Fall Fun in Iowa: 10 Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, & Farms to Visit This Fall

There’s something about fall in Iowa that makes you want to grab a sweatshirt, pile in the car, and head somewhere you can pick an apple, wander through a corn maze, or find the perfect pumpkin.

Across the state, Iowa farms and orchards turn harvest season into an experience. Some are packed with activities that can keep a family busy all day, while others offer a quieter afternoon of apple picking, beautiful views, and fresh-from-the-farm treats.

If you’re ready to make the most of fall in Iowa, add these stops to your list. From western Iowa to the Mississippi River, here are 10 places to celebrate the season and experience a little more of rural Iowa along the way.

  1. Deal’s Orchard | Jefferson

If fall means apples, pumpkins, and a day spent outside with the family, Deal’s Orchard belongs on your list.

This family-owned orchard near Jefferson has been welcoming visitors for generations and offers plenty of ways to enjoy an Iowa fall day. Pick apples, search for pumpkins, explore the corn maze, visit the animals, and make time for the many family-friendly activities around the farm.

And don’t leave without checking out the Apple Barn. Fresh apples and seasonal goodies make it easy to bring a little taste of the orchard home with you.

EOH Explorer Tip: Annie and Shelly and their families have made Deal’s Orchard one of their own fall stops. Read their Explorer blog here: https://www.evolutionoftheheartland.com/eoh-explorer-series-deals-orchard/

 

  1. Center Grove Orchard | Cambridge

You may want to give yourself a full day for Center Grove Orchard.

Located near Cambridge, Center Grove combines an orchard and pumpkin patch with more than 40 farm attractions. Kids can hop aboard the train, tackle giant jumping pillows and slides, visit the animals, explore the corn maze, take a hayride, and, of course, pick out a pumpkin. Apple picking is also part of the experience when varieties are available.

Before heading home, stop at the Country Store for apples, baked goods, and other seasonal favorites.

EOH Explorer Tip: EOH Explorer Lindsey visited Center Grove with her family and shared why it has become one of their favorite fall traditions. https://www.evolutionoftheheartland.com/eoh-explorer-series-center-grove-orchard/

 

  1. Colony Acres Family Farm | North Liberty

Colony Acres Family Farm brings classic fall fun to Johnson County.

The family-owned farm offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and seasonal activities that make it an easy addition to a fall weekend in the Iowa City area. It’s the kind of stop where picking a pumpkin is only part of the experience. Give yourself time to enjoy the farm before choosing the one that gets to come home with you.

If Hawkeye football brings you to Johnson County this fall, consider adding a little rural Iowa adventure to your weekend with a trip outside Iowa City. Read the blog here about all the things to do in Johnson County: https://www.evolutionoftheheartland.com/beyond-kinnick-make-the-most-of-your-hawkeye-football-weekend-in-johnson-county/

 

  1. Gravert’s Orchard | Sabula

For fall scenery with your apples, point the car toward the Mississippi River.

Gravert’s Orchard is located near Sabula along Iowa’s Great River Road, making the drive part of the experience. The orchard overlooks the Mississippi River and offers numerous apple varieties throughout the season, including opportunities to pick your own.

Pick up fresh cider, caramel apples, pies, and other orchard favorites while you’re there. Then, instead of rushing home, keep exploring. Fall colors, river views, and small communities make this corner of Iowa especially worth wandering during autumn.

 

  1. Wilson’s Orchard & Farm | Iowa City

At Wilson’s Orchard & Farm, fall can easily turn into an entire afternoon.

The orchard has become a favorite Johnson County destination for visitors looking to experience Iowa agriculture firsthand. Depending on when you visit, you can head into the orchard to pick apples, explore the farm, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and take in the rolling countryside.

One of the things we love about Wilson’s is that it can be part of a much bigger Johnson County getaway. Pair your orchard visit with other farms, food, shops, and experiences in the area, and suddenly your quick fall outing has become a weekend road trip.

 

  1. Appleberry Orchard | Donnellson

There’s a lot of history growing at Appleberry Orchard.

The orchard traces its roots back to 1852, when its first apple tree was planted, making it Iowa’s oldest working orchard. Today, visitors can pick apples, explore the historic 1882 barn and petting farm, and enjoy the slower pace of an afternoon at the orchard.

Save room for something sweet, too. The bakery, cider slushies, and Queen’s Apple are all good reasons to linger a little longer before hitting the road again.

 

  1. Harvestville Farm | Donnellson

If your idea of fall fun involves pumpkins, Harvestville Farm has plenty to choose from.

The southeast Iowa farm grows more than 125 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds across 35 acres. But picking out your favorites is just the beginning. Visitors can tackle a 12-acre corn maze, enjoy wagon rides, explore two large play areas, and discover more than 45 interactive activities.

With so much to do, this is one to plan some time for rather than squeezing it into a quick stop.

Road Trip Idea: Appleberry Orchard and Harvestville Farm are both in the Donnellson area. Consider visiting both and turning your fall outing into a southeast Iowa road trip.

 

  1. Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch | Cumming

A wagon ride into the pumpkin patch is a pretty good way to spend an Iowa fall day.

At Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch near Cumming, visitors can head to the fields to find a pumpkin, explore the corn maze, visit farm animals, and enjoy a variety of activities around the farm. Add in fall treats, plenty of fresh air, and room for kids to play, and you have the makings of a classic family fall outing.

The 2026 fall season runs September 12 through November 1, giving you plenty of weekends to fit a visit into your fall plans.

 

  1. Bloomsbury Farm | Atkins

If your family likes a lot of action with its pumpkins, Bloomsbury Farm delivers.

Its 2026 Iowa Fall Festival runs September 11 through October 31 and features more than 30 attractions. Explore an 18-acre u-pick pumpkin patch, make your way through the 10-acre corn maze, visit the sunflower field, and spend the day working your way through the farm’s many activities.

Looking for something a little scarier? Bloomsbury is also home to Scream Acres, its nighttime haunted attraction held on select dates in the fall.

 

  1. Plain Ol’ Pumpkins | Clear Lake

Sometimes the best fall fun is the simple kind.

Located just west of Clear Lake, Plain Ol’ Pumpkins was created to give visitors a taste of old-fashioned fun and the experience of growing up on a farm. Pick your own pumpkin, wind your way through the corn maze, take a hayrack ride, climb aboard a tractor, or let the kids tackle the grain truck slide, pedal karts, corn pool, hay pyramid, and more.

The farm’s 2026 season runs September 26 through October 31, making it an easy addition to a fall weekend in the Clear Lake area.

Road Trip Idea: Don’t make the pumpkin patch your only stop. Spend some extra time exploring Clear Lake and North Central Iowa while you’re there.

 

Make a Road Trip Out of It

The best part about these fall destinations? The orchard or pumpkin patch doesn’t have to be the whole trip.

Grab lunch in a nearby small town. Stop at a local shop you’ve never visited. Take the scenic route. Find a state park or trail nearby. Or pair a couple of destinations together and make a weekend out of it.

Fall doesn’t last long in Iowa, which might be exactly why we love it so much. Pick the apples. Find the pumpkin. Get lost in the corn maze. Eat the fall treat. And give yourself an excuse to wander somewhere in rural Iowa you haven’t been before.

Know Before You Go: Fall activities, hours, admission, and crop availability can change throughout the season. Check directly with each destination before traveling for the latest information.

Looking for even more fall adventures? Explore Evolution of the Heartland’s Seasonal Orchards & Patches listings to discover more places to experience fall across rural Iowa.

 

From Barn to B&B: The Iowa Farm Story Behind Taylor Hill Lodge

Some places are more than a destination. They just feel like coming home.

Long before Taylor Hill Lodge welcomed weekend retreats, weddings, and family reunions to Audubon County, the land it sits on was simply a working family farm.

For Charles “Chuck” Manatt, Taylor Hill Farm was where everything started. Growing up four miles north of Audubon, Chuck’s childhood was shaped by the daily rhythms of rural Iowa – feeding the pigs, cleaning the stalls, and doing chores, all before heading down to town for school and 4-H meetings.

At the heart of the property stood a classic red English barn, raised at the turn of the century. For three generations, beginning with Chuck’s grandfather, Charlie Taylor, that barn was the backbone of the farm. It sheltered livestock, stored feed, and stood watch over the changing Iowa landscape as agriculture evolved through the decades including world wars, recessions, and the introduction of new technologies.

Chuck and fellow Audubonite Kathy married while at Iowa State and after graduating in 1958 and were drawn to both the east and west coasts while starting their family. They lived in Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles for military service, law school, and the eventual founding of a law firm. But no matter how far long they were away, western Iowa never lost its pull.

Every summer, they made their way back to the family farm with their own children, staying with Chuck’s parents in the white farm house next to the barn (see photo). Beginning in the 1990s, they started bringing friends with them during harvest season to hunt, introducing outsiders to the quiet beauty of the rolling fields, the warmth of small-town Iowa hospitality, and local treasures like award winning pie maker Dianna Sheehy, long a mainstay of the Iowa State Fair pie competitions (we’ll have a slice of her chocolate silk pie, thanks!).

Every summer, they made their way back to the family farm with their own children. They often brought friends with them during harvest season to hunt, introducing outsiders to the quiet beauty of the countryside, the warmth of small-town hospitality, and the distinct peace that comes from sitting on a hill looking out over the fields.

Over time, those visits sparked an idea.

Chuck and Kathy wanted to build a space where families could gather and connect the same way they did. At the same time, they couldn’t bear to watch Grandpa Taylor’s aging barn slowly fade into history.

Instead of letting the building disappear, they decided to give it a second life.

Partnering with local farmers Donna and Ted Bauer and contractor Tom Testroet, the Manatts took on the transforming the historic barn into a modern lodge, without stripping away its agricultural soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within a year, the old barn was reborn as Taylor Hill Lodge, opening its doors to guests in 2002.

Named for Grandpa Taylor and the high hill it sits on, the Lodge became a true community effort. Local artist Clint Hansen crafted a custom stained-glass window for the space, depicting cornfields, a pheasant, and a hunting dog, a visual tribute to the rural Iowa spirit. Interior designer Vickie Albers helped Kathy bring the Lodge’s warm, welcoming character to life, creating inviting spaces that blend the barn’s historic charm with timeless comfort.

When you step inside, the lower level, where livestock once rested, is now a space centered around a cozy fireplace, furnished with comfortable leather sofas and warm earth tones. But look closely, and the building’s history is still right there in the original beams, hay fork, family heirlooms, and the stories shared around the long table.

Over the years, Taylor Hill Lodge has hosted everything from quilting retreats and hunting groups to holiday celebrations and weddings. What started as one family’s mission to save a beloved barn has grown into a place where hundreds of other families come to make their own history.

That’s the real beauty of Taylor Hill Lodge. It isn’t just a restored building. It’s proof that certain places can keep bringing people together, generation after generation.

Some places are worth visiting because of what they offer. Others are worth visiting because of how they make you feel.

At Taylor Hill Lodge, you’ll find wide-open views, a beautifully restored barn, and plenty of space to gather, but you’ll also find something harder to describe. It’s the feeling of being connected to the land, to history, and to the people around you. And if you’re looking for ideas on where to explore next, Innkeeper Ann is always happy to help. She loves sharing recommendations for local hidden gems, scenic drives, favorite dishes at Audubon’s restaurants, and the latest events and attractions, helping guests experience western Iowa like a local.

If your travels bring you to Audubon area, consider spending a little time on this hill. You just might leave with a few stories of your own.

Your Ultimate Agritourism Guide to Calhoun County, Iowa

Discover Small-Town Magic: Your Ultimate Agritourism Guide to Calhoun County, Iowa

When people think about Iowa road trips, they often picture rolling farmland, charming small towns, and friendly communities. Calhoun County delivers all of that and more, offering visitors a genuine chance to experience authentic rural Iowa through vibrant festivals, outdoor recreation, lakeside living, and unforgettable small-town traditions.

Located in west-central Iowa, Calhoun County is the kind of destination where summer weekends are packed with community celebrations, scenic drives lead to hidden gems, and every season brings a new reason to explore. Whether you’re visiting for a lively festival, a lakeside getaway, or a peaceful rural adventure, Calhoun County invites travelers to slow down, unplug, and discover the hidden gems off the beaten path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small-Town Festivals That Bring Communities Together

One of the best ways to experience Calhoun County is through its hometown festivals. Throughout the year, communities across the county come alive with parades, live music, food vendors, and traditions that generations of locals have grown up attending.

These events are more than just items on a calendar; they are a living story of a community’s resilience, hospitality, and pride.

June Festival Highlights

  • Western Days (Lake City): Dust off your boots! Western Days celebrates small-town pride with rodeo-inspired fun, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities that create the perfect, nostalgic summer atmosphere.
  • Crater Days (Manson): As one of the county’s signature summer celebrations, Crater Days brings the community together for live entertainment, great food, parades, and games for all ages.
  • Sweet Corn Daze (Rockwell City): This beloved annual tradition is where visitors can enjoy unmatched hometown hospitality. A parade, games, friends, and, of course, the absolute best, buttery Iowa sweet corn during one of the tastiest weekends of the summer.

Beyond the Summer Sun

  • The Calhoun County Expo: This annual county fair beautifully showcases the region’s deep agricultural roots and rural traditions. From livestock shows and 4-H exhibits to classic fair food and family-friendly entertainment, the Expo highlights the innovation and heart of modern rural life.
  • TWINTERfest (Twin Lakes): Who says lake towns are only for the summer? When winter arrives, Twin Lakes keeps the energy going with TWINTERfest, a seasonal celebration that embraces the cozy side of Iowa winters with community activities, outdoor fun, and cold-weather entertainment.

EOH Explorer Tip: “If you want to experience the true heartbeat of a town, show up for their local parade. The pride the community takes in putting these events together is something your kids will remember long after the road trip is over.”

Explore the Outdoors & Lake Life

Beyond the festival gates, Calhoun County offers countless opportunities to slow down and immerse yourself in Iowa’s natural beauty.

Twin Lakes State Park remains one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations. It offers boating, fishing, swimming beaches, camping, and relaxing lake views that make it an absolute favorite for families and weekend travelers alike.

 

 

 

 

 

The county is also home to a wonderful network of parks, trails, campgrounds, cabins, and wildlife areas managed by the Calhoun County Conservation Board. Scenic drives through vast farmland, lakeside roads, and peaceful countryside create the perfect setting for a relaxing, semi-planned road trip where surprising side adventures await. Whether you’re casting a fishing line at sunrise, biking through quiet landscapes, or spending a sunny afternoon on the water, Calhoun County makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small-Town Shopping, Dining, and Local Flavor

The communities throughout Calhoun County are filled with locally owned shops, cafés, boutiques, golf courses, and restaurants that reflect the welcoming spirit of the heartland.

Visitors can step inside beautifully restored historic buildings to sip handcrafted coffee, browse independent boutiques filled with unique finds, or stop into local diners where conversations come easy and the hospitality is entirely genuine. From lake-town favorites to hidden countryside gems, every local business you support helps keep these rural economies thriving.

Plan Your Calhoun County Adventure

Calhoun County offers exactly what so many travelers are searching for today: authentic experiences, welcoming faces, and the space to reconnect with what matters. It’s the excitement of a summer parade, the quiet beauty of a lake sunset, and the feeling of discovering a place that still values simple moments.

Ready to map out your route? Let Evolution of the Heartland help you plan your journey.

This project paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism Office.

Iowa Falls Knows How to Celebrate: Festivals & Events in Iowa’s Scenic City

Iowa Falls Knows How to Celebrate: Festivals & Events in Iowa’s Scenic City

Some small towns host events.

Iowa Falls builds entire seasons around them.

Known as Iowa’s Scenic City, Iowa Falls has a way of turning community celebrations into experiences that feel welcoming, nostalgic, family-friendly, and genuinely fun for all ages. Whether you’re visiting for live music in Estes Park, fireworks over the river, classic cars lining downtown streets, or a fall evening spent sampling Iowa wines and breweries, there’s always something happening that brings the community together.

If you’re planning a North Central Iowa road trip, these are the Iowa Falls events worth putting on your calendar throughout the year.

All-Iowa Rugby Tournament – May

Spring kicks off with one of Iowa Falls’ most energetic weekends of the year.

The Iowa Falls Rugby Football Club Foundation welcomes teams from across the state and beyond, bringing a fast-paced, festival-like atmosphere to the community each May. Even if you’ve never attended a rugby match before, the excitement is contagious. Between the competition, spectators, and community atmosphere, it turns into a lively weekend that fills the town with energy.

It’s one of those events that surprises people with just how much fun it is to experience in person.

Photo courtesy of Times Citizen
Photo courtesy of Times Citizen

Lawn Chair Nights – June

Sometimes the simplest events become local favorites.

Throughout June, Lawn Chair Night fills Estes Park with live music, lawn chairs, food, and families enjoying summer evenings together. Residents and visitors gather each Wednesday night to relax, listen to music, and soak in the atmosphere in the middle of Iowa Falls at the newly-refurbished Bill Riley Bandshell..

It’s low-key, welcoming, and exactly the kind of tradition that makes people fall in love with small-town Iowa life.

Riverbend Rally – Fourth of July Weekend

If there’s one event that completely captures the spirit of Iowa Falls, it’s Riverbend Rally.

Held during the first weekend of July as part of the 4th of July, Riverbend Rally transforms the community into several days of nonstop activity centered around Estes Park, Fitz Riverbend Park, downtown Iowa Falls, and the Iowa River itself.

And honestly? It feels like classic small-town summer in the best possible way.

What makes Riverbend Rally special is the variety. Families can spend the entire weekend moving from one activity to another without ever running out of things to do.

The event lineup includes:

  • Carnival rides
  • Food vendors
  • Beer gardens
  • A downtown parade
  • Fireworks over the river
  • Kayak and canoe races
  • Kids fishing derby
  • Scenic City Empress boat cruises
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Pancake breakfasts and ice cream socials
  • A BBQ cook-off
  • 5K and fun run / walk events
  • Golf and disc golf tournaments
  • The Bill Riley Memorial Bike Ride
  • Kids’ activities
  • Historic tours
  • Crowning of Little Miss Iowa Falls and Miss Iowa Falls

One of the things we love most about Riverbend Rally is how naturally it brings generations together. Kids run between carnival rides and face painting while adults settle into lawn chairs near the river or in the park listening to live music. Families gather for fireworks. Friends reconnect downtown. Nearly every corner of town feels active and full of energy.

The riverfront and park settings make the entire weekend feel even more scenic, especially during the evening events at Fitz Riverbend Park and Estes Park.

Scenic City Car Show – Labor Day Weekend

As summer begins winding down, Iowa Falls keeps the momentum going with the Scenic City Car Show over Labor Day Weekend. The local Lions Club has organized the car show for several years, and will have over 200 cars on display for the car show each year.

Classic cars, custom builds, and car enthusiasts fill the streets as visitors admire polished vehicles lined throughout downtown. The event features two “Best of Show” winners, Top 40 trophies, dozens of category awards, and a Sunday afternoon cruise.

Even for people who don’t consider themselves “car people,” it’s hard not to appreciate the craftsmanship, nostalgia, and atmosphere surrounding the weekend.

Downtown Iowa Falls becomes especially lively during the event, making it a fun weekend to shop, eat, and explore while taking in the show.

Free Christian Concert – September

Each September since 2010, the Iowa Falls community hosts an annual Free Christian Concert in Estes Park, bringing the community together for an evening of music and fellowship supported through sponsors and freewill donations.

This year’s concert will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and will feature Universal Music Christian Group artist Rachel Lampa along with local artist Jack Jenson Wibholm.

Additional Christian artists who have performed for the free Christian concert include:

  • Caleb & John
  • Consumed By Fire
  • Jordan St. Cyr
  • Rhett Walker
  • I Am They
  • Anne Wilson
  • Ryan Stevenson
  • Austin French
  • Cloverton
  • The Afters
  • Jason Gray
  • Sidewalk Prophets
  • Davidd Dunn
  • Sanctus Real
  • Finding Favour
  • Francesca Battistelli
  • Jon Bauer

Like many Iowa Falls events, it reflects the strong sense of community connection that runs throughout the town year-round.

Wine & Art Walk – October

Fall in Iowa Falls might be one of the most underrated times to visit.

Each October, downtown Iowa Falls transforms into a cozy fall evening experience during the Wine & Art Walk. Visitors can sample Iowa wineries and breweries while shopping local boutiques, browsing artwork, and exploring the historic downtown district.

Compared to the excitement of Riverbend Rally, the Wine & Art Walk offers a slower, more relaxed atmosphere that feels perfect for a fall road trip.

It’s especially ideal for couples, friend groups, and anyone looking to experience small-town Iowa charm during the fall season.

Festival of Lights – November & December

As the holiday season arrives, Iowa Falls shifts from summer festivals and riverfront celebrations into something equally magical.

Each year, Iowa Falls Chamber Main Street, the Winters family, and the local Lions Club partner together to host the Festival of Lights at Foster Park, creating a cozy holiday tradition that brings families, friends, and visitors together throughout November and December.

The drive-through light display transforms Foster Park into a glowing winter experience filled with twinkling lights, festive displays, and classic holiday atmosphere. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings throughout the holiday season, it’s the kind of event that naturally becomes part of family traditions year after year.

There’s something nostalgic about slowly driving through the park with Christmas music playing, kids pointing out their favorite displays, and everyone settling into the slower pace of the season for a little while.

For travelers exploring Iowa during the holidays, the Festival of Lights is another reminder that Iowa Falls knows how to create community-centered experiences in every season… not just summer.

Whether you’re visiting after dinner downtown, pairing it with holiday shopping, or simply looking for a festive small-town Iowa evening, the Festival of Lights adds one more reason to keep Iowa Falls on your year-round travel list.

More Than Just Events

What stands out most about Iowa Falls isn’t simply the number of festivals and events hosted throughout the year. It’s the way the community shows up for them.

These aren’t events built only for tourists. They’re celebrations built by the people who live here, care deeply about the town, and genuinely want others to experience it too.

And that’s what makes Iowa Falls feel different.

Whether you visit for fireworks over the river, lawn chair concerts in the park, a classic car cruise, a drive through a park during the holiday season, or a fall evening downtown, Iowa Falls knows how to make visitors feel part of the celebration.

 

A Day Exploring Iowa Falls, Iowa’s Scenic City

Some Iowa towns feel like they were made for slowing down a little, wandering without a strict plan, and simply discovering what makes a community special. Iowa Falls is one of those places.

Known as the Scenic City, Iowa Falls sits along the Iowa River and blends historic architecture, river views, public art, local shops, and small-town charm into a day trip that feels easy, welcoming, and genuinely Iowa.

What surprised us most was how much there was to see packed into one community. Around nearly every corner, there was another scenic spot, interesting story, or hidden detail that made us want to keep exploring.

One of the first things we learned was that Iowa Falls is the hometown of Bill Riley, whose name many Iowans recognize from the famous Iowa State Fair talent show. It immediately tied the community back to so many classic Iowa traditions and memories.

But one of the most unique things about Iowa Falls is the way the town turned hardship into art.

After the emerald ash borer devastated many of the community’s ash trees, the community  transformed nearly 40  of them into incredible wood carvings scattered throughout town. Many of the carvings were completed with funds raised through the 2022 Iowa Falls State Bank Barlow Challenge. Acclaimed tree sculptor Gary Keenan completed the carvings (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carvingbykeenan/ ). Exploring Iowa Falls almost turns into its own scavenger hunt as you discover each carving tucked into parks, downtown spaces, and along side streets. It adds so much personality and creativity to the community. This website guides you around town and has an interactive map to help you on your hunt!

Of course, part of the fun of any small-town Iowa road trip is wandering through local businesses and stopping wherever catches your attention.

We started the morning with coffee at Coffee Attic & Book Cellar before wandering next door to The Flour Shop for pastries and sweet treats that are hard to pass up once you step inside. Another fun stop is Nimrod Meats, a family-run locker where visitors can stock up on local, farm-to-table meats and Iowa-made products to take home after the trip.

And if you happen to visit on a Wednesday evening during the season, don’t miss the iconic Iowa Falls Popcorn Stand in Estes Park. Operating since 1948, this small-town tradition serves fresh popcorn from 3–8 p.m. and feels like stepping into a simpler era of Iowa summers. Even if you miss it on a Wednesday, bags of their popcorn can still be found in several local shops around town, including Nimrod Meats.

Beyond the food and downtown stops, Iowa Falls is full of scenic outdoor spots worth slowing down for.

The Swinging Bridge is easily one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Stretching across the Iowa River, the suspension bridge offers beautiful river views and just enough movement beneath your feet to make it memorable for both kids and adults. The swinging bridge has recently been refurbished, complete with new lights. Make certain to drive by or walk across at night, as the new lights are currently configured red, white, and blue to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.

Another favorite stop was Jones Park and the famous “99 Steps.” But the walk down is absolutely worth it for the incredible views of the river, railroad bridge, and rushing water below the old dam. NOTE: The count is now 101 steps, after a refurbishment.

Estes Park, is another must-stop while visiting Iowa Falls. Between the river scenery, walking paths, Bill Riley Band Shell, and nearby ash tree carvings, it’s the perfect place to slow down for a bit and enjoy the atmosphere of the community.

One of Iowa Falls’ most memorable attractions is the Scenic City Empress, a charming excursion boat that offers visitors a unique perspective of the community from the Iowa River. As the boat glides through the heart of the Scenic City, you can relax, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and take in views that few visitors get to experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on the water, a family-friendly activity, or a unique addition to your Iowa road trip, a cruise aboard the Empress is a wonderful way to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Iowa Falls. Scenic City Empress public cruises are each Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, weather permitting. These cruises last approximately 75 minutes. Reservations are not required for their weekend public cruises, but are encouraged if you are coming in from out of town. Ticket sales begin thirty minutes prior to any cruise. Check their Facebook page and website for special events, including brunch cruises, lunch cruises, and catered concert cruises. 

What stands out most about Iowa Falls isn’t necessarily one single attraction. It’s the overall feeling of the town. It feels cared for. Creative. It may be called “The Scenic City,” but it is scenic without trying too hard. And full of the kinds of small discoveries that make rural Iowa road trips memorable.

Whether you’re building a North Central Iowa itinerary or simply looking for a slower-paced day trip filled with scenery, history, and small-town character, Iowa Falls is worth adding to your list.

Discovering the Hidden Gem of Twin Lakes, Iowa

When you think of the ultimate Midwest summer getaway, your mind might instantly drift to massive resort lakes packed with commercial tourist traps. But in the heart of Calhoun County, Iowa, lies a different kind of paradise. Welcome to Twin Lakes, a vibrant, close-knit lakeside community that beautifully captures the small-town lake culture.

Far from a sleepy rural outpost, Twin Lakes is a thriving, energetic destination that blends generational traditions with a booming recreational scene. If you are looking for the perfect weekend escape that offers both ultimate relaxation and endless outdoor activities, here is why Twin Lakes needs to be at the top of your travel list.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Playground: Boating, Beaches, and State Park Beauty

At the core of the community’s identity is, of course, the water. Comprising North Twin Lake and South Twin Lake, this destination is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy wakesurfing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, or just anchoring your pontoon boat in a quiet cove to swim, the water is always inviting.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on land, the community boasts gorgeous, well-maintained public beaches perfect for building sandcastles, sunbathing, or spending time outside. Nestled along the shore is Twin Lakes State Park, a pristine pocket of nature offering peaceful shaded areas, picnic spots, and incredible views of the water. It is the ideal place to catch one of Iowa’s famous sunsets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Two Wheels: The Twin Lakes Bike Trail

The evolution of Twin Lakes isn’t just happening on the water; it’s happening along its shores. The community has invested beautifully in its multi-use Bicycle Trail. This paved trail wraps around the lake, providing a safe and incredibly scenic route for cyclists, runners, and walkers. Lined with beautiful lake homes, mature trees, and glimpses of wildlife, a morning bike ride is the absolute best way to wake up and explore the geography of the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore More: South Twin Lake Gravel Route

For cyclists looking to venture beyond the paved trail, the roads surrounding South Twin Lake offer a scenic gravel riding experience. Following the “Share the Road” philosophy, riders can enjoy peaceful countryside views, rolling terrain, and beautiful lake vistas while exploring the area at their own pace. It’s a great option for gravel enthusiasts wanting to add a few extra miles to their Twin Lakes adventure.

A Spectacular Tradition: “Sundays We Sail”

One of the most magical aspects of Twin Lakes is its deeply rooted community spirit, best exemplified by the Twin Lakes Sailing Association. If you happen to visit during the summer, Sundays are reserved for something truly spectacular.

Known locally as “Sundays We Sail,” the lake transforms into a living canvas as colorful sailboats take to the water for their weekly regattas. Watching the white and striped sails catch the Iowa wind against a backdrop of blue water is a timeless Heartland tradition. Grab a lawn chair, sit by the shore, and watch the races unfold. It is a sight you won’t soon forget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Food and Great Vibes: Traditions Restaurant

After a long day of swimming, boating, or biking, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Look no further than Traditions Restaurant & Lounge. Located right on the water, Traditions is the social hub of Twin Lakes. It’s the place where locals and visitors pull up by golf cart, car, or boat to enjoy great food, cold drinks, and friendly Midwestern hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a casual lunch, or a lively place to enjoy live music on the deck, Traditions captures the true flavor of the community.

 

 

 

 

 

Hit the Links at Twin Lakes Golf Club

Just minutes from the water, Twin Lakes Golf Club offers another great way to spend a summer day. This well-maintained nine-hole course welcomes golfers of all skill levels and provides beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick morning round before heading to the lake or enjoying an evening game with friends, the course adds yet another recreational option to a Twin Lakes getaway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Places to Stay Near Twin Lakes

Because Twin Lakes has retained its authentic charm, you won’t find towering, corporate high-rise hotels blocking the views. Instead, the community has embraced the modern traveler with a massive variety of Airbnb and vacation rental options.

Whether you are planning a romantic weekend for two or a massive family reunion, there is a rental for you. You can find everything from cozy, rustic cabins to sprawling, luxurious modern lake homes equipped with private docks, fire pits, and expansive decks. Staying in a local home allows you to truly live like a local, waking up to the sound of lapping waves and stepping right out onto the water.

Featherstone Memorial Park & Campground

For travelers who prefer camping, Featherstone Memorial Park & Campground provides an excellent home base for exploring Twin Lakes. Managed by Calhoun County Conservation, the campground has recently undergone improvements to better accommodate today’s larger RVs while maintaining its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can also take advantage of cabin rentals, making it easy for families and groups to enjoy the lake experience whether they travel by RV, tent, or simply want a comfortable place to stay. With convenient access to outdoor recreation and beautiful lake scenery, Featherstone offers another great way to experience everything Twin Lakes has to offer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Your Trip Today!

Twin Lakes, Iowa is a shining example of how Heartland communities evolve, preserving their natural beauty and timeless traditions while creating a welcoming, modern oasis for visitors. It proves that you don’t need to travel to the coasts to find a premier waterfront vacation.

Pack your sunscreen, pack your bikes, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. To learn more about local events, trail maps, and community updates, check out the official Twin Lakes Restoration Association website.

This project paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism Office.