Your Guide to Must-Visit Fall Attractions in Des Moines

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:

• Ride the rails and pick a pumpkin during a fun afternoon on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Pumpkin Express.
• If you want to wander through a pumpkin patch, lose yourself in a corn maze, take a hayride, and enjoy other farm activities, check out Pumpkinville and Corn Maze, Center Grove Orchard, and Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch.

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:

• The Downtown Farmer’s Market is going strong in its 50th season, and you can buy local produce and products every Saturday through October.
• Shop more than 60 vendors featuring locally grown and handmade products at the Polk County Makers Market on Sunday, November 23.
• Love supporting makers and artisans? Head to Iowa’s Largest Arts and Crafts Show at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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:

• Celebrate Día de Los Muertos in early November at a variety of events at the Des Moines Art Center and Jester Park Nature Center.
• Join in the festival of lights with Diwali celebrations hosted by the Iowa Tamil Association.
• Wills Family Orchard Apple and Pumpkin Fest is open for visitors during weekends — pick fall fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and sample a variety of apple desserts.
• Enjoy beer, entertainment, and delicious food at Des Moines’ Original Oktoberfest.
• Take in some historic baseball, seasonal foliage, and delicious apple pastries at Applefest at Living History Farms.

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.