Maquoketa Caves State Park
State park · Iowa
Thirteen caves, more than any other Iowa state park, riddle the wooded, limestone-bluffed ravines here, first protected by a local women's club starting in 1921 and dedicated a state park in 1933. Roughly 370 acres of hardwood forest color up around the cave trails each October.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 18–October 22
Color builds from October 5 · mostly bare by November 11
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Maquoketa Caves State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (282 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Maquoketa Caves State Park on the map
More things to do in Iowa
Center Grove Orchard
OrchardColor nearby peaks October 21
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: 6,000 apple trees, 31 varieties · corn maze and pumpkin patch · public since 1994
Howell's Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patchColor nearby peaks October 22
A greenhouse and pumpkin patch about 25 minutes south of Des Moines, where a paid 'Fall Fun' admission covers a wagon ride to the patch, a corn maze and a Kiddie Korral play area with a giant slide, pedal tractors and a corn box. The site is still showing last year's September-6 opening, so 2026 dates aren't set.
Don’t miss: Wagon ride, corn maze and Kiddie Korral · Just south of Des Moines · Pick-your-own pumpkins
Wilson's Orchard & Farm
OrchardColor nearby peaks October 21
Established in 1980 just north of Iowa City, this pick-your-own orchard and farm is open to visitors February through December and turns its own apples into cider at an on-site ciderhouse and bakery. Autumn is the peak, with pick-your-own apples, a farm market and apple-cider treats.
Don’t miss: Pick-your-own apples since 1980 · On-site ciderhouse and bakery · Open February through December
Linn's Haunted House
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks October 22
Tucked in the basement of Linn's Supermarket on Des Moines' east side, this haunted house packs a 20-minute walk-through into a converted grocery store, an odd setting that adds to the disorientation. 2026 dates were not yet posted when we checked; the 2025 run charged 25 dollars a person.
Don’t miss: 20-minute walk-through haunt · Set in a supermarket basement · Des Moines east side
Frequently asked
- When does Maquoketa Caves State Park peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 18–October 22 (best estimate October 20). Color starts around October 5 and is mostly bare by November 11.
- What is Maquoketa Caves State Park best for?
- Cave exploring and bluff hiking.
Own or manage Maquoketa Caves State Park? Update your listing or get in touch.