Center Grove Orchard
Orchard · Iowa
The Black family has grown apples on this Cambridge farm since 1986 and opened it to the public in 1994; today it holds 6,000 trees across 31 varieties on 18-plus acres. Fall brings U-pick apples, a corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin patch just off I-35 outside Des Moines.
Don’t miss
Color nearby peaks: October 13–October 17
Color builds from October 6 · mostly bare by November 5
Sampled at Center Grove Orchard’s own coordinates and elevation (286 m) rather than a regional average.
Iowa is sampled at 30 weather points, then moved 2 days earlier so the model agrees with 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. This year's weather has the peak running 6 days earlier than a normal year. How the forecast works
When to go to Center Grove Orchard
Good color holds through about October 24, giving you roughly 18 days from the first turn to past peak. That runs roughly 1 day later than the rest of Iowa.
Center Grove Orchard on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Iowa, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in Iowa
Leaves & views
Farms & harvest
Frequently asked
- When does Center Grove Orchard peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 13–October 17 (best estimate October 15). Color starts around October 6 and is mostly bare by November 5.
Own or manage Center Grove Orchard? Update your listing or get in touch.