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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A group of adults camping at an Iowa State Park in the fall
Fall is a gorgeous time to camp

Get 20 percent off your fall camping stay with Promo Code: FallColor

Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of fall camping with this great deal! Reserve a campsite between September 15 and October 31, 2026 in an Iowa state park or forest and get 20 percent off your stay! 

Make your reservation today!
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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.

2025 Fall color reports from DNR foresters
Report DateAreaDescription of Fall ColorEst. Peak Viewing
10/19/2026NE IowaIt's peak fall color viewing with about 75% color, depending on the area. Oaks are turning color with everything else. Trees are losing leaves with the recent rain and wind. Now
10/19/2026NW IowaHackberry, elm, and ironwood are turning yellow. Ash is turning yellow where it is not wiped out by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) yet. Maples are turning color fast, especially in town. The leaves of cottonwoods furthest northwest turned a golden yellow color and have started to fall.Mid-October
10/19/2026NCentral IowaIt's peak fall color viewing. Get out as soon as you can. Leaves are starting to drop due to stronger winds.Mid-October
10/19/2026Central IowaColor on maple, cottonwood and hickory is at or close to peak. Oaks are still slow to change with many showing green. Evergreens are still green. Peak color will be this week and weekend.Mid-October
10/19/2026SE IowaThe landscape is starting to change. Yellow and brown are speckling the landscape along with the green of Oaks. Urban maples are showing colors. There was a light frost last weekend; colors should be changing in the next week.Late October
10/19/2026SCentral IowaTrees are changing and colors are very good. Yellows and browns are the most prevalent colors. The few remaining white ash trees in towns and parks are showy purple. Red oaks and white oaks are still green. The best is yet to come.Last Week of October
10/19/2026WCentral IowaIt's as colorful as it's going to be through the end of the week. West central Iowa experienced its first widespread frost last week. Bitternut hickories are changing; they generally signal peak fall color. Explore one of many Scenic Byways or go for a fall hike in the Loess Hills; you will be rewarded with  fall color around every corner and over every hill.Mid-October
10/19/2026SW IowaFall color is still delayed compared to last year. Many trees are green or yellow. Reds are only visible in prairie sumac and cherries out in the open.  Hopefully last weekend's frost will inspire some color change in white oaks this week.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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