A woman holding a child surrounded by the autumn trees

Fall in Greater Des Moines: Sips, Sweaters & Scenic Views

The Midwest is known for its four distinct seasons. In Polk City, one of Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) charming small towns, the annual Four Seasons Festival celebrates the region’s changing seasons each summer, but it's Fall Fest that bring princesses, superheroes, train rides, pumpkin painting and more to the Polk City Square. Meanwhile, in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden showcases seasonal beauty through plant displays and its seasonal programming. With the first day of fall on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to explore autumn activities, enjoy vibrant fall colors and browse local shops, filled with cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spice scents, warm drinks and festive decor. 

Attend a Fall Event or Activity in Greater Des Moines

A man at the Farmers' Market handling produce.

Throughout DSM, attend local events to celebrate the fall season! In Adel in September and October, Apple & Pumpkin Fest offers apple and pumpkin picking, hayride and pedal tractors alongside barnyard animals, too. Also beginning in September, find your inner spooky vibe by attending Phantom Fall Fest at Adventureland in Altoona — there’s an all-new labyrinth to explore called the Spell Keeper! Just outside of Winterset, the Madison County Fall Crawl is another event with fall activities, vendors and more at the end of September. 

If you haven’t been to Rose Farm in Norwalk, fall is the perfect time to visit. Fall events take place in September and October and include complimentary warm cider at Cider + Stems Fridays, and the Fall Festival in late October . In Downtown DSM, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is open on Saturday mornings this fall, with new hours starting in October. (8 a.m. to Noon). And later in November, the Jester Park Nature Center will hold its annual free Fall Makers Market featuring more than 60 vendors. 

Don’t forget you can get even more involved with local fall events by volunteering at fall festivals like Applefest at Living History Farms in Urbandale, the Beaverdale Fall Festival in Des Moines and the Covered Bridge Festival in Madison County. 

View the Fall Colors Around Greater Des Moines

A father and his son walking through the autumn trees.

Besides attending seasonal events, you can enjoy the variation of fall colors across DSM counties. Bike the High Trestle Trail and take in the scenery as you pass through five Iowa towns — from Ankeny to Woodward — over 25 miles. Bicyclists can also enjoy picturesque views riding the Neal Smith Trail from Downtown DSM to Polk City — it’s a similar distance to the High Trestle with just as many opportunities to see the fall colors.  

Visit the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to see six acres of landscaping this fall — they’ve got an annual Fall Festival and SCARY on the PRAIRIE! event in late October you won’t want to miss! You can climb Clark Tower to view the fall foliage in Winterset, too, and if you’re looking for an accessible way to explore nature’s fall colors in DSM, check out the Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake Park in Des Moines.

In Downtown DSM, the Sherman Hill neighborhood, Gray’s Lake and Principal Riverwalk offer great places to walk along the Des Moines River during the cooler fall weather while the gardens at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates and the EMC Overlook at MacRae Park shouldn’t be missed this season — these are great options if you’re looking for locations for a fall photo. 

Reach out to a local photographer to capture fall family photos in the next few months. Adalily Photography in Knoxville offers Fall Family Sessions while Stalzer Photography in Marshalltown is the right choice during Homecoming season! 

Shop Local Greater Des Moines Businesses This Fall

A person walking out of a coffee shop with fall decorations on the exterior.

If you’re looking for fall buys this year, there are plenty of cool-weather clothing items and fall decor waiting at local retailers in Downtown DSM. In Perry, check out the Perry Chamber's September and October Sip & Shop events for Perry businesses where you'll find refreshments, fall decor, books, clothes and more. Freshen up your wardrobe and your home with fall finds from Lula Belle Designs in Indianola or shop fall’s finest clothing options at Mainstream Boutique in Ankeny. Fall sweaters and football looks are also found at Crosses & Cattle Boutique in Marshalltown. Find fall earrings and unique pumpkins, among other fall gifts at Loralei’s Giftshoppe in Grinnell or head to Clive to shop The Pink Hummingbird mobile boutique’s new fall arrivals. 

In between shops, stop by Ruthie's Coffee House in Stuart for a latte, chai or frappe, or grab a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Latte from Porch Light Coffeehouse in Ankeny. If you’re looking for something a little more adult, try a fall cocktail from The Breakfast Club — the Chaitini and Maple Cold Fashioned are on the menu. 

The fall season is about saying goodbye to summer and preparing for winter (we’re not quite ready for celebrating the holiday season and embracing the snow, but cozying up by fireplace is already on our list!). Make the most of fall in DSM with friends, family and your community by checking out all the events, retailers and perfect fall locations in the region mentioned above. Whether you get outdoors or shop local businesses, fall is the right time to do something greater in DSM. 

Experience a DSM Fall

Make the most of the season in Greater DSM and request a free relocation guide to learn more about the region or reach out to a MVP with questions.