Places To See In Iowa This Fall

Exploring Iowa in Full Fall Color

My favorite time of all is autumn. As I’m writing this, the leaves are just getting ready to turn colors. With all the oak trees that will be turning shades of gold and orange, the maples turning yellow, amber and bright red, Iowa in the fall is gorgeous! You do not need a lot of money to see great sights this fall. Pack some coffee and grab your jacket. Driving down the Great River Road is a fun trip that costs almost nothing. The road follows the long Mississippi River. Millions of trees change color every year in the fall. You will see deep red, bright yellow, and warm orange leaves everywhere you look.

Great Places to Stop Up North

Since leaves will change slightly earlier in the north, your journey can start up north in Minnesota. You can also stop by the Harriet Alexander Nature Center for some hiking. Keep heading towards Iowa and you will come to Red Wing, Minnesota. Barn Bluff sits in the town of Red Wing and has a big rock hill that rises high above the water. You can hike to the top to see for miles. It is a great spot to take a quick photo.

The National Eagle Center sits in Wabasha, Minnesota. This place sits right on the edge of the river. You might be able to see bald eagles up close here. Many eagles fly along the river in the fall season.

Bright Leaves and River Views in Iowa

Next, you will drive south into Iowa. The road curves along high stone cliffs to Effigy Mounds National Monument. This is a great place to walk. Farther south on the Great River Road and you will come to Pikes Peak State Park. It sits near the town of McGregor, Iowa. This park has a huge cliff that drops five hundred feet down. You can stand on the wooden deck and look out over the water. You can see two big rivers meet at this spot.

Just across the river is the infamous Prairie Du Chein. It’s known for the bluffs and scenery. Visitors can take in panoramic views of the converging Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers from high-elevation overlooks at Wyalusing State Park or along the scenic Great River Road, with additional options to enjoy river cruises, waterfront walks, and bluff-top hikes.

Keep driving, along the Great River Road (US-52) and you will enter Jackson County, Iowa. You will see bluffs along the Mississippi River. You can stop at Bellevue State Park’s Nelson Unit Overlook and Dyas Unit trails, as well as Sabula, Iowa’s only island city to enjoy fall colors. Of course, Maquoketa Caves State Park and the historic Hurstville Lime Kilns round out the area’s top autumn spots.

Small Town Charm

You will also drive through small river towns like Guttenberg and Bellevue. These towns have old stone buildings and quiet parks next to the water. You can sit on a bench and watch big boats float down the river. The hills behind the towns glow in the sun.

Just past Davenport, Iowa you will find The Friends of Fairport Fish Hatchery. It’s is a non-profit volunteer organization established in 1908. Its original goal was to restore freshwater mussel populations for the local pearl button industry. Today, the site serves as an active state fish hatchery. The Friends group works to maintain the 60-acre grounds, manage educational walking, and build facility projects.

Historic Sights in the South

As you drive further south, you will arrive in Burlington, Iowa. This city has a lot of history and great views of the water. Try visiting Snake Alley. You will recognize it from movies and commercials. It’s called it the most crooked street in the world, and it’s made of old red bricks and winds down a steep hill. Big red trees and old homes line the brick road. It is a very cool place to walk or drive this fall.

Crapo Park sits high above the river in Burlington. It has many big trees that turn bright colors in autumn. You can walk down the paved paths and look at the water. Phelps Park is another great spot in town. It has wooden bridges and deep valley paths. You can walk under the trees as the leaves fall around you.

Pack Your Bags and Drive

This trip offers some of the best views in the Midwest. It can be a relatively cheap excursion close to home, and you’ll see some beautiful fall views. All you need is a tank of gas and a pair of walking shoes. Iowa’s Great River Road is ready for your next autumn adventure.