7 Great Road Trips to Take in Iowa
A drive through Iowa can include rolling farmland, like the landscape that inspired native Grant Wood's American Gothic, or rural towns and covered bridges like something out of a Hollywood movie. From the Loess Hills' one-of-a-kind dust and silt formations to the Driftless Area's limestone bluffs and abundant woodlands, an Iowa road trip is as much about the drive as the destination when you get behind the wheel.
Grant Wood Scenic Byway
Spanning from Stone City, Iowa, to the Mississippi River, the Grant Wood Scenic Byway is an 80-mile-long stretch named for the painter of the notable classic, American Gothic. Driving the Grant Wood Byway from Stone City eastward, travelers will notice the abundance of rolling hillsides, twisted roads, and sprawling farmlands resembling those in Wood's many artworks. In line with its namesake, art is one of the main attractions on the Byway. Fans of the esteemed artist can visit the Grant Wood Gallery in his hometown of Anamosa, just seven miles from Stone City.
Further along the route, 37 miles east of Stone City, is Maquoketa Caves State Park, a standout natural attraction with 13 caverns and grottos ideal for the outdoor explorer and nature enthusiast. To end the day, relax and indulge in a homegrown meal at the Bluff Lake Catfish Farm or enjoy a one-of-a-kind concert experience at Codfish Hollow Barnstormers, a barn-turned-concert venue in Maquoketa. Finish the drive with a final stretch to Bellevue on the banks of the Mississippi, where you will find more art galleries to complement the drive and another state park overlooking the river.
Cedar Rapids to Dubuque
Only about 74 miles from Cedar Rapids, Dubuque is a northeastern Iowa city offering a mix of charming, small-town vibes, classic American architecture, and riverfront views perfect for a weekend getaway. Start your journey from Cedar Rapids on US Route 151, heading north, then take a slight detour to Central Junction, home to Iowa's very own Central Park. The 312-acre park includes a 25-acre lake and a 7-acre pond, as well as five miles of forested hiking trails and paddleboat and kayak rentals in the warmer months of the year.
Getting back on the road, take Iowa Highway 38 and transfer to US Route 20 until you reach Dyersville, Iowa, the filming site of the acclaimed 1989 film Field of Dreams. Take a tour of the original farmhouse or walk the iconic baseball diamond yourself while surrounded by rows of cornfields. From Dyersville, jump back onto Route 20 for about 26 miles and head east to Dubuque. You'll revel in the beauty of the dense forests and the tranquility of the Mississippi River on the drive there. For the best views in the entire city, hop on the Fenelon Place Elevator, a 296-foot-long funicular allowing guests an overhead view of Dubuque's business district, the Mississippi River, and a simultaneous view of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Loess Hills Scenic Byway
The Loess Hills have a unique topography, formed by a combination of windblown dust and silt, the scale of which cannot be found anywhere else across the entire United States. To make the most of a road trip along the 200-mile-long Loess Hills Scenic Byway, start in Sioux City, Iowa, and hop on Interstate 29, heading south. Road trippers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Missouri River valley, farmland, forested hills, and vast grasslands, perfect for a quick pit-stop, picnic, or photoshoot.
Beyond the scenery, the Byway's plentiful farmland offers travelers the opportunity to stock up on fruits and more straight from the source. Approximately halfway along the Loess Hills Byway and 94 miles from Sioux City is Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard in Council Bluffs, where passers-by can help themselves to homegrown apples, making for a healthy, delicious mid-drive snack. After getting your fruit fix, head to one of the many state parks adorning the Byway, like the Waubonsie State Park 50 miles south of Ditmars Orchard, to enjoy a tranquil walk along the quiet woodland valleys.
Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
Immortalized in the 1995 film, The Bridges of Madison County, the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway is an 82-mile route in South Central Iowa where visitors can explore both nature and the county's unique connections to Hollywood. Before or after driving through the iconic bridge roadways, consider spending some time in downtown Winterset to see the limestone courthouse that dates back more than 150 years, or the birthplace of John Wayne, a Madison County native.
On the road, you will find ample opportunities to get in a hike or even go on a kayaking adventure between bridges. From Winterset, hop on State Highway 322 and head southwest for approximately 5 miles until you reach Pammel State Park. This 350-acre park offers five miles of hiking trails and, in the warmer months, the chance to fish, canoe, or kayak on the Middle River.
Keokuk To Burlington
If you love the peaceful, river-side vibes of Keokuk but miss the excitement of a walkable downtown, a trip to Burlington, Iowa, might do the trick. This 42-mile road trip, including detours, takes you through historical sites and alongside the Great River Road, a 3,000-mile roadway adjacent to the Mississippi River, and decorated with beautiful vistas and limestone bluffs of its own. Beginning your trip in Keokuk, start with a visit to Lock & Dam No. 19, one of the largest electricity-generating plants in the world. The observation deck makes the perfect outlook to view the Mississippi River flowing by, while eagle sightings may accompany visits in the fall or winter.
Leaving the city, hop on US Highway 61 and drive north to the historical Fort Madison, Iowa. Take a visit to the North Lee County Historical Society Museum to dive into the town's railroad history, or get a bite to eat at Horan's Cabaret Irish Pub, a local favorite that has served Fort Madison for over 50 years. Finish up your drive by traveling another 18 miles north to Burlington, and don't skip a visit to Snake Alley, a Burlington street dubbed "Unbelievably Crooked" by Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
Driftless Area
The Driftless Area is a region that spans 24,000 square miles and encompasses four states, including the northeastern portion of Iowa. It stands out for its distinct geology, characterized by hills, limestone bluffs, and deep valleys not found in much of the surrounding Midwest. As a result, it is a great road trip spot for locals and geology buffs looking to discover unique terrain. Visitors wanting to see the variety of landscapes can begin at the Effigy Mounds, a national monument near Harper's Ferry featuring 200+ animal-shaped piles of earth created by Indigenous peoples local to the region. Then, head to Yellow River State Forest via Iowa Highway 76 and State Forest Road. Whether you're in the mood to go hiking or relax by the water, the beautiful woodlands and peaceful trout streams allow the opportunity for both.
Going further northeast, follow Iowa Highway 76 to Decorah and embrace the town's ties to Norwegian history with a visit to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, or visit the childhood home of Little House on the Prairie author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Then, make your way to the Bluffton Bluffs in Decorah to end the trip with another look at the region's characteristic limestone bluffs towering 300 feet above the Upper Iowa River.
Spencer to Estherville
Despite being only 40 miles, the route from Spencer to Estherville temporarily transports you away from Iowa's serene, rolling hills and through gorgeous, quirky lakeside towns made for a summer getaway. Take the scenic route along US Highway 71 to begin the drive and go north to the Arnolds Park Amusement Park on West Lake Okoboji, where you can spend a few hours enjoying some of the 30 rides and attractions.
When you're ready to relax after a day at the park, the 3,847-acre lake offers perfectly blue, tranquil waters for boating, fishing, swimming, or even a lakeside meal at Maxwell's Beach Cafe. Ending the day, hop on Iowa Highway 9, where you'll cross a scenic portion of East Okoboji Lake en route to Estherville. Road-trippers wanting to get in an end-of-day walk or picnic will find plenty of opportunities to do so at Fort Defiance State Park, a 191-acre public recreation area built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Iowa's diverse landscapes provide an abundance of opportunities for local getaways. From the lakeside towns of northwestern Iowa to the rolling hillsides that inspired Grant Wood in central Iowa, or even the gorgeous cities of Dubuque and Decorah in the northeast, these road trips are bound to inspire awe in all who pass by. As you plan your next trip throughout the Hawkeye State, be sure to remember these seven destinations that are sure to make the driving time worthwhile.
