Sweater weather is calling. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots in Greater Des Moines to experience fall colors and make cozy memories that will keep you warm through winter. Pairs well with cardigans and pumpkin spice everything. According to this year’s fall foliage forecast, the Greater Des Moines area is expected to see peak color changes in mid-October.
So, grab a hot coffee, get in the car, and follow the yellow leaf road to some of our favorite spots.
Water Works Park downtown turns into an autumn wonderland once the leaves start changing. The Des Moines Biergarten keeps the fall vibes going every weekend through October, with German fare, cold drinks and plenty of colorful scenery. The park also hosts pop-up events and live concerts at Lauridsen Amphitheater. Prefer your fall colors with a little more peace and quiet? Hit the park’s miles of paved trails and take in the changing leaves along the way.
Pro tip: Make it a two-for-one fall color tour. Gray’s Lake is right across the street and connected to Water Works Park by trail. Take the 1.9-mile loop around the lake for waterfront views, colorful trees and a trip across the pedestrian bridge (which lights up at night) or connect the two parks for a longer walk or bike ride.
Located just a few miles east of Gray’s Lake, MacRae Park lights up with vibrant fall colors every autumn. Take a hike around the paved trail and watch as the downtown Des Moines skyline appears and disappears between the colorful leaves. If you’ve got little ones with you, let them burn off some extra energy at the playground. This park has great urban and natural scenery, including the EMC Overlook, which gives park goers a breathtaking view of the city.
Spanning 25 miles, twisting and turning through five towns and four counties, the High Trestle Trail is one of the most popular bike rides in the region and a way to great kick autumn into gear. The terrain is relatively smooth and flat, making for a nice, easy ride. The short, 6-mile ride from Madrid to Woodard is the most popular for a reason – it includes a stop at the iconic, 13-story High Trestle Bridge, which provides panoramic views of the Des Moines River Valley and lights up a beautiful blue from sunset until midnight. If you’d rather just walk and soak in the bridge views (and get the obligatory fall color bridge selfie), the closest parking spot is 2335 QF Lane in Madrid. The bridge is less than a mile from the parking lot, and it makes for the perfect autumn stroll.
Pro tip: If you choose to bike the trail, two of the more popular spots to refuel are the Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid and Nite Hawk Bar & Grill in Slater.
Located in Granger, the over 1,600-acre Jester Park is one of the best places to plan a fall foliage adventure. The diverse array of activities at Jester makes it a jack-of-all-trades spot with something for everyone. Meander through the eight miles of hiking trails…our vote is for the 2-mile Hickory Ridge/Lakeshore/Fox Run loop, which is as picturesque as it is easy. Watch Elk and Bison herds from an observation deck. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride. Take the family to frolic on the natural playscape and check out the Nature Center or natural playscape. You can even take in some of the fall colors on their 18-hole golf course (or 9-hole par 3 course). There’s a reason why Jester Park is one of the most popular spots for fall family photos in the state.
What’s cozier than the historic Beaverdale neighborhood? It's easy to enjoy the splendor of fall colors within those beautiful brick neighborhoods and tree lined streets. However, if you’re looking for a little more recreation, then we suggest stopping at Beaverdale Park. With 24.9 acres of space, you can take the dog on a walk, meet up with friends for coffee, or go for a light jog on one of the many pathways.
Pro tip: Make a whole afternoon of it by picking up some lunch and settling in for a nice picnic. This park is nestled in a neighborhood full of good food options.
If you want to go beyond just admiring the fall colors, and really make it into an experience, head north to Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. Their Pumpkin Express train (which later transitions to the Santa Express) runs on Saturdays in October and crosses the 156’ tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, with a stop at a pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins. But the real bucket list item here is taking a breathtaking excursion through the Des Moines River Valley on a two-or-four-person Rail Explorers rail bike. These pedal-powered, motor-assisted bikes cross two bridges, offering panoramic views of the fall colors below. At the turnaround point, you’ll have a snack and drink at Rose’s Landing, overlooking the Des Moines River. We recommend the two-hour Scenic Valley Sunset ride, where not only do you get the fall colors below, but the beautiful colors from the sky above.
One of the top places for a fall color hike is Ledges State Park in Madrid. The sandstone ledges that tower over 100 feet over the Des Moines River are what make this park so unique, and numerous stone structures can be seen throughout the park. The 1.7-mile Canyon Road and Table Rock loop is the most traveled path in the park, with lots of stairs and winding paths. It offers plenty of “wow” moments, especially in the fall, as it ventures through Pea’s Creek, offering canyons views and wildflowers. The juxtaposition of the sandstone with the colorful trees above is a real thing of beauty.
Pro tip: After working up an appetite on your hike, head over to the nearby Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ & Brew to enjoy some of the best BBQ in the state. Nothing says fall like a plate of fall-off-the-bone ribs and cornbread. The Ledges/BBQ pairing works so well we made a video about it.
For a more wooded escape without venturing far from town, Walnut Woods State Park in West Des Moines delivers plenty of fall scenery without the road trip. This 260-acre park is situated right along Raccoon River and is home to Iowa’s largest collection of Black Walnut trees. The 3-mile loop of Walnut Woods Racoon River Trail offers plenty of shade, views of the water, and even a small playground for the kiddos. This is also a popular spot to view the colors via a kayak on the river, with a popular access point at Raccoon River Boat House, where you can also rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.
Located just a few miles east of downtown Des Moines, in Pleasant Hill, Yellow Banks offers yellow-ish colored bluffs (thus the name) that border the park and offer a perfect complement to the colorful leaves. Most trails are less than a half mile, making for an easy and spontaneous getaway. With easier trails comes more leisurely activities. Yellow Banks Park is a great place to wander and warm up with a cozy drink, take the kids and pets, and explore the beauty of autumn.
One of Polk City’s best kept natural secrets is Big Creek State Park. This 3,550-acre park includes incredible foliage, with Big Creek Lake serving as the centerpiece. For the bikers, the paved 27-mile Neal Smith Trail leads from the beach of the lake, through the Saylorville area, and all the way to Des Moines. Lush greenery turns into a color palette of red, orange, and yellow, and soon you’ll find yourself surrounded by the falling leaves of Big Creek and another thing off your fall bucket list.
Your Fall Color Cheat Sheet
-
Walnut: yellow in fall, one of the first leaves to turn color and drop.
-
Red oak: bright red leaves in the fall.
-
White oak: more muted red leaves in the fall.
-
Hickory: yellow turning to brown.
-
Ash: yellow with a purplish hue.
-
Elms: different shades of yellow, some of them more brown-ish.
-
Soft maple: yellow turning to brown.
-
Hard maple: bright red hues.
-
Sumac: extremely bright red, confined to openings and edges.
-
Virginia creeper: bright red.
Pro tip: Iowa’s most common trees are different kinds of Oaks and Maples, so be on the lookout for those!
