Fall is a spectacular time of year in a lot of places. But in the Midwest, it feels like the place fall was truly made for.
When you venture through Illinois and Iowa during this season, you’ll quickly realize just how much they’ve mastered all things autumn. Here are four great ways to experience fall in Iowa and Illinois, with special destinations in each state.
Galena Oktoberfest (Galena, IL): Are wiener dog races a normal Oktoberfest event? (And can we place bets on them?) Whatever the case, Galena’s Oktoberfest has those races, as well as a wiener dog parade and a whole lot more. Enjoy polka lessons, fill up on German food and enjoy an all-around wunderbar time at this stellar fall festival.
Scenic Drive Festival (Van Buren County, IA): Sometimes you just need to cruise. And in those times, the Scenic Drive Festival has you covered. Spanning the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, this mid-October festival winds through the villages of Van Buren County, each with its share of fun festival activities and delicious food.
Shawnee National Forest (Herod, IL): It’s hard to find a better hiking spot than Shawnee National Forest. Across nearly 300,000 acres on Illinois’s southern tip, the forest sits between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Six natural ecological regions converge here, making the spot an astounding mix of forests, wetlands, canyons, and ridges.
Pikes Peak State Park (McGregor, IA): When spending fall in Iowa, Pikes Peak State Park is an absolute must. There are more than 11 miles of picturesque trails that provide inspiring views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding limestone and waterfalls. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Iowa for a reason.
The Great Pumpkin Patch (Arthur, IL): Go for the gourd! Arthur, Illinois is smackdab in Amish country, and this quaint village boasts The Great Pumpkin Patch, a 63-acre slice of fall that features more than 300 types of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. (Oh, and don’t skip its delicious Homestead Bakery.)
Villisca Axe Murder House (Villisca, IA): We know the name is really intense, but hey, this is Halloween we’re talking about. Known more formally as the Josiah B. and Sara Moore House, this Halloween hotspot is often called the “scariest place in Iowa,” as it’s the site of an unsolved murder mystery from 1912. These days, Villisca Axe Murder House visitors can enjoy a daytime tour or a spooky overnight stay.
World’s Largest Corn Maze (Spring Grove, IL): Your autumn isn’t complete until you’ve gotten lost in a corn maze, right? The massive maze at Richardson Adventure Farm will do the trick. This behemoth is the size of more than 21 total football fields. (And, in classic corn maze fashion, its design changes every year.) Plus, IT’S CORN, need we say more?
Pumpkinville (Mitchellville, IA): This farm has two maze offerings, the Mini Maze and the Big Maze. While the Mini Maze is great for small kids and takes about 15 minutes to complete, the signature Big Maze at Pumpkinville is more than 20 acres large — and when the corn is thick, this labyrinth can take a few hours to escape. Don’t say we didn’t corn you.
If you’re ready to enjoy travel throughout Illinois and Iowa, then hit the road with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts. We have great hotels at numerous price points throughout both of these wonderful states. At Best Western, we’re all about rewarding your exploring, and we can’t wait to see you soon!