Missouri Fall Colors in Midwest 2024

Missouri boasts quite a variety of landscapes and a great diversity of trees and shrubs. As a result, Missouri's fall foliage season is pretty impressive and lasts up to six weeks. Dogwood, hickories, maples, black gum, sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creepers are among the most spectacular native trees in the fall. The best locations to enjoy fall colors include river banks, mountain tops, lush deciduous forests, and, of course, you can find all that in beautiful Missouri State Parks.

Best Time to See Fall Leaves in Missouri

Fall color season in Missouri generally starts around mid-September and lasts until late October, when colors fade, and leaves start to fall off the trees. By the middle of November, fall foliage is usually gone.

Northern and western Missouri are usually the first areas in the state where fall colors appear. Southern and eastern parts of the state experience fall foliage about a week later. The best time to go leaf peeping in Missouri is usually around mid-October. At that time, you can see maples, oaks, hickories, and ashes in their full glory. Every year, the fall foliage season may start at a slightly different time, depending on the weather and rainfall.

Best Places to See Fall Colors in Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks State Park & Nearby Area

The Ozarks region is one of the top leaf-peeping destinations in the Midwest. Lake of the Ozarks is especially beautiful in the fall. With about 1,150 miles (1,850 km) of shoreline, there are plenty of scenic vistas with colorful hardwood forests turning gold and flaming red. Approximately 85 miles (137 km) of the lake's shoreline is contained within Lake of the Ozarks State Park, which is the largest park in Missouri. Admission is completely free to the public, with the grounds operating from sunrise until half an hour before sunset. Note that the park's gates are closed on federal holidays, Lincoln’s Birthday, and Presidents Day.

Activities at the Park

During their stay at the Lake of the Ozarks Park, visitors can rent a boat to enjoy the stunning panoramas from the water or take a scenic drive around the lake, which looks the best around mid- and late-October. Numerous boating options are available near the Grand Glaize bridge, at the public beach marina, and in the nearby area. The cost generally ranges from $43 for an hour at the kayak to some more expensive options, like a trip on the tritoon boat, which costs $300-$425. Additionally, adventure seekers and off-the-grid lovers might enjoy a camping stay at one of 166 park's campsites.

Hermann

Hermann is one of the main regions of Missouri's wine country, known for its vibrant German community. In the fall, you can take the Wine Trail not just to indulge in its famous wine and German food but also to marvel at spectacular views of fall foliage. During the weekends of October, the wineries offer plenty of special events and entertainment. This is the perfect time to take the Katy Trail or go wandering in the countryside and discover picturesque towns like Baltimore Settlement in Beuf township.

Holiday Fare Wine Trail (November 16-17, 2024)

To celebrate the successful and prosperous harvest season, consider stopping by Hermann's special event, Holiday Fare Wine Trail, held during the third weekend of November. With the leaves blazing in vibrant shades of red and orange, the city's tour will take you on an exciting trip through six local wineries. The event spans from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday. The ticket to the Wine Trail costs $35 and provides you with a wine and food sample at each winery, as well as a complimentary wine glass.

Katy Bike Trail

The Katy Trial is a great opportunity for cyclists to experience the beauty of the stoic Show-Me State in all its glory. During this 239-mile (384 km) journey, you'll encounter the scenic vistas of the vibrant fall foliage along the route. The trail begins in Machens and ends in Clinton, passing through Marthasville, Jefferson City and Hart Creek Conservation Area. While the Katy Trail doesn't directly passes through Hermann, the city is situated just 3 miles (5 km) away from the route. The entire trail takes approximately six days to complete.

Branson

Another beautiful fall destination in the Ozark region, Branson offers many vantage points to enjoy fall foliage views. Take a drive to Highway 165 Scenic Overlook or discover Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, which covers about 1,534 ac (620.8 ha). The conservation area is open from 4 am until 10 pm on all days. Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo Dam are also popular in the fall due to the abundance of deciduous trees.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Located southwest of Ironton, MO, Taum Sauk Mountain is 1,772 feet (540 m) high, being the highest point in Missouri. A popular destination for hiking and camping, the park boasts an accessible outlook, the scenic Mina Sauk Falls, and stunning fall foliage views in any direction. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset all year round. Admission is free, just like in most of the Missouri state parks.

Activities at the Park

While at the park, consider taking advantage of the camping sites, available at the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. There are twelve walk-in campsites you can use, all offering spectacular landscapes of fall leaves. In the park's overlook area, visitors can enjoy a picnic with their friends and family.

Tower Grove Park in St. Louis

Urban Tower Grove Park is the best place to enjoy changing seasons in St. Louis. The park boasts 300 varieties of trees as well as picturesque Victorian pavilions and sculptures, so it's hard to imagine a better place for a fall walk. The park operates from 5 am until 10 pm. Admission is completely free to the public.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Right after Tower Grove Park, you can check out another beautiful destination, the Missouri Botanical Garden, located nearby. The garden operates from 9 am until 5 pm on all days except Thursdays, when the hours are extended to 8 pm. General admission costs $16. Boasting approximately 79 acres (32 ha) of beautiful horticultural displays, the grounds are especially beautiful during fall, when the leaves turn yellow and red.

Scenic Fall Foliage Drives

To get more of the spectacular fall views, take the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks Loop, going through Highway 5, Highway 54, and Highway 52. The route starts in Versailles and continues along the stunning shoreline, down Highway 5. The route goes across the lake at Niangua bridge before reaching Camdenton and Highway 54. Stop at Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Osage Beach to take more great pictures of lakeside landscapes.

One more gem of the Ozark region is Table Rock Lake Loop, which goes along Highway 65, Highway 13, and Highway 76. The route passes Lake Taneycomo and scenic Table Rock Lake State Park, offering plenty of Instagram-worthy views near Branson.