This loop tour of Iowa’s gorgeous bluffs, stone outcroppings, and winding roads is well worth doing this fall. See Iowa’s carefully manicured farmland, gently rolling hills, and river views that will make you glad you decided to drive this particular Iowa Scenic Byway.

The 109-mile River Bluffs Scenic Byway crosses three rivers, providing breathtaking views of river valleys, including a three-state view of the mighty Mississippi River at Pikes Peak State Park outside of McGregor.
Iowa.gov
Iowa.gov
You’ll see the Turkey, Volga, and Mississippi Rivers on this trip. There is more than enough to do along the road for people who love to be outdoors. Nature centers, campgrounds, walking trails, water access, caves, and fishing are all right here.
Be sure to stop by the Osborne Nature Center at 29862 Osborne Rd in Elkader.
Osborne Nature Center/Facebook
You’ll enjoy a wildlife exhibit, historic pioneer village, a pond, and many trails.
The Motor Mill Historic Site in the Turkey River Valley is a natural area with a six-story locally quarried limestone mill with four additional stone buildings from the late 1860s.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
You’ll find this beautiful site at 29862 Osborne Road, Elkader. This 155-acre park is also a great place to go fishing.
The Montauk Historic Site, located at 26223 Harding Rd. in Clermont, is the former home of Iowa’s 12th governor, William Larrabee.
IowaCulture.gov
The Larrabee family lived here from 1874 until 1965. The grounds overlook the beautiful Turkey River Valley.

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For a real treat, and an up-close view of the Mississippi river, take a trip on the Cassville Car Ferry. It operates until October 29th on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 10 am and 8 pm.
Cassville Car Ferry Website
To take the car ferry from Iowa across the river to Wisconsin, take highway 52 to Millville and turn onto C9Y. The gravel road takes you to the Turkey River Boat Landing and the ferry pickup.
The views from Guttenburg along U.S. 52 are jaw-dropping.
photolibrarian/Flickr
Kelan Rathbun/Flickr
This river town has a distinct personality. You’ll definitely want to stop and explore. The Picket Fence Café at 531 S River Park Dr. in Guttenberg has amazing pie.
The views from Pikes Peak State Park in Clayton County are amazing during every season. In the fall, when the leaves change colors, the scenery is simply beautiful.
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
Michael Paul Willis/Flickr
The walking trails here are well-kept and offer a great way to stretch your legs while enjoying even more fall beauty.

Have you driven this scenic byway in the fall? Where is your favorite place to stop along the way?

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