With fall officially beginning last week, Iowans can expect to start seeing the leaves changing colors.

This year, the DNR estimates that the northern half of the state will experience peak colors beginning around October 8. Here in southwest Iowa, the DNR says we can expect to see peak colors during the week of October 15^th.

The fall colors also provide a boost to tourism in the state. Iowa Tourism Office Manager Shawna Lode says a quarter of travelers in Iowa visit between September and November. She says, “those people are enjoying great fall festivals, u-pick pumpkin patches, apple orchards and, of course, beautiful and colorful scenery along the way.”

One of the fall activities the Iowa Tourism Office is highlighting is western is the Iowa Living Loess Tour, near Missouri Valley. On October 15 nine artisans in the scenic Loess Hills, including a lavender farm, aronia berry farm and woodworker, will offer special programs and discounts.