(Iowa DNR News) – Fall in Iowa delivers a stunning spectacle of fall colors: red, yellow, orange, and purple leaves abound. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites you to “Enjoy a fall drive and take in all the beautiful colors!” In their weekly Fall Colors update, the DNR says:

• There are lots of vibrant colors in northeast Iowa from sugar maple, sumac, Virginia creeper, ash, walnut, basswood and cottonwood. This week and next will be best to enjoy a fall leaf-peeper road trip to the beautiful Driftless Region.
• Sumac, dogwoods, Virginia creeper, and poison ivy are showing red in north central and northwest Iowa. Hard maples are showing more orange and some red.
• Hard maples are showing red, yellow and orange in some areas in central Iowa. Sumac are bright red and crimson. Drought stress is causing some early leaf loss which will reduce overall colors.
• Scattered white ash are showing some purple in southeast Iowa. Urban maples are starting to show red, yellow, and orange.
• Coffee trees are starting to turn yellow in south central Iowa. Drought stressed maples are changing color, especially in urban areas.
• Shrubs and trees are turning color on drier slopes in west central Iowa. Fall prairie flowers are in bloom.
• White ash are turning purple in southwest Iowa, along with dry slope cottonwoods. Most species that turn yellow (cottonwood, silver maple, black walnut, hackberry, elm, buttonbush) have started to turn.

Crisp air and changing leaves bring an exciting new season of travel! Those looking for a last-minute autumn adventure to pick the perfect pumpkin, sip on local wine with a view or take a hike through the vibrant foliage should look no further than Iowa. For those travelers already looking to beat cabin fever, plan an exciting winter getaway complete with cozy cabins, snow fun and all the holiday lights needed to get into the festive spirit.  Check out the full list of top destinations and activities statewide in the new Fall and Winter Travel Guide. A good fall destination is filled with vibrant seasonal views. On the road, along a trail, from a campground or on the water, there is no shortage of last-minute fall fun in Iowa.

Hitchcock Nature Center allows visitors a bird’s eye view of the foliage from the top of a 45-foot-tall observation tower, with several hiking trails in nearby Loess Hills State Forest. Agritourism opportunities abound in the area – visitors can pick their own apples and find the perfect pumpkin at Deal’s Orchard or Ditmars Orchard.

Those who prefer taking the scenic route can set off on an idyllic fall road trip on one of Iowa’s many scenic byways. Recognized as one of the best byways in the United States, the Great River Road follows the winding Mississippi River along Iowa’s eastern border. Stop for a hike at Yellow River State Forest, enjoy a glass of wine and some live music at Wide River Winery or find charming lodging at one of the communities along the way.

For a one-of-a-kind view, Iowa also offers cruises along the Mississippi and Iowa rivers. Settle in for a multi-day sail on the authentic Victorian-era Riverboat Twilight, or opt for a day trip on the Scenic City Empress. For the adrenaline seekers, the first Midwest Rail Explorers location is in central Iowa. Visitors will strap into a pedal-assisted rail bike and travel 12.5 miles round trip along the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad for unobstructed views of the Des Moines River Valley.

Mark your calendars for these events and activities you won’t want to miss.

• Scenic Drive Festival, Villages of Van Buren, October 13-15
• Spirits in the Gardens, Ames, October 13-15, 20-22
  

  Spirits in the Garden in Ames

  

  Atlantic Grand Lighting

• 64th Annual Craft Carnival, Clarinda, October 21
• Downtown Grand Lighting, Atlantic, November 16
• Norwegian Christmas, Decorah, December 2
• Tannenbaum Forest, Amana Colonies, December 15-17
• University of Okoboji Winter Games, Okoboji, January 25-28