Every Fall, This Tiny Network Of Villages In Iowa Holds The Best Scenic Drive Festival In America
Raymond Goldfield
Author
Fall is a great time in Iowa, whether you’re looking for a rockin’ Oktoberfest or want to enjoy the sight of thousands of pumpkins lining the streets. But if you want a very different type of fall festival in Iowa, head on over to the historic Villages of Van Buren County. The Villages of Van Buren Scenic Drive Festival isn’t so much a single festival as miles of activities, vendors, attractions, and food line the streets of these tiny villages. You can take one of the most beautiful drives in Iowa, stopping for whatever strikes your fancy, or drive all the way through and then double back to visit everything that caught your eye. Held from October 13 to 15, this Van Buren County fall festival is a can’t-miss event in the Hawkeye State.
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Have you been to the Van Buren Scenic Drive Festival in Iowa? Let us know about your past visits, or tell us your favorite fall festival in Iowa in the comments section! If you’re planning to visit this year, make sure to visit the official website for the full itinerary. Make a weekend of it, and book a vacation rental in Van Buren County. If you want a more kid-friendly festival, check out this celebration of everything pumpkin, or check here for more information on Sunrise Bakery’s famous buffet.
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More to Explore
Fall in Iowa
Are there many fall festivals in Iowa?
Yes, there are several fall festivals in Iowa that take place every year, and they're an awesome way to spend an autumn day - or a weekend - in the Hawkeye State. Whether you're into eating, drinking, art, or simply all things fall, you're sure to find a fest to suit your tastes. Some of our favorites include:
- Tri-City BBQ Fest in Denison
- Beaverdale Fall Festival in Des Moines
- Ely Fall Festival in Ely
- Kalona Fall Festival in Kalona
- Amana Oktoberfest in the Amana Colonies
- Fly Iowa in Boone
- Anamosa Pumpkinfest in Anamosa
- Fall Arts and Crafts Festival in McGregor
What are some of the best places to get a pumpkin in Iowa?
Of course, you can get a pumpkin at most any supermarket and even some convenience stores during the fall in Iowa, but where's the fun in that? We think some of the best places to get a pumpkin in Iowa are at one of the Hawkeye State's fantastic pumpkin patches. And they come in almost as many sizes and shapes as the pumpkins, themselves. So, whether you like full-on agritainment with corn mazes, food vendors, and all manner of activities, or to simply go out into the field on your own and select a pumpkin off a vine in a farm field, there's sure to be a pumpkin patch for you in Iowa. Some of our picks for the best pumpkin patches in Iowa include:
- Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins
- Pumpkin Express in Boone
- Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming
- Pumpkinville in Mitchellville
- Uncle Bill's Farm in Grinnell
- Harvestville Farm in Donnellson
- Colony Acres Farm in North Liberty