Fall
Fall Festivals & Foliage in Des Moines
Experience the best of autumn in Des Moines — fall festivals, apple orchards, corn mazes, foliage drives, and cozy coffee shops.
Fall Festivals
- World Food & Music Festival (September)
- Oktoberfest at Adventureland
- Pumpkin patches and corn mazes at Center Grove Orchard
- Apple picking at Deal's Orchard
- Halloween events at Living History Farms
Best Foliage Spots
- High Trestle Trail — peak colors in mid-October
- Ledges State Park (30 min drive, stunning canyon views)
- Gray's Lake loop — beautiful river reflections
- Water Works Park along the Raccoon River
- Ashworth Park in West Des Moines
Cozy Season Activities
- Coffee crawl: Horizon Line, Scenic Route, Smokey Row
- Fall menu tastings at local restaurants
- Iowa Wild hockey season starts in October
- Gallery walks in the East Village
- Des Moines Playhouse fall productions
Insider Tips
- Peak foliage is usually the third week of October
- Ledges State Park on a Tuesday morning = zero crowds
- Center Grove Orchard weekend waits can be 30+ minutes — go on a weekday
- The East Village gallery walk is every First Friday