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 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 14th to 16th in Van Buren County, it’s this fall’s can’t-miss event in the Hawkeye State.
When you travel through the villages of Van Buren and see a little bit of everything lining the street, you’ll know it’s here - it’s Scenic Drive Festival time again!
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa/Facebook
“Scenic Drive” is putting it lightly - Van Buren county is one of the most beautiful places in Iowa, featuring some stunning fall foliage.
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Along the way, you’ll find one charming downtown after another, lined with vendors and attractions.
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa/Facebook
Start off your day with a traditional Amish breakfast - you’ll want the energy for a long day of exploring!
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You’ll likely see hundreds of vendors carrying everything under the sun, and it’s not the Scenic Drive Festival without some souvenirs.
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa/Facebook
Picking through antiques is one of the best parts of the festival, and you never know what you’ll discover.
Villages of Van Buren
You can also find vendors selling local produce, food, and flowers. It’s a great spotlight for the farmers and craftsmen who make it possible.
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One of the most unique events of the festival is the Trash-or-Treasure sale, held in Birmingham and featuring lunch provided by the local Lions Club.
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa/Facebook
And of course, you never know exactly what the colorful locals will come up with to show their town pride this year!
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa/Facebook
Maybe the biggest event of the Scenic Drive festival is the buffet at Sunrise Bakery, a rare event and a hearty way to end a day of shopping and exploring.
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa/Facebook
Have you been to the 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 their official website for the full itinerary. 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.
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa/Facebook
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Villages of Van Buren
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Address: Bentonsport, IA 52565, USAAddress: Keosauqua, IA 52565, USAAddress: Bonaparte, IA 52620, USAAddress: Birmingham, IA, USAAddress: Farmington, IA 52626, USA
