8 Most Scenic Drives in Iowa
Iowa sits in between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and is renowned for its captivating landscapes of rolling hills, cornfields, river valleys, and charming lakes. The state also boasts an impressive collection of byways, running hundreds of miles as they slice through or bypass its incredible landscapes. These byways immerse travelers in dreamy scenery, and it feels like watching a dynamic, nature-based wallpaper change every minute. From the gorgeous River Bluffs Scenic Byway to the unique Covered Bridge byway, here are eight enchanting scenic drives in the Hawkeye State to explore today.
Western Skies Scenic Byway
The Western Skies Scenic Byway spoils road-trippers with the mesmerizing visuals of Western Iowa’s landscapes across its 142-mile stretch. Beyond the landscapes, history lives full-time on the route and in very peculiar ways. From the Harrison County Historical Village to Stuart, where Bonnie and Clyde committed their final bank robbery crime, travelers on this route will be immersed in the region’s interesting history. Explore the Danish villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton and see the only functional Danish windmill in America at Elk Horn. Pass through towns such as Audubon, Panama, Hamlin, Harlan, Portsmouth, Guthrie Center Panora, and Missouri Valley to soak in their historical charms and beautiful landscapes. Stop by iconic landmarks and attractions such as White Rock Conservancy, Museum of Danish America, Springbrook State Park, Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum, and DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge.
Loess Hills Scenic Byway
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway is a 220-mile scenic drive that unveils the staggering and breathtaking views of the Loess Hills. These irregular hills were formed at the end of the last ice age by windblown soil and are quite stunning. Enjoy the views, among other attractions, from Akron in Plymouth County to the border with Missouri in Fremont County. The Missouri River is an enduring visual treat on the route, with several overlooks to take in its beauty, as well as the valleys made of farmlands. One of these lookouts is the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook, while other attractions like Stone State Park, Preparation Canyon Scenic Overlook, and Todd House Museum make the trip inspiring and exciting. Don’t forget to stop by communities such as Akron, Carter Lake, Hamburg, Honey Creek, Le Mars, and Little Sioux to eat, drink, shop, and relax.
Iowa Valley Scenic Byway
Fall in love with the beauty of Iowa’s countryside scenery along the 77-mile Iowa Valley Scenic Byway while soaking up some history. This idyllic route passes by the only native American community in the state on its western edge - the Meskwaki Settlement. On the eastern end, travelers will discover the Amana Colonies, a region first settled by Germans in 1855. Learn about these Germans at the Amana Heritage Museum in Amana town. Other historic and natural highlights along the route include the Belle Plaine History Museum, Lily Lake, and Otter Creek Nature Center. Meanwhile, the Upper Iowa River corridor along the byway presents plenty of water sports, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Don’t forget to stop by Czech Trail Towns like Vining, Chelsea, Elberon, and Clutier to explore their historic attractions, wine, dine or lodge.
Driftless Area Scenic Byway
The Driftless Area Scenic Byway is regarded as the most scenic drive in Iowa, featuring some of the most dramatic and rare landscapes in the US across its 144 miles. The byway runs across Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties, bypassing a rare and untouched region known as the Driftless Area. During the last Ice Age, this region was not covered by ice, resulting in a landscape made up of steep hills, forested ridges, and deep valleys. On the ride, travelers will enjoy picturesque views of this landscape, which includes gorgeous forests, bluffs, and rivers such as the Mississippi, Upper Iowa, and Yellow Rivers. Highlight towns along the route to stop and explore include Harpers Ferry, Postville, Lansing, and New Albin. Prime attractions along the way are Yellow River State Forest, Effigy Mounds National Monument, and some museums like the Vesterheim National Norwegian Museum and Allamakee County Historical Museum.
Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
Covered bridges are unique beauties, and Iowa offers half a dozen of them on its Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, alongside some picture-perfect scenery. This scenic drive stretches for 82 miles in Madison County, coursing through these bridges in Iowa alongside plenty of historic sites, restaurants, and small towns. The route begins from the town of Winterset, which has six bridges. It runs through most parts of Madison County and passes through small towns like Saint Charles and Bevington. Some of the most notable highlights of the route are in Winterset, notably the home and birthplace museum of John Wayne, one of America’s most acclaimed actors. The Iowa Quilt Museum, Covered Bridges Winery, and Madison County Historical Complex are more highlights in Winterset to explore. Meanwhile, the Fitch House Bed and Breakfast in Saint Charles is an ideal stop for those who wish to lodge and dine.
River Bluffs Scenic Byway
The River Bluffs Scenic Byway runs for 109 miles and promises tourists magnificent natural views across its stretch and a myriad of adventures. Travelers will alternate views of three rivers - Turkey, Volga, and Mississippi, alongside their distant valleys, while the rivers offer themselves for water sports recreation, hiking, and fishing activities. Across the route, road-trippers will pass through 13 towns, numerous caves, waterfront parks, and nature centers and also enjoy access to the Turkey River Recreational Corridor. Three of the towns - Guttenberg, McGregor, and Marquette sit next to the Mississippi River, flaunting their unique Rivertown charms. Other towns include West Union, Volga, Wadena, and Clermont. Top historic and natural highlights along the route include the Montauk Historic Site, Pikes Peak State Park, Volga River State Recreational Area, and Motor Mill Historic Site.
Lincoln Heritage Highway Byway
The Lincoln Heritage Highway Byway is an extensive scenic drive that spans the eastern and western borders of Iowa, running for a whopping 428 miles. It begins from Clinton in the east and travels west to Council Bluffs, encompassing the entire width of the state, including 43 communities across 13 counties. Small towns, big cities like Cedar Rapids, and historic attractions are all on a fair along this trip. Some of the finest towns to explore, recharge, and shop along the byway include Clinton, Council Bluffs, Beaver, Ames, Montour, Carroll, and Boone. Since it's going to be a long trip, lodging might be part of the experience, and the Carrollton Inn in Carroll or Lincoln Hotel in Lowden is ideal for staying the night. Premier attractions on this epic designated America Byway include Lincoln Highway Bridge, German Hausbarn Museum, The Sawmill Museum, Eagle Point Park, Hitchcock Nature Center, and Union Pacific Railroad Museum.
Great River Road, Mississippi River Valley
The Great River Road in Iowa is one of the longest byways within the state as it extends for 328 miles, featuring photogenic vistas of the Mississippi River and other natural highlights. In addition to its length, this route brims with breathtaking visuals and stops like waterfalls, beaches, forests, limestone cliffs overlooking the Mississippi, and charming villages. Begin the ride from the Minnesota/Iowa border and travel south, passing towns like Lansing, Marquette, McGregor, Guttenberg, Clinton, and Muscatine. Keep an eye out for stunning visuals of the Mississippi River and its bluffs as they unfold like magic in various sections. Admire the river from the bluffs or step down to enjoy a dip in the water. Other captivating highlights on the route that deserve a visit include the Effigy Mounds National Monument, Pikes Peak State Park, Eagle Point Park, and River Pilots Pier. Also, the towns on the route provide an additional spice to the trip, with their numerous waterfront parks and roadside shops to restock supplies.
Explore the beautiful state of Iowa from the lens of its scenic byways, where each turn reveals spectacular scenery, and each mile is an experience for the books. From lakes and rivers to mountains, hills, and valleys, the dazzling scenery of Iowa is on full display across these byways. Drive through quaint towns steeped in history and culture, lodge in historic homes, explore varied culinary offers, and embark on adventures for sensational experiences. Don't forget to tag along a camera to take in incredible views and, if possible, shop from the locals to have a souvenir that marks the trip and makes it even more memorable.
