There’s nothing like an afternoon spent outside in early autumn, enjoying the beautiful fall weather and picking your own apples, and participating in fun fall activities. Iowa remains one of the most beautiful places to go apple picking and has some of the best orchards to make it happen for you and your loved ones. The Midwest tends to get an unfortunately bad rap, what with unfounded stereotypes floating about out there, but it truly encompasses some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire United States. You can find many gorgeous farms in Iowa and our state boasts some of the best apple orchards in Iowa are perfect to visit as the seasons change.

There are many Iowa orchards that offer fun for the entire family. From apple cider to freshly fried apple donuts and u-pick opportunities, there's no better place to spend the season of autumn. If you’re looking for fun ways to get out and enjoy some fresh air, be sure to check out these 10 picture-perfect apple orchards in Iowa. You're about to fall in love with the beauty of the Hawkeye State all over again, folks, and you're going to love every minute of it.

1. Iowa Orchard - Granger

Iowa Orchard is a beautiful orchard in Granger that offers a wide variety of pick-your-own apples, tours and other activities like hayrides, a tire obstacle course and badminton. They also sell a wide variety of mouthwatering homemade pies. It's a must-visit for the whole family, and friendly for all ages.

2. Allen’s Orchard - Marion

Allen's Orchard in Marion offers a wide variety of apples for apple picking, as well as fun events, like Oktoberfest and LuLaRoe Fall Fashion week. It's a fantastic farm to visit in fall in Iowa, and beautiful to boot!

3. Center Grove Orchard - Cambridge

At Center Grove Orchard, you can pick your own apples in many delicious varieties. They also have plenty of fun activities like a corn maze, hayride and much more. When you're done picking apples, make sure to try a delicious apple doughnut. This local orchard definitely answers the question of what to do in fall in Iowa.

4. Wilson’s Orchard - Iowa City

Looking for apple picking in Iowa? At Wilson's Orchard, you can pick a variety of different kinds of apples. They have pumpkins in October, as well. You can also enjoy fresh apple cider and apple turnovers, and plenty of fun fall activities.

5. The Big Apple Orchard - Mount Vernon

The Big Apple Orchard west of Mount Vernon offers 22 different varieties of apples. Also check out the Orchard store, where they have a bakery, donuts, gifts and more. There's no better place to both indulge and shop on a farm in Iowa. Address: 1115 US-30, Mt Vernon, IA 52314

6. Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard - Council Bluffs

Ditmars in Council Bluffs offers apple picking, and a variety of activities, like a corn maze, tractor rides, bale maze and more. There is also a vineyard there, so make sure to visit the Orchard store to sample some wine as you enjoy the scenery.

7. Appleberry Orchard - Donnellson

At Appleberry Orchard, you can pick your own apples and pumpkins, and there’s a petting zoo, a bakery, and more. Make sure to sample "the Queen’s Apple," a fresh picked, sliced apple drizzled with homemade caramel and topped with whipped cream and your choice of toppings.

8. Community Orchards - Fort Dodge

Community Orchard offers a large variety of fresh-picked apples, a bakery with homemade goodies, gifts, home decor and lots of activities, from a corn maze to a giant playground.

9. Little Sioux Orchard - Milford

With 20 varieties of fruit and produce, including lots of apple varieties, Little Sioux Orchard has plenty of deliciousness to offer. The orchard offers seasonal activities, like spring mushroom hunting, summer berry picking and fall apple harvesting.

10. Czipar’s Apple Orchard - Dubuque

Head to Czipar’s Orchard for fun activities and a variety of fresh apples and delicious fall treats like fresh apple cider, apple butter, jellies, and apple blossom honey. This is a true Iowa farm, age-old and bursting with fun fall activities. Make sure you bring the whole family on your trip to Czipar's! It's as popular with the little ones as it is with the fall-wizened adults.

These fall farms in Iowa make for some of the most beautiful family memories and are well worth the time and effort it takes to plan and travel during the heated end of summertime. Have you been to any of the best apple orchards in Iowa? Have you been apple-picking in Iowa?

Make sure to leave your tips and experiences in the comments below! We want ALL your local tips and tricks, Iowa.

What are your favorite orchards in Iowa? For more fun fall activities, here are 15 fall festivals in Iowa you won’t find anywhere else. And for even more things to do in Iowa in the fall, check out Airbnb experiences.