When the Transcontinental Railroad crossed the country, it changed the face of America. Now, more than a century later, the Rails to Trails Conservancy is trying to connect the coasts in a different way. Check out the Great American Rail Trail through Iowa to see exactly what their dream entails.
Since the 1980s, Rails to Trails Conservancy has been working on the idea that one day, the Great American Rail-Trail would link both sides of the country.
Recently, the RTC announced that their Great American Rail Trail route was more than 50 percent complete — making this dream look more and more like reality.
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The route spans nearly 4,000 miles from Washington, D.C. to Seattle, and it goes right through Iowa. In the Hawkeye State, more than 53 percent of the trails are already built, and more are being renovated every day.
There are 218 miles of trail left to complete in Iowa, and groups are working on completing links and expanding trails like the Iowa River Trail shown here.
In the end, the Great American Rail-Trail will connect 50 million people who live within 50 miles of the route, and allow adventurers a new route across the country. Nearly 500 miles of the trail are in Iowa — will you join in and ride?
Your Ultimate Guide To Fall Activities and Attractions in Iowa
Fall is a great season in Iowa, with some of the state's best festivals and activities in full swing. Here are our favorite things to do in Iowa in the fall.
Ah, fall. There's already a chill in the air, the leaves are starting to turn, and back-to-school sales have made way to Halloween candy displays. For those of us (like me) who tend to wilt when it gets too hot, this is the perfect time of year to get out and explore - and the good news is, there are so many amazing things to do in Iowa in the fall! This is when the Hawkeye State's farms and pumpkin patches really get rolling, with months of fun activities and delicious seasonal treats. Some of the state's best festivals take place around this time, and then there's the main attraction - the dazzling fall foliage that can be seen across our many state parks. Here are our fifteen favorite things to do in Iowa in the fall - but that's just scratching the surface.
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Iowa Fall Foliage: Where To Find The Best Fall Foliage In Iowa
There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of fall in Iowa than with a trip to some unique fall foliage destinations. The leaves will start to turn over the next few weeks, and Iowa's parks and forests will soon be completely transformed. Here are some of our favorite spots - state parks, county parks, and even a unique Airbnb perfect for a personal fall getaway.
Wow Factor - One of the best bike trails in Iowa to see the fall foliage.
Need to Know - The park is open from 4 AM to 10:30 PM each day.
One of the best ways to see Iowa's fall foliage is on a bike, and Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City is home to one of the best bike bridges in the state. This beautiful county park provides an incredible view of the Wapsipinicon River flanked by fall trees, as well as plenty of great opportunities for recreation on the water. The easy-to-navigate hiking trails are also a perfect way to see the foliage up close.
Wow Factor - A sprawling, rustic cabin only feet from the Mississippi River and flanked by fall foliage.
Need to Know - Plenty of dates are available in September, October, and November with nightly rates around $250 on average.
For some, a day of hiking amid the fall foliage just isn't enough. If you're looking for an amazing fall foliage getaway, we highly recommend the Mississippi Waterfront Cabin, a cozy retreat that sleeps nine and is packed with modern amenities. The Mississippi River is literally in your backyard, and there's a firepit on the grounds that makes for an incredible spot to roast marshmallows.
Wow Factor - An incredible vista with some of the best fall foliage in Iowa, amid the stunning Loess Hills.
Need to Know - Open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily.
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The Loess Hills are the most unique geographic location in Iowa, and the fascinating topography created by the windblown soil of the ice age looks especially stunning in the fall. The best way to see them is at the Hitchcock Nature Center, which is home to a small museum as well as a tower that visitors scale to see an incredible vista. This is a highly popular place to see birds, including Hawks and Eagles as they migrate.
Wow Factor - A small and isolated state park with stunning fall foliage on the banks of the Red Rock Reservoir.
Need to Know - Open from 4 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
One of the smallest state parks in Iowa, Elk Rock State Park might only be 850 acres, but it's full of trails and waterfront views. When fall arrives, the whole park is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors that look especially gorgeous from the water. This is a popular spot for picnics and hiking, and the canopy of trees is very welcome on sunny days. The North Loop Trail is an easy 2.5-mile trail that is an amazing way to see the trees up close.
Best Pumpkin Patches In Iowa
Is there anything that says fall more than a freshly carved Jack-o-Lantern? This is the time of year that many of Iowa's best farms turn into spectacular pumpkin patches, and we've picked four of the best to help you get your fall off to a festive start.
5. Scarecrow Farm
Loved the pumpkin patch on this beautiful day in Iowa.
Location - Lawton, Iowa
Wow Factor - The largest pumpkin patch in the state, with a wide selection of pumpkins and fall activities.
Need to Know - Scarecrow Farms is open for its fall festival September 28th to October 27th. Tickets for the fall festival are $15.94 online.
Pumpkin picking at Scarecrow Farm is a full-fledged event, with a host of fall activities including wagon rides, a thrilling slide, and a massive corn maze. The pumpkin field is almost overwhelmingly large when you first see it, with gourds of every shape and size waiting for you. The on-site farm market is a great place to pick up delicious farm-fresh goodies before you leave.
Wow Factor - An amazing selection of pumpkins and apples on a rustic family-owned farm.
Need to Know - Deal's Orchard is open 9 AM to 6 PM seven days a week, and holds an annual fall festival on October 12th.
Deal's Orchard is one of the best farms in Iowa for apple picking, but it deserves just as much attention for its pumpkin patch. This is a great laid-back spot to get your jack-o-lantern for Halloween before having some fall fun - the kids will love leaping into the giant bounce, while adults can indulge in apple cider donuts and a huge variety of hard cider.
7. Harvestville Farm
Farm raised decorative vegetables
Location - Donnellson, Iowa
Wow Factor - Not only does this large farm have a massive pumpkin patch with a big variety, but it has a huge selection of seasonal snacks.
Need to Know - Open 10 AM to 5 PM seven days a week. Fall admission is $13.
Harvestville Farm is another massive pumpkin patch in Iowa, and this Donnellson farm is really more like a full-fledged farm attraction. Its country store is acclaimed around the whole state, but during the fall festival, the entire place is transformed into a fun destination with more than 40+ family-friendly activities and delicious treats. The variety of pumpkins and gourds is one of the biggest in the state.
Wow Factor - A charming, family-friendly farm with a u-pick pumpkin patch and amazing fall activities.
Need to Know - General admission is $13 on weekends and $11 on weekdays, with fall activities running from September 21st to November 3rd. The farm is open Wednesday to Sunday 10 AM to 8 PM.
One of the smaller pumpkin patches we've profiled, Colony Acres Family Farm is getting a reputation for being one of the best fall destinations in the Hawkeye State thanks to its rustic appeal. A giant pumpkin bounce pad, a barrel train, and a corn maze are there along with a huge selection of all-season activities and a massive PYO pumpkin patch. On weekends, some additional attractions like a corn cannon join the fun, while the adults will enjoy sampling delicious seasonal treats and old favorites like kettle corn.
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Best Fall Festivals In Iowa
Nothing says fall like a great festival, and Iowa is full of them - from raucous Oktoberfest events to charming farm festivals. The best fall festivals in Iowa are a diverse bunch, but all make a fantastic way to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Wow Factor - The largest pumpkin-themed festival in Iowa takes over the town's main street every year.
Need to Know - Held October 5th, 2024 all day, with no admission fee.
Anamosa Pumpkinfest is an event that Iowans look forward to all year, and this whimsical celebration of all things fall is known for its beloved parades, fall treats, a massive selection of pumpkins to take home, and of course, the headliner event - the Ryan Norlan Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, where farmers from around Iowa gather to see who has the biggest pumpkin, with the winner sometimes weighing over 2,000 pounds.
Wow Factor - The most authentic Oktoberfest in Iowa, with all the trappings of Munich.
Need to Know - Held October 4th to 6th in 2024. Admission tickets range from $15 to $20.
For those who want to celebrate fall Bavarian style, Amana Oktoberfest is the charming German town's most popular festival. The sleepy little town transforms into a spectacular party with beer flowing freely and dining halls alive with polka music and traditional dance. The town's many German food stores get into the act, too - with seasonal treats available at the bakery, the chocolate shop, and the meat store. Don't miss the town's charming Oktoberfest parade.
Wow Factor - The largest selection of barbecue you'll find at a festival in Iowa, plus plenty of live music and activities.
Need to Know - Held September 20th and 21st in 2024. Admission to the festival and concerts is free!
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If you love smoked meats, this is the event for you! Denison hosts the Tri City BBQ Fest every year, bringing restauranteurs and pitmasters from around Iowa to offer a taste of their signature items. The festival is free, but you'll definitely want to budget for quite a few plates of 'Q before settling in for nightly live entertainment. This year's festival will include a car show featuring a massive collection of vintage cars.
Wow Factor - A massive, activity-filled fall festival on Iowa's most beloved family farm.
Need to Know - Held from September 13th to October 27th, plus November 2nd. Tickets are $14 online and $22 at the gate.
The most famous fall festival in Iowa, Bloomsbury Farm is once again hosting a massive celebration of everything Autumn with a massive 18-acre u-pick pumpkin patch, a 10-acre corn maze, and 30+ additional activities for families. Almost as exciting are the seasonal food offerings, which range from sweet treats to spirited beverages from the grown-ups. More daring guests can test their bravery at Scream Acres, the night-time haunted house event.
Free & Cheap Fall Activities In Iowa
Do you have a budget crunch during the fall (after a summer of fun, perhaps)? No worries - some of the best fall adventures in Iowa are budget-friendly, ranging from completely free state parks to a botanical garden with a reasonable admission and some incredible views.
Wow Factor - Iowa's most famous botanical garden is taken over by fall colors, plus regular Autumn events.
Need to Know - Reiman Gardens is open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with admission being $12 with reduced rates for seniors and children. Members and Iowa State students are free.
Reiman Gardens is an institution in Iowa - a massive botanical garden that is home to some of the year's most beautiful events and dozens of unique gardens, sculptures, and peaceful nooks that are perfect for a quiet day out. There's no better time to enjoy this little corner of heaven than in the fall, when many of the plants are showing off new colors. In fact, visiting the gardens in every season will provide a slightly different experience each time.
Wow Factor - Some of the best fishing, hiking, and fall foliage in an Iowa county park, in a truly isolated and peaceful location.
Need to Know - Open 6 AM to 10 PM daily. Admission to the park is free.
Silp Bluff County Park is one of those perfect little hidden havens that not many people know about, and as the weather gets cool, it's the ideal time to explore. Tucked away in one of the most rural corners of Iowa, it's home to incredible fall foliage and a peaceful lake that's well-stocked with bass, walleye, and catfish for anglers. The park is best seen from an easy 1.4-mile loop trail that takes you under perfect canopies of trees alive with fall colors.
Wow Factor - In addition to amazing fall foliage, this park has one of Iowa's most famous buildings.
Need to Know - Open 4 AM to 10:30 PM seven days a week. Admission is free.
Pilot Knob State Park is one of the best spots in Iowa for a view of fall foliage, thanks to its famous lookout tower. This building looks a lot like a miniature castle, but you don't have to be royalty to visit here. You just have to take on a moderately-challenging hike of about 5.2 miles, which will take you thought a dense forest that fills up with stunning colors during this time of year. It's an ideal all-day adventure on a cool fall day.
What are your favorite things to do in Iowa in the fall? Do you have any special Autumn traditions? Let us know in the comments section! If you're looking for some more unique fall adventures, why not seek out some of the best waterfalls in Iowa? If you're planning a lot of fall hikes, we recommend a subscription to AllTrails +, which is invaluable in off-the-grid areas thanks to its downloadable step-by-step trail directions.
I might be a millennial, but I'll be honest - I'm getting to the age where I start thinking about the "Good old days." When I talk about that time, I usually mean the heyday of '90s malls and video arcades, but that doesn't mean I don't love to pay a visit to other places that remind me of a time long before my childhood. A perfect example is Roller City Roller Rink, found in the charming town of Mason City. This old-school roller rink is the definition of classic American charm - but with a few modern updates that keep the guests coming year after year. It's my pick for the best roller rink in Iowa, and after a look inside this unique spot, I bet you'll agree.
A classic roller rink straight out of the 1950s, Roller City in Mason City has been thrilling guests since it opened in 1978. One of the last classic roller rinks in Iowa, this unique location is still a popular spot for day skating and for parties.
It's not hard to see why - the rink has a gorgeous blacklight design that makes it feel like something out of another world. There are several open skate sessions through the week, with admission under $10 and skate rental only $3.
But that's not the bulk of this rink's business. It is an extremely popular party spot, offering affordable options for birthday parties ideal for big groups. It's an annual tradition for many birthday guests - and maybe for the next generation, too!
While many of the rink's attractions have been holding it down since the rink opened nearly half a century ago, there have been quite a few additions, including a state-of-the-art arcade with a prize counter. I'll take that Pikachu, please!
Of course, it wouldn't be a birthday party hotspot without some food. There's a great pizzeria on site, providing food for parties and for hungry skaters, as well as a snack counter serving chips, snack cakes, snowcones, and more.
But you don't have to come to Roller City - Roller City can come to you, thanks to its mobile skate program that can turn a school gymnasium into a rink fit for a day of skating!
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Have you visited Roller City Roller Rink in Mason City? Do you think it's the best roller rink in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! You can find out more on the Roller City website and the Roller City Facebook page, where you'll find details on all the latest events. This is far from the only place to enjoy some classic American charm in Mason City - much of the city is dedicated to the legacy of Iowa's most famous musical, The Music Man. And if you're staying the night in the area, we highly recommend booking a room at The Historic Park Inn Hotel, the most famous spot in town!
