There has already been snow in parts of northern Iowa, and while we hate to say it - winter is on its way, whether we want it or not! And with that changing of the seasons and dropping of the temperatures, there are certain thoughts that go through most Iowans minds; here are some common ones:
1. It better not start snowing until after Thanksgiving.
Summer has sung its last song, and fall is upon us - and that means a dazzling new display of colors on the trees. I don't know about you, but I look forward to fall all year. The cooling weather, the wonderful outdoor festivals, and the build-up to holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving are all great - but nothing beats nature putting on its own stunning display of color, as the leaves transform into a rainbow of red, orange, and gold.
advertisement
Across the Hawkeye State, the trees form a palette of beauty every year, and 2024 will be no different. So when do leaves change color in Iowa? SmokyMountains.com has us covered, with its annual Fall Foliage Map - and we have you covered with the very best spots across Iowa to see the colors in their full glory!
The Fall Foliage Prediction Map is the best way to see when the fall colors will be most spectacular in your state. For Iowa, the colors will be at their height starting in early October and continuing through the month. A bike ride through Pinicon Ridge Park is an amazing way to see the colors -- we love Pinicon Ridge Park for its hiking trails, waterfronts, and the signature bike trail which offers some amazing views of the park's fall colors.
A hike through Yellow River State Forest will take you among the trees to see them as they were meant to be appreciated. Yellow River State Forest is one of Iowa's largest state forests located in Iowa's Driftless Area. It has more than 45 miles of hiking trails, which provide countless amazing views as the leaves change color.
For maybe the most spectacular view in the state, take in the fall colors from the heights of Hitchcock Nature Center, which is surrounded by dunes that make for amazing hiking terrain, and the nature center itself has an exhibit gallery and observation tower.
If you're looking for a relaxing fall foliage cruise, Scenic City Empress Boat Club is setting sail with specialty rides along the Iowa River. Meanwhile, a ride on the Scenic City Empress also passes by a hidden waterfall, and the rates are affordable. The boats can also be hired for catered private cruises.
For those with a lot more energy, why not take an extended bike ride along the Iowa Great Lakes Trail as the colors are changing? The Iowa Great Lakes Trail is 14 miles long and passes through Iowa's Okoboji region - which means you'll be passing through some of Iowa's top attractions and water destinations.
And of course, a scenic drive across Iowa - like on Iowa's historic Route 6 - will provide incredible views of the state at its most beautiful. Route 6 starts in Council Bluffs and passes through small towns like Atlantic and the major metropolis of Des Moines, with many peaceful views on the open road along the way.
A picnic table surrounded by pond water reflections as the sun illuminates from behind the pines. An autumn landscape with a unique curved tree that juts out into the water at Jester Park, Iowa, USA.
What are your plans now that you know when leaves change color in Iowa? Tell us in the comments section! The SmokyMountains.com website can be viewed with up-to-the-minute predictions for this year's fall foliage season at any time. If you're planning to see the foliage in Iowa's many state parks and forests, you might want to subscribe to AllTrails Plus, which offers benefits like interactive trail maps.
It's been a bear of a winter in Iowa, with many parts of the Hawkeye State digging out from hefty snowfall in the bitter cold. But as we turn the corner into February, no doubt many people are looking forward to a warm, welcoming spring that will bring new plants, chirping birds, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. But hold on - you might not want to put away the coat and boots just yet. The Farmers' Almanac, considered the gold standard when it comes to weather predictions, just released an article titled "Soggy, Shivering Spring Ahead". So people should prepare for a cold, stormy spring in Iowa. Spring 2023 is looking like it might go in like a lion - and that lion might be looking to stick around.
advertisement
Winter in Iowa can be beautiful, but it can also be rough - with heavy snow and bitterly cold temperatures.
The Farmers' Almanac, which boasts an 80% accuracy rating since 1792, has made its seasonal predictions. Are they calling for a warm, sunny spring so everyone can get outdoors again?
So keep your coat, umbrella, and boots on hand - although it could be worse. Iowa is near a corridor in the midwest that could see heavy storms and even cooler weather.
What are your spring plans - and is this rough weather prediction likely to change them? Let us know in the comments section. If you're looking for supplies to get through the tail-end of winter and a cold spring in Iowa, check out our guide to the ultimate winter packing list. If you want to make the most of the cold weather, check out this park that becomes an ice palace in the winter.
