Top 16 Road Trips Iowa

No entrance fees, no reservations required, no fighting for parking spots with tour buses.

You’ll actually have to tell people Iowa has stunning landscapes because they won’t believe you otherwise.

Smart road trippers have already figured out that the best kept secrets hide in plain sight.

1. Great River Road, Iowa

The Great River Road stretches 325 miles along the Mississippi River’s eastern edge.

You’ll start in Guttenberg and journey south through charming towns like Marquette and Dubuque.

This scenic route showcases stunning river bluffs and historic sites.

Stop at the Effigy Mounds National Monument to explore ancient Native American burial mounds.

Continue to Muscatine for its historic architecture and riverfront parks.

Visit Lock and Dam No. 14 to watch barges navigate through the locks.

2. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, Iowa

The Loess Hills create an extraordinary landscape of prairie and forest-covered steep bluffs.

These unique geological formations stretch 220 miles through western Iowa.

You’ll drive through narrow ridges and rolling hills that seem almost otherworldly.

The byway passes through seven counties including Plymouth, Woodbury, and Monona.

This landscape was formed by wind-blown silt deposits over thousands of years.

This is one of only two places in the world where you can see loess hills formations.

3. Driftless Area Scenic Byway, Iowa

This 132-mile route in northeastern Iowa showcases the only area that wasn’t affected by glacial drift. The landscape features lush valleys, limestone bluffs, and tranquil rivers.

Start in Marquette and follow meandering roads through pristine natural areas. You’ll pass through historic towns like McGregor and Elkader with their unique architecture.

The Yellow River State Forest offers hiking trails and breathtaking vistas. That’s why this byway is perfect for nature lovers who appreciate untouched landscapes.

4. Grant Wood Scenic Byway, Iowa

This 35-mile artistic journey celebrates Iowa’s most famous painter, Grant Wood. The route inspired many of his iconic paintings including scenes that look straight off his canvas.

Start in Anamosa and explore the State Penitentiary Museum and National Motorcycle Museum. Drive through rolling farmlands and picturesque countryside vistas.

Visit the Stone City Art Colony where Grant Wood once worked. End in Eldon to see the famous “American Gothic” house and visitors center.

5. River Bluffs Scenic Byway, Iowa

This 109-mile journey takes you through Iowa’s “Little Switzerland” with rolling hills and quaint rural towns. You’ll pass through 13 charming communities along the way.

The route features lush farmlands and historic sites perfect for exploration. Stop at Motor Mill Historic Site or visit Montauk, home of Iowa’s 12th governor.

Towns like McGregor and Guttenberg offer unique shopping and dining experiences. You’re better off taking your time to explore each community’s distinct character.

6. Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Iowa

This 36-mile journey through northern Iowa explores the state’s glacial past. Begin in Forest City and visit the Winnebago Industries Visitor Center to learn about recreational vehicles.

Travel through picturesque prairies and farmlands passing charming towns like Lake Mills and Northwood. The landscapes were shaped by ancient glaciers thousands of years ago.

End your journey in Clear Lake, a popular destination with beautiful lake views. Pilot Knob State Park offers stunning vistas of the glacial landscape.

7. Great Lakes Scenic Byway, Iowa

This 36-mile route follows the western shore of Clear Lake in northern Iowa. Start in Clear Lake where you can enjoy tranquil lake views and explore the historic Surf Ballroom.

The Surf Ballroom is famous for its rich musical legacy and connection to rock and roll history. Drive through the charming town of Ventura with its small-town Iowa appeal.

Stop at McIntosh Woods State Park for outdoor activities and scenic picnics. Here’s the catch – this isn’t about ocean views, but Iowa’s beautiful inland lakes.

8. Historic Hills Scenic Byway, Iowa

The small village of Bentonsport serves as the heart of this scenic drive through Iowa’s historic landscape. This route showcases the state’s rich heritage and architectural treasures.

September offers the best time to visit when autumn leaves begin their colorful transformation. The changing foliage creates a spectacular backdrop for photography.

Historic buildings and preserved sites tell stories of Iowa’s pioneer past. That’s why history buffs find this route particularly rewarding for learning about early settlement.

9. Iowa Valley Scenic Byway, Iowa

This drive takes you through many distinctive small towns including the famous Amana Colonies. The Amana Colonies represent a unique communal society with German heritage.

October visitors might experience the famous Amana Oktoberfest celebration. The colonies offer traditional crafts, authentic German food, and historic architecture.

Each of the seven villages has its own character and attractions. You’re better off planning a full day to explore the colonies’ museums, shops, and restaurants.

10. Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, Iowa

Winterset serves as the gateway to the famous covered bridges of Madison County. These historic bridges gained worldwide fame through literature and film.

The route becomes magical in December when snow covers the iconic wooden structures. Six historic covered bridges remain from the original nineteen built in the 1800s.

Each bridge has its own story and architectural features worth exploring. Here’s the deal – you’ll want to visit multiple bridges to appreciate their unique characteristics.

11. Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

This 142-mile journey through western Iowa showcases endless prairie landscapes and stunning sunsets. The route passes through Council Bluffs, known for its historic railroad heritage and Lewis and Clark connections.

Drive through the Loess Hills region where ancient wind-blown soil created unique geological formations. The wide-open spaces offer spectacular views that stretch to the horizon.

Here’s the deal – this is where you’ll experience Iowa’s true prairie character. Stop at Preparation Canyon State Park for hiking trails and panoramic vistas.

12. Delaware Scenic Byway, Iowa

This charming route winds through Delaware County’s rolling hills and historic farmsteads. Manchester serves as the perfect starting point with its antique shops and local cafes.

The byway passes through Backbone State Park, Iowa’s first state park established in 1920. The park features limestone cliffs and the Maquoketa River flowing through scenic valleys.

Visit Strawberry Point, home to the world’s largest strawberry monument. That’s why this route appeals to travelers who enjoy quirky roadside attractions and small-town charm.

13. Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, Iowa

It’s more of a region than a pure drive.

This agricultural heritage route celebrates Iowa’s farming legacy across 37 counties. The journey showcases working farms, historic barns, and agricultural museums throughout central Iowa.

Start at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines to learn about global food security. Drive through productive farmlands where corn and soybeans stretch endlessly.

Visit the Farm House Museum at Iowa State University to see how farm families lived in the 1860s. You’re better off planning multiple stops to fully appreciate Iowa’s agricultural story.

14. Mormon Pioneer Trail, Iowa

This historic route follows the path taken by Mormon pioneers traveling west to Utah in the 1840s. The trail crosses southern Iowa from Nauvoo, Illinois to Council Bluffs.

Stop at Mormon Trail Park near Bridgewater to see authentic wagon ruts still visible today. The park features interpretive displays explaining the pioneers’ challenging journey.

Visit the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters in Omaha, Nebraska, just across the Missouri River. Here’s the catch – you’ll need to cross state lines to complete the full experience.

15. Flint Hills Scenic Byway Extension, Kansas and Iowa

This route extends Kansas’s famous Flint Hills Scenic Byway into southern Iowa’s prairie landscapes. The drive showcases restored tallgrass prairies and native wildflower displays.

Spring and early summer offer the best wildflower viewing when prairie blooms create colorful carpets. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge features 5,000 acres of reconstructed prairie.

Elk and bison roam freely in designated areas, providing wildlife viewing opportunities. That’s why nature photographers find this route particularly rewarding for capturing prairie wildlife.

16. Raccoon River Valley Trail Scenic Drive, Iowa

This route follows the Raccoon River through central Iowa’s gently rolling countryside. The drive connects multiple state parks and recreational areas perfect for picnicking and relaxation.

Start in Jefferson and follow the river valley through Scranton and Bayard. The landscape features a mix of farmland, woodlands, and restored prairie areas.

End your journey at Waukee where the trail connects to the metro area’s extensive trail system. Want me to share a secret? The best views come during autumn when river valley trees display brilliant fall colors.