Fun Fall Activities in the Iowa City Area

Even though it still may feel like summer outside, fall is officially here in Iowa City! Cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and all things pumpkin are almost upon us. 

Fall is a beautiful time in the Corridor. Corn fields are carved into twisting mazes, seasonal drinks spring up at local coffee shops and breweries, and family-owned orchards and pumpkin patches come to life. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or more of a spooky thrill, here are a few seasonal things to do in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area this fall.

Go apple picking at Wilson’s Orchard.

Located just north of Iowa City, Wilson’s is a local fall favorite. They’re a U-pick orchard, and with more than 120 varieties of apples, there’s plenty to choose from! 

They also have a U-pick pumpkin patch, tractor rides, and various themed events every weekend. If you really want an apple fix, check out their gift shop, filled with everything apple imaginable: pies, donuts, cider, and more.

Pick out the perfect pumpkin at Colony Pumpkin Patch.

Whether you’re looking for a small decorative pumpkin or the perfect future jack-o’-lantern, take a stroll through Colony’s pick-your-own patch in North Liberty. They have fun activities for the whole family, from a pumpkin bouncy house to a 10-acre corn maze. 

If you want a more thrilling challenge, take part in the flashlight maze, where you’ll complete the maze—in the dark! The maze is open every Friday and Saturday night in October. Upcoming events at Colony include their Annual Fall Festival on October 5 and the Miles in the Maze 5K on November 3, which benefits the University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon.

Get your fall on at Bloomsbury Farm.

Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins is another local fall staple. Their annual Fall Festival is happening now through the end of October. With 18 acres of a U-pick pumpkin patch, two 10-acre corn mazes, a massive jumping pillow, and tube slides, there’s something for everyone. 

Thrill seekers can get their fix at Bloomsbury’s Scream Acres, which consists of a haunted cornfield and several haunted houses ranging in theme from slaughterhouse to zombie apocalypse.

Get your adrenaline pumping at Iowa’s largest haunted house.

If screams and terror are more your idea of fall than pumpkins and cider, you’re in luck. The Corridor is home to Iowa’s largest haunted house: Circle of Ash. Every year, Circle of Ash takes over the Linn County Fairgrounds just north of Cedar Rapids.

With several haunted attractions and escape rooms, it’s the perfect place to get your scary fix during the spooky season. The scream park is open every Friday and Saturday night between September 28 and November 2, along with a few select Thursdays and Sundays. Warning: This one’s not for the faint of heart!

Enjoy some seasonal brews at local Oktoberfests.

Oktoberfest may have German roots, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate in Iowa! Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies is one of the longest-running festivals in the state. 

While the festival’s conventional focus is beer, there’s fun for the whole family with a parade, traditional German music, pretzel tossing, and more. Iowa City also has its own Oktoberfest celebration, where you can sample beers, ciders, and wine from more than 70 booths.

Take in the fall colors.

With dozens of parks, the Corridor has acres of beautiful fall foliage this time of year. Below are a few of the more tree-filled parks in the area:

• F.W. Kent Park – Oxford, IA
• Hickory Hill Park – Iowa City
• Terry Trueblood Recreation Area – Iowa City
• Morgan Creek Park – Cedar Rapids
• Palisades-Kepler State Park – Mt. Vernon, IA

Shop local and score some great deals.

If you’re looking for an excuse to go shopping, this is it! Iowa City’s second annual Fall Shop Crawl is taking place on October 25. Enjoy fall drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as you stroll through downtown Iowa City and shop the deals at participating shops. 

In the market for a home where you can display your jack-o’-lanterns and savor every season? Get in touch with one of our REALTORS® and we’ll help you in your search! 

Happy in your current home? Check out our Fall Maintenance Tips for ideas transitioning your home to the colder months.