Fall is Calling: Plan Your Weekend Getaway
August 17, 2026
The leaves may still be green in Iowa, but now is the perfect time to start looking ahead to fall. With back-to-school time, kids' sports schedules coming out, and as the busy family calendars start to take shape, you might just find a free weekend waiting to be filled.
From football road trips and fall colors to food-filled weekends and one last dose of warm weather, Des Moines International Airport can help you turn that open weekend into a fall getaway. Start at DSM and see where the season takes you.
🏈 Football Road Trips
Turn game day into a long weekend and explore somewhere new while cheering on your favorite Iowa college team.
Iowa at Washington (Seattle) – October 9
Follow the Hawkeyes to Seattle for a Friday night game, then spend the weekend exploring Pike Place Market, the waterfront, iconic neighborhoods, and the Pacific Northwest scenery.
Iowa at Northwestern (Chicago area) – November 7
Make it a Hawkeye weekend in Chicagoland with great food, museums, shopping, and plenty to explore before or after kickoff.
Iowa State at Arizona (Phoenix) – October 24
Catch the Cyclones in the desert, then spend the weekend exploring Old Town Scottsdale, hiking Camelback Mountain, or taking a scenic drive to Sedona.
Iowa State at UCF (Orlando) – November 21
Follow the Cyclones south and add some sunshine to game weekend with theme parks, Disney Springs, golf, and plenty to explore around Central Florida.
Drake at Montana (Missoula) – September 5
Follow the Bulldogs west for mountain scenery, local breweries, river walks, and one of the country's most scenic college football settings.
UNI at Eastern Washington (Spokane area) – September 5
Cheer on the Panthers and use Spokane as your home base for waterfalls, wineries, outdoor trails, and the scenic Spokane River.
🍁 Chase the Fall Colors
You don't have to drive all day to find a change of scenery. Start at DSM and head to Denver for golden aspens and mountain drives, Chicago for colorful parks and lakefront walks, or Philadelphia for historic streets, beautiful parks, and classic East Coast fall scenery.
🍺 Food & Festival Weekends
Pack your appetite and let DSM be your starting point for a weekend sampling Chicago's fall festivals and famous food scene, Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market and neighborhood favorites, or Las Vegas' restaurants, concerts, and seasonal events.
☀️ One Last Warm Weekend
Not ready to trade flip-flops for sweaters? Head from DSM toward warmer weather in Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, or the Tampa Bay area for sunshine, poolside afternoons, sandy beaches, and waterfront dining before winter arrives.
Your Fall Getaway Starts at DSM
Fall weekends fill up quickly, especially once school, sports, and activities get underway. When you find an open spot on the family calendar, make the most of it. Whether you're following your favorite team, chasing fall colors, or holding onto summer for one more weekend, your next adventure can start right here at DSM.
Find your destination, pack your bags, and start your fall getaway at DSM.