area, and Native American Indian mounds mark the early history of the park. The park features 5 miles of rugged hiking trails through diverse wildlife and forest habitats; four family cabins and an overnight campground; and two picnic shelters for an outdoor gathering.
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail - The Cedar Valley Nature Trail (CVNT) is a 69-mile multi-use trail moving from Ely through Cedar Rapids and on to Waterloo passing through many quaint towns and beautiful pastoral scenes. Paved from Evansdale to 2.5 miles east of La Porte City with the rest of the trail being crushed limestone, easily bike-able when dry. The CVNT was Iowa’s first rail-to-trail conversion and follows the floodplain of the Cedar River through forested areas, wetlands, and rolling farmlands, with tree tunnels punctuated by open vistas. Campgrounds are located at McFarlane Park and in Black Hawk Park.
Indian Creek Nature Center - Located on Otis Road in Cedar Rapids, Indian Creek Nature Center provides the opportunity to enjoy hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing and fishing while you explore land in various stages of ecological restoration. Explore many miles of trails through restored prairies, woodland, and wetlands, visit the Hazelnut Hideaway outdoor playscape, experience the bird viewing room and interactive exhibits, including the brand new Indian Creek Exhibit.
BONUS ATTRACTION: Fish the Mississippi River - The Mississippi River borders eastern Iowa for more than 300 incredible miles, entering the state between swift bluffs that rise four to six hundred feet above the river level. There are 58 boat launching sites on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River. Public lands usually stretch a considerable distance downstream and are open to public fishing. Some restrictions for safety are in effect at all dams on the river and must be obeyed. Be sure to follow all laws and restrictions when fishing.
With endless fall adventures, activities, and small businesses in eastern Iowa, September through November is the perfect time to put on layers of clothes and head outdoors to explore.
At Iowa Brewing Company, we personally pride ourselves on supporting other small local businesses year round. Small businesses and local attractions, like the ones list above, are the crown jewels of our community and rely on your support 365 days a year, and make eastern Iowa a wonderful place to live and visit.