Iowa is a great place for a scenic drive, with opportunities to go from east to west or from north to south, and that’s not even talking about its fantastic backroads. But if you want to drive Iowa’s most historic road, why not take a long drive down Iowa’s section of the cross-country U.S. Route 20? Taking you from one end of the state to another, you’ll find beautiful sights and charming attractions as you see Iowa the way drivers have been seeing it for almost a hundred years. It’s one of our favorite scenic drives in Iowa.

Route 20 crosses northern in Iowa in a near straight line between Sioux City on the Missouri River and Dubuque on the Mississippi River.
A highway exit sign toward Fort Dodge, Iowa and US Highway 20 (Exit 142B) along I-35 northbound near Williams, Iowa.
Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons
You will also pass through the cities of Fort Dodge and Waterloo on this Iowa scenic drive.
But don't drive too fast - you'll miss amazing sights along Highway 20 in Iowa, like the Sergeant Floyd Monument standing tall in Sioux City.
Bkell/Wikipedia
When you stop in the small town of Holstein, you can see the patriotic display of the Avenue of Flags.
Historic US Route 20 Iowa/Facebook
Don't pass up on the charming town of Sac City with its quaint downtown.
Billwhittaker/Wikipedia

Related Stories

Take In The Beauty Of Iowa Year-Round With These 12 Scenic Drives

Take In The Beauty Of Iowa Year-Round With These 12 Scenic Drives

 Stock Up On Amish Goodies At Plainview Country Store, Then Enjoy The Iowa Countryside Along Amish Boulevard

Stock Up On Amish Goodies At Plainview Country Store, Then Enjoy The Iowa Countryside Along Amish Boulevard

 The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of Iowa All Over Again

The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of Iowa All Over Again
As well as its quirky collection of public art, like the world's largest popcorn ball!
Skvader/Wikipedia
Webster City is another charming location along this U.S. Route 20 road trip, featuring a rich selection of antique shops to explore.
TheCatalyst31/Wikipedia
Located on the banks of the Cedar River, Waterloo is another beautiful city you'll drive through on your journey.
David Wilson/Wikipedia
The road continues for a long, long time on Route 20, but the final stop in Iowa is the state treasure of Dubuque, overlooking the majestic Mississippi.
Dirk/Wikipedia

We think you’ll agree that this is one of the most scenic drives in Iowa. Have you taken the drive along U.S. Route 20 in Iowa? Let us know about your road trip through Iowa and all your favorite stops in the comments section. If you’re looking for a slightly more relaxing Iowa road trip, why not take a drive down Iowa’s quietest road?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles