This state collected scenic drives like a kid hoarding baseball cards.
Iowa’s byways pack more geological diversity per square mile than states twice its size.
Ancient glaciers left behind a landscape sampler platter that includes everything from towering loess hills to pristine prairie wetlands.
The result is a road trip destination that consistently exceeds every expectation.
1. Driftless Area Scenic Byway, Iowa
This 144-mile journey takes you through Iowa’s most untouched corner.
When the last glaciers swept across Iowa, this region stayed frozen in time.
The result? Stunning limestone bluffs and deep valleys that look nothing like the rest of the state.
You’ll wind through Allamakee and Winneshiek Counties on what many call Iowa’s most scenic route.
Fall transforms this byway into a masterpiece of color.
The hardwood forests explode in brilliant reds and golds that rival New England’s famous foliage.
2. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, Iowa
These aren’t your average Iowa hills.
The Loess Hills stretch 220 miles from Sioux City to Missouri, formed by windblown soil from the last ice age.
You’d have to travel all the way to China to see taller loess formations.
These ancient hills span 15 miles at their widest point and offer panoramic views of the Missouri River valley.
The byway generates millions in tourism revenue and supports thousands of jobs.
Stone State Park provides hiking trails with breathtaking overlooks of the surrounding farmland and grasslands.
3. Great River Road National Scenic Byway, Iowa
This isn’t just any scenic drive – it’s an All-American Road that follows the mighty Mississippi River.
Iowa’s portion became an All-American Road in 2021, joining an elite group of nationally significant routes.
The Great River Road stretches 3,000 miles through 10 states.
Iowa’s section is home to the most interpretive centers of any state along the route, with 17 locations.
You’ll pass through historic river towns and see massive lock and dam systems in action.
The route connects you to thousands of years of human history along America’s greatest river.
Why It’s On This List: It’s one of only a few All-American Roads in the country, representing the highest level of scenic byway designation.
4. Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, Iowa
Madison County’s covered bridges made this route famous worldwide.
This 82-mile journey takes you past six historic covered bridges, some dating back to the 1800s.
Each bridge tells a unique story of Iowa’s craftsmanship and heritage.
You’re better off visiting in fall when the countryside transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors.
Winterset anchors the route as the county seat and birthplace of John Wayne.
The town offers charming shops, local eateries, and the famous John Wayne Birthplace Museum.
5. Grant Wood Scenic Byway, Iowa
This 80-mile route through Jones and Jackson counties inspired Iowa’s most famous artist. Grant Wood painted his iconic rural scenes while living in this rolling countryside.
The byway immerses you in the same landscape that created “American Gothic” and other masterpieces. Rolling hills blend with colorful farm fields, pastures, and woodlots in perfect harmony.
You can visit the actual Stone City Art Colony that Grant Wood co-founded. The route also passes his rural schoolhouse and other sites connected to his artistic legacy.
Why It’s On This List: It’s the only scenic byway in America dedicated to a specific artist’s inspiration and creative legacy.
6. Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa
This unique route offers an unexpected taste of Europe in the American Midwest. The byway leads you through authentic Danish villages that maintain their Old World charm.
That’s why you’ll find traditional Danish architecture, authentic cuisine, and cultural festivals throughout the year. The communities along this route take pride in preserving their Scandinavian heritage.
Rolling farmland provides the backdrop for this cultural journey. Small towns dot the landscape, each offering glimpses into Iowa’s diverse immigrant history and traditions.
Why It’s On This List: It’s the only place in Iowa where you can experience authentic Danish culture and architecture in a rural American setting.
7. Historic Hills Scenic Byway, Iowa
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This route showcases Iowa’s natural beauty alongside its rich historical heritage. The byway winds through forested hills and river valleys that have witnessed centuries of human settlement.
Ancient Native American sites dot the landscape, telling stories that go back thousands of years. Pioneer cemeteries and historic stone churches mark the path of later settlers.
This byway connects multiple time periods in one scenic journey. You’ll see evidence of prehistoric cultures, pioneer settlements, and modern Iowa communities.
Why It’s On This List: It offers the most comprehensive historical timeline of any Iowa scenic route, spanning thousands of years of human history.
8. River Bluffs Scenic Byway, Iowa
Dramatic river bluffs define this scenic route through eastern Iowa. The byway follows ancient river valleys carved by centuries of flowing water.
Limestone cliffs rise majestically above winding rivers and streams. Dense forests cover the steep hillsides, creating a canopy of green that explodes with color each fall.
Small river towns nestle in the valleys below, preserving their 19th-century charm. Historic architecture and riverfront parks provide perfect stops for photos and picnics.
Why It’s On This List: The dramatic elevation changes and river views create some of Iowa’s most photographed landscapes.
9. Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Iowa
This 36-mile journey through northern Iowa tells the story of ancient glaciers. The route showcases landscapes shaped by massive ice sheets thousands of years ago.
Rolling hills and serene lakes mark where glaciers once carved the land. You’re better off visiting state parks along the route for the best views and hiking opportunities.
Small towns like Forest City and Lake Mills offer glimpses into Iowa’s agricultural heritage. Clear Lake serves as the route’s crown jewel with its beautiful waters and vibrant downtown area.
Why It’s On This List: It provides the clearest examples of glacial geology in Iowa, with landscapes that tell the story of the Ice Age.
10. Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway, Iowa
This hidden gem takes you through some of Iowa’s most pristine countryside. The byway follows historic river crossings that connected early settlements.
Dense forests line much of the route, creating tunnel-like canopies overhead. That’s why this drive feels more intimate than Iowa’s longer scenic routes.
Historic bridges span clear-running streams and rivers. The route offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a peaceful setting.
Why It’s On This List: It offers the most secluded and intimate scenic driving experience in Iowa, perfect for those seeking solitude.
11. Prairie Pothole Region, Iowa
This northern Iowa route showcases the state’s vanishing prairie wetlands.
The byway winds through what scientists call “prairie potholes” – small wetlands left behind by retreating glaciers.
These wetlands serve as critical stopover points for millions of migrating waterfowl each year.
Iowa has lost over 99% of its original wetlands, making this route especially precious.
Spring and fall offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. You’ll spot everything from great blue herons to rare trumpeter swans in these restored prairie marshes.
Why It’s On This List: It protects some of Iowa’s last remaining prairie wetlands, offering a glimpse of what the state looked like before settlement.
12. Amana Colonies Scenic Byway, Iowa
This unique route takes you through seven historic villages founded by German religious communalists in 1855. The Amana Colonies operated as a communal society for nearly 80 years.
Traditional German architecture lines the streets of each village. You’re better off planning a full day to explore the authentic restaurants, craft shops, and museums scattered throughout the colonies.
The byway generates over $50 million annually in tourism revenue. Visitors come from around the world to experience this living piece of American communal history and sample traditional German cuisine.
Why It’s On This List: It’s the only place in America where you can drive through seven intact communal villages that still maintain their 19th-century character and traditions.