Scenic Routes Through Iowa: A Guide to the State’s Best Drives

Iowa, often recognized for its rolling farmland, offers a surprising variety of scenic drives that showcase the state’s diverse landscapes. From historic highways to routes winding through picturesque towns, Iowa’s roads provide a unique snapshot of the Midwest. This guide highlights routes that cross distinct parts of Iowa, offering a comprehensive experience of the state’s beauty and character.

Exploring Iowa’s Highway System

Iowa’s state highways, owned and maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation, form the backbone of its transportation network. These routes vary in length and traverse different terrains, making them ideal for exploring the state. Several highways have historical significance, while others offer stunning views of Iowa’s natural landscapes.

Featured Scenic Routes

Iowa Highway 1

Iowa Highway 1, stretching approximately 119.268 miles, runs from Iowa 2 south of Keosauqua to US 151 south of Anamosa. This route provides a journey through the southeastern part of the state, showcasing the rolling hills and rural communities that define the region. Established in 1926, it remains a current route.

Iowa Highway 2

Iowa Highway 2 is a significant east-west route, spanning 233.80 miles from US 6 near Lewis to IL 2 at Muscatine. Originally established in 1920 and renumbered in 1939, it offers a diverse landscape, connecting smaller towns and agricultural areas. A second segment of Iowa Highway 2, 251.376 miles long, runs from N-2 at Nebraska City, Nebraska, to US 61 at Fort Madison. This segment was established in 1941 and was formerly designated as Iowa 3.

Iowa Highway 3

Iowa Highway 3, with a length of 267.07 miles, extends from N-2 at Nebraska City, Nebraska, to IL 9 at Fort Madison. Established in 1920 and renumbered as Iowa 2 in 1941, this route provides access to the state’s southeastern region. Another segment of Iowa Highway 3, measuring 323.102 miles, runs from SD 50 near Westfield to the Northwest Arterial at Dubuque, established in 1945. This route replaced portions of Iowa 5, Iowa 221, and Iowa 10.

Iowa Highway 4

Iowa Highway 4 has two distinct segments. The first, 29.70 miles long, runs from US 59/Iowa 141 at Denison to Iowa 175 at Odebolt, established in 1920 and renumbered as Iowa 39 in 1968. The second segment, 146.343 miles long, extends from Iowa 44 in Panora to MN 4 near Estherville, established in 1969 and formerly designated as Iowa 17.

Iowa Highway 5

Iowa Highway 5 consists of two segments. The first, 77.64 miles long, runs from Iowa 3 near Aurelia to US 169 at Fort Dodge, established in 1920 and renumbered as Iowa 7 in 1968. The second segment, 103.540 miles long, runs from Route 5 south of Cincinnati to I-35 near West Des Moines, established in 1969 and formerly part of Iowa 60.

Beyond Highways: Exploring Local Routes

While state highways offer established routes, exploring local roads can reveal hidden gems. The Iowa Department of Transportation provides various maps, including state highway maps, railway maps, and county outline maps, to aid in discovering these routes. Iowa State University also provides walking routes for the campus and surrounding areas, promoting exploration on foot. ISU WellBeing offers maps for half-mile, one-mile, three-mile, and five-mile routes, as well as indoor routes for all buildings.

Planning Your Iowa Road Trip

Whether you’re interested in historical routes, scenic landscapes, or exploring local communities, Iowa offers a diverse range of driving experiences. Utilizing the resources provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation and local organizations like ISU WellBeing can help you plan a memorable road trip through the heartland of America.