The Small Town in Iowa That Comes Alive in the Fall Season

Fall foliage in Iowa is always amazing. There is no question that Iowa has some amazing fall foliage spots, but some of the most popular can be packed with people who have the same great idea! I love finding a quiet spot to see the colors of the fall, and a great example is the small town of Forest City. The county seat of rural Winnebago County, it has a population of just under 4,300 people and is home to Pilot Knob State Park.

This park has some unique sights, but it isn't one of the state's busiest - so you should be able to enjoy the season's peace and quiet. And if hiking through the park gets you hungry, an amazing diner with homemade pie is another positive of autumn in Forest City, Iowa.

Forest City is one of Iowa's most laid-back towns, and that makes it a great spot to enjoy the fall season. Just a few minutes east of town, you'll find Pilot Knob State Park, which is one of Iowa's most beautiful spots to watch the leaves change. Fortunately, ehe park is rarely too crowded—especially during the shoulder seasons—and there are plenty of well-maintained trails for a casual hike. You'll also find many more serene spots for a little solitude and perhaps even to take in a view that fewer hikers see.

The park is also home to one of Iowa's most famous castle-like structures: a unique observation tower. The tower was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the decade after the park's 1924 dedication. Today, the tower, which sits atop the hill for which the park was named, Pilot Knob, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

If you work up an appetite while you're hiking, you're in the right place. You'll find what locals swear is the best food in Forest City at a humble diner marked with just a small sign. Sally's Home Cooking is a classic hole-in-the-wall that serves up hearty fare and comfort food. Country classics like the diner's hot beef sandwich will surely hit the spot on a brisk fall day. Make sure to leave room for pie: It's all homemade, and according to diners' reviews, it's the top reason why Sally's is such a long-standing local gem.

Have you ever visited Forest City, Iowa, in the autumn? If so, tell us about your favorite things to do in this charming little town. Sally's Home Cooking has a Facebook page with the latest specials. If you need a place to lay your head after a day of exploring, check out the Cobblestone Inn & Suites–Forest City.

Would you like to learn more about Forest City's famous castle? Check out our past coverage. Use our fall foliage guide for Iowa to mark your calendars for the best times and places to see it in the Hawkeye State. Then you can use Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner to plan your own leaf peeping adventure in Iowa.