YOUR IOWA VACATION STARTS HERE!

Welcome to autumn in Iowa!

Atop rolling hills and along wooded river valleys the trees begin to turn color and the views become spectacular. Celebrate the changing seasons with an Iowa excursion.

Explore a scenic route, pick a pumpkin or two, or scout out a new spot for birdwatching, but be sure to save some time on your calendar for Iowa's festive fall gatherings.

This weekly online report will highlight the changing fall foliage across Iowa. You can also call the Iowa Department of Natural Resources fall color hotline at 515.233.4110 for recorded information on where to see the best fall color throughout the state of Iowa.

Fall Foliage Report - Week of October 20

Welcome to Iowa's fall color report from the State Forest Nursery. This report is compiled weekly during the fall season. Call 515.233.4110 for a recorded message.

Northeast Iowa: The peak is passed but lots of color remains to be seen. Some leaves came down over the weekend but in the more protected areas along the river, lots of colorful leaves remain – especially in the oaks. The color will start to decline from here on out.

Southeast Iowa: The peak is beginning to happen. The oaks are starting to change and the other species are at their peak. If they get colder weather, the oaks will start to change more rapidly and will be in more color this coming weekend and next week. The weekend of Oct 25th should be the peak weekend.

North Central Iowa: The peak is now. The oaks leaves are turning yellowish - brown and falling. It looks like they are not going to produce a spectacular color show this year. Sugar maples are still colorful in the towns but are starting to lose their leaves. Some ash trees are still yellow and others are brown.

Central Iowa: The area is pretty much at the peak color now. The oaks are stubborn and are turning slightly yellow and brown so far. If cooler nights happen, the oaks may change more quickly this week. Good color should remain throughout the week and through the weekend of Oct. 25.

South Central Iowa: The peak color is beginning to happen. The oaks are starting to change and the other species such as the maples and hickories are at their peak. The peak color should remain throughout the weekend of Oct. 25.

Northwest Iowa: The area reached their peak last week and this past weekend. The trees lost a lot of their leaves. The oaks have turned kind of brown and have lost about ½ of their leaves. There was not a brilliant display of color this year. Yellows, burnt oranges and browns remain to be seen this week, but are falling quickly.

Southwest Iowa: This week is probably the peak color time for the area. There is a lot of yellow and some red. Some leaves are starting to fall. It is very pretty outside now, so go out and enjoy it. Good color should remain throughout the weekend of the 25.

The State Forest Nursery is offering seedlings for fall and spring planting. If you would like to receive a catalog, please call the nursery at 800.865.2477. You may also view our catalog and order online at www.iowadnr.gov.