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
10/12/2026NE IowaOaks are starting to turn with everything else. Fall color is progressing fast.  Roughly 75% fall color, depending on the area.Mid-October
10/12/2026NW 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 completely turned a golden yellow color and have started to fall.Mid-October
10/12/2026NCentral IowaFall color has progressed a lot. We are looking at peak color this week. Sugar maples are starting to turn yellow to bright red. Oak species are just starting to turn. Get out and enjoy!Mid-October
10/12/2026Central IowaFall color changed a lot and is looking good. Walnut, elm, and cottonwood are yellow.  Maples and black cherry are turning red and orange. Hickories are showing yellow and brown.  Oaks haven’t started yet, but will soon. The weather has not been favorable for a long color season, going from hot and windy to near-freezing forecast lows later this week. Peak color will be in the next 7-10 days.Mid-October
10/5/2026SE IowaThe landscape in SE Iowa is mostly green. Some yellows and browns are starting to appear; it is early for colors. Some urban maples showing colors.Late October
10/12/2026SCentral IowaVirginia Creeper is vibrant red. Oaks and maples are starting to turn colors.Late October
10/12/2026WCentral IowaWe will likely be at peak color by the end of this week. Yellow is the primary color in the central Loess Hills. Cottonwood, elm and the remaining ash are yellow. Hickories should be changing by the end of the week. Sumac reds have peaked, but there will still be some around. The prairies are holding onto a number of flowers. You won’t find a better time to hike in the Loess Hills than the fall! Mid-October
10/12/2026SW IowaSumac and black cherry are turning red. White ash is in full fall color. Tinges of red are appearing on white oak in southern Iowa.  Most trees are yellow/green this week. 

 

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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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