When you think of scenic drives, Iowa isn’t likely to come to mind right away. But, did you know that this state has a total of nine lovely state-designated byways and two nationally designated byways that’ll just knock your socks off? Here are seven of the best scenic drives in Iowa that you should definitely check out as soon as you get the chance:

1. Historic Hills
Ellen Macdonald/Flickr
The Historic Hills Scenic Byway can be found in the southeastern corner of the state. Although you’ll definitely see your share of farms and fields, there are many forested areas along this byway. Read more about this delightful byway here.
2. Driftless Area
Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge, Elkader, IA 52043, USA
USFWS Midwest Region/Flickr
The Drifless Area, which is also referred to as the Paleozoic Plateau, is a unique area in the extreme northeastern corner of the state. Expect panoramic vistas of bluffs and distant river valleys. Click here for more information on this intriguing stretch of road.
3. Grant Wood
Grant Wood Drive, Grant Wood Dr, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Perhaps the most well-known byway is the Grant Wood Scenic Byway. It features breathtaking farm views that inspired many of the artist’s most famous works. Click here for more information on this intriguing stretch of road.

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4. Delaware Crossing
northfromseattle/Flickr
The Delaware Crossing is a 36-mile long loop in northeastern Iowa. Take a stop off the byway and go fishing or canoeing in the summer, or snowmobiling in the winter. Click here for more country roads in Iowa you've just got to drive.
5. Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway, Boone, Iowa, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
The longest byway in Iowa, the historic Lincoln Highway was founded in 1913 and was America's first transcontinental improved highway. It crosses the entire state of Iowa and weaves through a total of 13 other states. Read more about a stretch of Old Lincoln Highway here.
6. Loess Hills
Loess Hills Scenic Overlook, Oak Ave, Moorhead, IA 51558, USA
Craig Hemsath/Flickr
One of Iowa’s national scenic byways, the Loess Hills offers unique views because the area is made up almost entirely of windblown soils. Only China has formations as high, making this byway one-of-a-kind in the U.S. You might want to consider taking this Loess Hills road trip!
7. Western Skies
slappytheseal/Flickr
Tired of spending your time on I-80 when driving through the western portion of the state? Get off the beaten path and drive the Western Skies Scenic Byway. Make sure you stop and check out the First National Bank that was robbed by Bonnie and Clyde. Read more about this beautiful byway here.

These are just a few of the amazing byways that Iowa has to offer. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments – we love to hear from you!

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Best Scenic Drives In Iowa

Tori Jane | September 04, 2021

Where are some beautiful places to visit in Iowa?  

Iowa is a uniquely beautiful state that just doesn’t seem to get enough credit. There are plenty of beautiful places all over the state, be they natural wonders or adorable small towns. If mother nature is your thing, you can’t miss an opportunity to see the incredible and photogenic Loess Hills, in western Iowa. You’ll also probably love the mysterious and pristine Maquoketa Caves, within the Driftless area. If small towns with tons of beauty are more your style, you’ll never forget a visit to the beautiful little town of Osceola, where you’ll be enchanted by the small-town friendly vibe and the rolling green hills. For more of our favorite beautiful places in Iowa you should check out as soon as you can, take a look at this article.  

Where can I find amazing scenic overlooks in Iowa? 

Lots of people seem to think that Iowa is “boring” and “flat”, but they couldn’t be more mistaken. Sure, a decent portion of the state is prairies and plains, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few great places with awesome scenic overlooks like Pikes Peak State Park. There, you’ll find yourself atop a 500-foot-high bluff and able to see for miles. Near the Effigy Mounds, you’ll find splendid views of the Mississippi River that are simply to die for. Don’t forget to bring a good camera, too – Iowa's overlooks are just as photogenic as ones you’ll find in places like, say, Colorado. Also, the aforementioned Loess Hills are another excellent place for those looking for a great view of the surrounding landscape.  

Where can I go for short Iowa road trips?  

Iowa isn’t an enormous state, which means that most road trips here are going to be pretty short and sweet. For example, you can drive from wherever you are to destinations like the beautiful Iowa Great Lakes, where you can spend the entire day lounging by crisp, cool water. Alternatively, you could take a drive to towns like Dubuque (which is Iowa’s oldest city) or Pella, which is wildly unique and unlike any other small towns you’ll find in the entire Midwest. Oh, and you can’t miss the world’s largest truck stop, which is the Iowa 80 in Walcott. It’s even bigger than Texas’s legendary Buc-ees, and that’s saying a LOT.  

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