Every winter, America's national bird puts on a big show in Iowa. The state is located in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, a major migration route for countless birds. In fact, about 40 percent of North American migrating waterfowl and shorebirds use this route.
You'll also find large raptors along the flyway, including thousands of bald eagles that winter along the river. You'll find them gathered near the river's system of locks and dams and Clinton, Iowa is a prime place to view these majestic birds.
Clinton, Iowa is located along the Mississippi River, about 30 miles northeast of the Quad Cities. It's adjacent to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, a vast area of protected wildlife habitat.
Many of the eagles gather near Lock and Dam 13 on the river. A good viewing location nearby is Eagle Point Park. This 200-acre park offers panoramic views of this wide stretch of the river.
While the eagles are huge, the vistas along the river are expansive, allowing you to see birds hundreds of yards away. To truly take in all the details of these majestic birds, consider bringing along a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.
Wild areas along the shore give the birds protection from Iowa's cold winter winds. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge include more than 240,000 acres of protected habitat.
In the late 1970s, the Bald Eagle was on the verge of extinction. Today, it thrives in places like Clinton. They are incredible to see in flight, with wingspans that can approach eight feet.
Fall in Iowa means one thing — pumpkin picking! I always look forward to walking the fields and finding that perfect pumpkin, whether I'm looking for a delicate paint job or a carved jack-o-lantern. And of course, the perfect pumpkin-picking trip probably includes some smaller pumpkins for pumpkin pie! The best local pumpkin patches in Iowa are just as varied as these massive gourds — some are located on small, humble, family-owned farms. Others are located on sprawling rural retreats packed with fall activities. One can only be reached by boarding Iowa's most famous train! There's only one thing they all have in common - a trip to any of these pumpkin patches is the perfect way to get in the fall spirit!
Bloomsbury Farm typically runs its iconic fall festival from late September through the end of October, Friday to Sunday. However, 2024 dates have not yet been released. You can expect great food, family-friendly games, a ten-acre corn maze, and a sprawling 18-acre you-pick pumpkin patch. That's during the day - at night this whole farm turns into a massive haunted attraction! It's one of the best farms to visit during fall in Iowa.
The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad is one of Iowa's top attractions, holding specialty rides throughout the year for Christmas and Easter - and its fan-favorite fall event is right around the corner. The Pumpkin Express runs the first, second, and third Sunday in October and features all the amazing scenic views you've come to expect from the train and a visit to a perfectly kid-sized pumpkin patch maintained by the railroad.
3. Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch - Cumming
Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch opens for the 2024 season on Sept. 7 and will stay open for fall fun until Nov. 2. This pumpkin patch features a large selection of pumpkins grown on-site. But that's just the start of the fun here. You can expect to find kid-friendly activities, a snack bar featuring farm-fresh treats, a greenhouse filled with beautiful specimens, and the farm's friendly goats looking to get into some mischief! It's one of the best pumpkin patches in Iowa.
Pumpkinville tells you exactly what it's about right in the name, and the farm has an amazing selection of large and mid-sized pumpkins, plus some gorgeous decorative gourds. This rural haven also has a large corn maze and a mini-version for the kids. This is an old-fashioned place, and it still does all the fall classics right. It's open from early August through Halloween from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily.
Fall will kick off at Harvestville Farm on Sept. 23 and will be open seven days a week through Oct. 31, though only the retail barn is open Oct. 28-31. That includes the beloved farm market and cafe, along with a sprawling pumpkin patch filled with classic orange pumpkins and gourds. How big is this pumpkin patch? Try 35 acres of pumpkins, plus a corn maze, wagon rides, and unique fall-themed play areas for kids.
For one of the best "pumpkin patches near me," Colony Acres Family Farm kicks off its fall season on Sept. 21 and operates through Nov. 3, 2024, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, and hay bales are all for sale, but it's not just about the harvest here. Wagon rides and seasonal snacks, including some of Iowa's most delicious donuts, are also available!
Have you visited any of these popular local pumpkin patches in Iowa? Tell us your picks for the best pumpkin patches in Iowa in the comments section! The fall fun is just getting started, so check out the best fall festivals in Iowa to keep the spirit rolling! Make sure you're decked out in your best fall gear before you go!
Is there anything better than berries picked straight off the vine? I don't think so, and I look forward to this season all year. Which season, you ask? All of them! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries - I can't get enough. If I had to pick just one, though, it would be those perfectly sweet and tart blueberries which ripen in the summer. And the best place in the Hawkeye State to find them is at Blueberry Bottom. This rustic blueberry farm in Iowa, found in the tiny town of Brighton, feels like it's right out of a storybook. This small family farm doesn't have too many frills, but what it does have is some of the best blueberries around. Its U-pick season typically starts in early July, so here's everything you need to know to be ready when pickin' season rolls around!
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Blueberry Bottom is located in the heart of rural Iowa, and it always has something great for sale.
If you don't have time for the whole u-pick experience, just head directly to the farmstead - there will be pre-picked pints waiting for you, as well as various other goods from in-house and partner farms.
It could be blueberry pancakes, blueberry smoothies - or, if you're like me, just snacking straight from the pint.
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Have you visited Blueberry Bottom? Tell us about your visit to this charming blueberry farm in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about the offerings on the Blueberry Bottom website, and make sure to follow the Facebook page of this blueberry farm in Iowa for the latest pictures and updates! Brighton is also only a short drive away from the town of Kalona, where you'll find this beloved general store and cafe and can book a room at the low-cost Dutch Country Inn before heading back on the open road.
