Fall Colors

Missouri’s fall color usually peaks in mid-October. This is when maples, ashes, oaks and hickories are at the height of their fall display. Normally by late October, the colors are fading and the leaves are beginning to drop from the trees.

This progression of color change starts earliest in northern Missouri and moves southward across the state to the Bootheel. Generally, the color change is predictable, but it can vary from year to year. Much depends on the weather.

Follow the show of Missouri’s fall color, and find events on your route

Enjoy local culture as well as leaf color—the Missouri Division of Tourism’s online calendar (listed below as Visit Missouri) is packed with events happening all across Missouri.

Fall Color Updates Run September through November

Northwest Region, including St. Joseph and Chillicothe

Fall color has ended for the Northwest Region. (Updated Nov. 8, 2012.)

Northeast Region, including Kirksville and Hannibal

Fall color has ended for the Northeast Region. (Updated Nov. 1, 2012.)

Kansas City Region

Fall color has ended for the Kansas City Region. (Updated Nov. 15, 2012.)

Central Region, including Columbia, Jefferson City and Lake of the Ozarks

Fall color has ended for the Central Region. (Updated Nov. 15, 2012.)

St. Louis Region

Fall color has ended for the St. Louis Region. (Updated Nov. 8, 2012.)

Southwest Region, including Springfield, Branson and Joplin

Fall color has ended for the Southwest Region. (Updated Nov. 8, 2012.)

Ozark Region, including Rolla, West Plains and Eminence

Fall color has ended for the Ozark Region. (Updated Nov. 1, 2012.)

Southeast Region, including Cape Girardeau, Farmington and Poplar Bluff

Fall color has ended for the Southeast Region. (Updated Nov. 1, 2012.)

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Why Leaves Change Color

No, Jack Frost is not the culprit. Some leaves change color weeks before the first icy nights.