Fall Color Report

Tall autumn trees in a forest with sunshine peeking through
Lake Darling surrounded by fall foliage.
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Get your fall color fix! Check out timing and location for peak autumn hues.

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2026 Fall Color Reports

It's leaf-peeping time. Get details on where to see the best fall color in Iowa. Next week will be the last fall color report for the 2026 season.

2025 Fall color reports from DNR foresters
Report DateAreaDescription of Fall ColorEst. Peak Viewing
10/26/2026NE IowaLook for bright yellows in the aspens and yellows to deep burgundy in the oaks. The best colors are in areas more sheltered from wind where leaves are hanging on. Roughly 80% color, depending on the area. Trees are losing leaves with the rain and wind we have had. Some are saying past peak, but still an enjoyable view. Now
10/26/2026NW IowaAsh and cottonwood tree leaves have turned a golden yellow and are falling. Hackberry, sycamore, elm, and ironwood are mostly yellow and beginning to drop. Maples are turning color fast, especially in town. Mid-October
10/26/2026NCentral IowaGet out in the next few days if you can. Many leaves have already dropped. Oak trees are really starting to turn color. Many of the vibrant reds and oranges of the maple trees are still hanging on. Mid-October
10/26/2026Central IowaFall color just reached peak, but with a favorable weather forecast it should remain excellent through this weekend. Oak trees are changing to red, hickories are fully yellow, and maples are red, orange, and yellow.  Hazelnut shrubs are in full color with orange, red and pink colors.  Aspens are changing to red and yellow.  Evergreens are still green. Enjoy this extra-long fall color season while you can.Mid-October
10/26/2026SE IowaYellow, brown, and green are dominating the landscape. Urban maples are showing colors. Bottomland areas are ranging in color from yellow to dormant trees with no leaves. The next 2 weeks will be the best colors for the year.Late October
10/26/2026SCentral IowaColors across the landscape are excellent. Fragrant sumac is flaming red on the forest floor. Cherries are luminous with rusty orange. Hickories are showy with yellow-browns. Bur and swamp white oaks are peaking with shades of orange-yellow blended with tan. Ivy is a bright magenta. Red oaks are starting to change to brilliant reds. White oaks are starting to change to attractive purple and maroon. The showiest white and red oak colors will likely peak this week and into the first week of November. Most walnut and cottonwood trees have lost their leaves.Last Week of October
10/23/2026WCentral IowaFall color peaked last week. Last Friday’s wind was stout and removed a lot of leaves. Many species are winding down, but you can still see decent color in the central Loess Hills this week. The cooler weather has made for some breathtaking hikes through Loess Hills State Forest.Mid-October
10/26/2026SW IowaCherries, maples, and sumac in full color. Oaks are starting to turn (red oak).  Hickory is bright gold this week, along with elms.  White ash and dogwood are full color purple.Late October

 

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Fall Tree Color Information

Fall is often one of the best times in Iowa, with warm days and cool nights, low humidity, very few insects and the brilliant autumn colors of our trees.

Every year, thousands of Iowans and visitors flock to the countryside to view nature's colorful display of red, orange, yellow and purple leaves.

Looking for ways to enjoy Iowa's fall color? Visit Iowa Tourism.

Ash:
Green ash leaves turn yellow, but white ash has a purplish cast. The leaves fall after those of walnut trees, but earlier than those of oaks and maples.

Elms:
Elm leaves turn various shades of yellow with some turning brown before falling, others falling while still yellow.

Hickory:
Leaves turn yellow on hickory trees, then brown before falling.

Maple (Soft):
The leaves of soft (silver) maples turn yellow but do not turn brown before falling.

Maple (Hard):
Brilliant flame red hues are the signature of hard maple leaves. The red pigmentation of some leaves breaks down before falling.

Bur Oak:
Buff to yellow colors predominate in bur oaks. The leaves remain on the tree and turn brown before falling.

Oak (Red):
The red oaks have brilliant red leaves in fall though the color is probably not as intense as that of some hard maples.

Oak (White):
White oaks have a more subdued purple fall leaf color. The leaves then turn brown and often stay on the tree until new leaves begin to grow in the spring.

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When do colors peak?

Peak fall color occurs in northeast Iowa, on average, during the weekend closest to October 10.

Typically, peak fall color occurs progressively later the farther south you go in Iowa. Perhaps the most important thing about fall color is having the time to enjoy it.

Printable Fall Colors State of Iowa Map (3.92 MB) .pdf

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Find Wellness in Nature this Fall

Autumn brings a welcoming crispness to the air. Spending time outdoors benefits both physical and mental health. From reducing stress to encouraging movement, nature offers a chance to slow down, reconnect and recharge. 

Fun abounds statewide for those in search of fall color and good times outdoors. From fall festivals to apple orchards, Iowa has many fall activities to celebrate local traditions and create memories with your family. Start planning your autumn excursions today with these great resources:

  • Iowa State Park Passport - discover your new favorite parks, check in to track your outdoor adventures and earn prizes
  • Travel Iowa - must-visit fall attractions, fall festivals, scenic drives and more
  • MyCountyParks.com - attend a fun fall program for the whole family at a local county park
  • Project Learning Tree's Nature Activities for Families - explore trees in the woods, a local park or your own backyard
  • Iowa’s Accessible Outdoors highlights locations across the state where visitors can enjoy accessible activities like trails, fishing piers, playgrounds, picnic areas, scenic views and overnight stays. Each experience has been reviewed in person by DNR staff to ensure there are accessible pathways, nearby parking, and—in most cases—restrooms.
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