Skip to content

Your Guide to Must-Visit Fall Attractions in Des Moines accent

October 2, 2024 | By
Autumn leaves in the Clive neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa
Your Guide to Must-Visit Fall Attractions in Des Moines
6:08

Autumn in Iowa is magical. This is the time when crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and the crunch of leaves underfoot set the stage for a season of cozy traditions and outdoor adventures.

From family-friendly festivals to peaceful nature walks, here’s your ultimate guide to must-visit Des Moines attractions this fall and beyond.

Feel Spooky with Halloween Highlights

Ready to embrace the spooky side of the season? Des Moines has you covered with trick-or-treating, haunted fun, and festive events for all ages.

These options feature pumpkin patches and days full of fall activities in Des Moines:

When you or your grandkids want Halloween tricks and treats, these events will satisfy your cravings:

  • The Iowa Children’s Museum hosts several activities that are perfect for little ones, including a Halloween-themed STEM night and a sensory-friendly trick-or-treat event.
  • The Blank Park Zoo hosts Night Eyes, a “merry-not-scary” event featuring a treat safari, carnival games, costume characters, and light displays.
  • The Polk County Conservation Department provides a variety of seasonal activities, including a Fall Spooktacular, a Geocache Pumpkin Hunt, and Drafts with Drafts — draft-horse-driven wagon rides enjoyed alongside local brews.
  • Stop by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for Trick or Trees, featuring educational activities, entertainment, and trick-or-treating.
  • The Botanical Garden also hosts the adults-only Boos and Brews, where you can enjoy seasonal local beer and food.
  • Adventureland offers fall fun for the whole family during the daytime and spooky Halloween evenings at the Phantom Fall Fest.

Embrace the Colors of Fall at Local Parks

Eager to soak in the crisp autumn air without dealing with long lines or crowded parking lots? Discover Des Moines attractions that feature wide-open spaces where you can set your own pace and connect with nature.

Whether you’d rather lace up your hiking boots or stroll with a thermos of hot cider in hand, these parks and trails are great options:

  • Polk County Conservation hosts park-centric activities, including nature journaling, moonlight seed harvests, group and night hikes, syrup-making workshops, and monarch butterfly tagging events.
  • Jester Park offers something for everybody, from easy nature walks to adventurous hikes, golf, or fishing. You can even book a horseback ride through the trees to soak in the bright seasonal colors.
  • Walnut Woods State Park is home to Iowa’s largest collection of black walnut trees, which put on a spectacular show by turning vibrant yellow during autumn. 
  • Water Works Park provides the opportunity to kayak, walk, bike, or simply sit and bask in the beauty of the season.
  • Neal Smith Trail from Center Street Dam is a 7.6-mile trail popular with hikers, birders, and fall foliage spectators.

Check out our roundup of the best walking trails in Des Moines for more paths to explore.

Feel inspired to embrace a fuller, healthier lifestyle at any age in The Complete Guide to Healthy Senior Living in the Des Moines Metro Area — your go-to resource for living well and thriving in our local community.

Explore Local Flavor at Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs

Fall offers unique shopping experiences that take full advantage of the season. It’s prime time for fresh autumn produce, so check out our list of top Des Moines farmers markets. A farmers market is an ideal venue for eating locally, learning more about the food you love, and becoming inspired to rev up your gardening game.

If you’re looking for fun products to celebrate fall or want to jump-start your holiday shopping, discover these local craft fairs:

Celebrate with Seasonal Festivals and Cultural Events

Seasonal festivals aren’t just for Halloween; you’ll find plenty more to celebrate during autumn, with choices to delight adults and kids alike:

Stay Moving with Active Autumn Events

Regular exercise is a key component of maintaining your well-being year after year. If you would like to intentionally mix fitness with seasonal fun, the city makes it easy with a variety of opportunities:

  • Walk, jog, or run in the family-friendly Des Moines Turkey Trot on November 27. Did you know it’s Iowa’s best-attended Thanksgiving Day tradition? You can participate in person or virtually, depending on your preference.
  • Take a swing at one of the best golf courses in Des Moines to enjoy exercise and fall foliage at the same time.
  • Hop into a kayak for the Fall Foliage Float, where you can appreciate the colors of the season while paddling down the Des Moines River.

Enjoy Year-Round Des Moines Attractions

The wonderful thing about Des Moines is that the city provides so many opportunities to celebrate the season your way. From quiet moments surrounded by family and autumn leaves to lively outings to festivals, you can find plenty of ways to make the most of this time of year.

Ready to stay inspired? Explore even more tips and resources in The Complete Guide to Healthy Senior Living in the Des Moines Metro Area.

des moines healthy living guide

Topics:

Related Blog Posts

Top Summer Activities in Des Moines

Des Moines

Top Summer Activities in Des Moines

Read More
5 Spring Activities for Active Seniors in Des Moines

Independent Living

5 Spring Activities for Active Seniors in Des Moines

Read More
Community Spotlight: Wesley on Grand

Communities for Healthy Living

Community Spotlight: Wesley on Grand

Read More
View All Posts