Fall Road Trips in Iowa
Routes
30
Avg Distance
349 mi
Avg Drive
6h 46m
Destinations
20
Fall in Iowa offers a driving experience defined by its expansive, rolling landscapes. With an average trip length around 349 miles and a duration of nearly 7 hours, these routes showcase the state's autumnal beauty. You'll find consistent EV charging with an average of 27 DC fast chargers per trip and terrain that stays mostly flat, rarely exceeding 1,500 feet in elevation. These drives are perfect for immersing yourself in the season's colors.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.75/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$48–$58
One-way, ~349 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~122 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: Iowa
Iowa peaks at around 86°F in Jul and cools to 31°F / 14°F in Jan. Wettest month is Jun at ~5.3 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 14 | 1.1 | 9.4 |
| Feb | 36 | 18 | 1.3 | 10.2 |
| Mar | 49 | 30 | 2.2 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 62 | 41 | 4 | 1.2 |
| May | 72 | 52 | 5.2 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 82 | 62 | 5.3 | — |
| Jul | 86 | 66 | 3.8 | — |
| Aug | 84 | 64 | 4.2 | — |
| Sep peak | 77 | 55 | 3.2 | — |
| Oct peak | 63 | 43 | 2.8 | 0.5 |
| Nov peak | 48 | 30 | 1.9 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 36 | 20 | 1.6 | 7.9 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for IA — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Check the weather forecast for your route, not just your origin and destination.
- Bring layers for shoulder-season travel — mornings and evenings can be much cooler than midday.
- Iowa routes can vary in condition depending on the time of year. Check for construction zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Routes
Editor's pick
Akron, IA → Davenport, IA
Through: Minneapolis → Kansas City
This lengthy drive features excellent EV coverage and a high drive score of 8. With 27 DC fast chargers along its 394 miles, it offers a largely flat route with ample opportunities to enjoy the fall scenery.
Editor's pick
George, IA → Davenport, IA
Boasting excellent EV infrastructure with 27 DC fast chargers, this 381-mile option scores an 8 for its driving experience. The journey unfolds across mostly flat terrain, making it an accessible way to see the state's fall displays.
Editor's pick
Osceola County, IA → Bettendorf, IA
This trip provides a solid drive score of 8 and excellent EV support with 26 DC fast chargers. Covering 370 miles, it navigates mostly flat terrain, offering a comfortable pace to appreciate the season's changing foliage.
Bettendorf, IA → Sioux City, IA
Sioux City, IA → Eldridge, IA
Through: Minneapolis → Kansas City
Osceola County, IA → Davenport, IA
Davenport, IA → Sioux City, IA
Sergeant Bluff, IA → Bettendorf, IA
Through: Minneapolis → Kansas City
Davenport, IA → Orange City, IA
Through: Waterloo
Blue Grass, IA → Sioux City, IA
Sioux City, IA → Mediapolis, IA
Through: Minneapolis → Kansas City → Des Moines +1 more
Davenport, IA → Sergeant Bluff, IA
Through: Sioux City
Walcott, IA → Sioux City, IA
Sioux City, IA → Clinton, IA
Davenport, IA → Arnolds Park, IA
Through: Waterloo → Storm Lake
Wilton, IA → Sioux City, IA
Rock Valley, IA → Dubuque, IA
Iowa City, IA → Rock Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA → Akron, IA
Through: Sioux City
Davenport, IA → Milford, IA
Through: Waterloo → Storm Lake
Sioux City, IA → Park View, IA
Davenport, IA → Sidney, IA
Through: Omaha Nebraska
Mount Pleasant, IA → Sioux City, IA
Through: Knoxville
Sioux City, IA → Winfield, IA
Onawa, IA → Davenport, IA
Through: Minneapolis → Kansas City
Bettendorf, IA → Spencer, IA
Through: Waterloo → Storm Lake
Sioux Center, IA → Dubuque, IA
Council Bluffs, IA → Monona, IA
Through: Minneapolis → Kansas City → Bondurant
George, IA → Iowa City, IA
Clinton, IA → Council Bluffs, IA
Through: Omaha Nebraska