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Iowa Road Trips

Try Out This Mini Iowa Road Trip Where You Can View Spring From Your Car

By Kim Magaraci | Published April 11, 2020

Hey there, Hawkeyes! Are you going a little crazy spending all this time inside right now? This lovely Iowa springtime road trip will help you beat that ‘cooped up’ feeling while still keeping you safe from harm.

Enjoy an Iowa springtime road trip that shows off some beautiful sections of the Hawkeye State while you stay safe in your car this year.

Start off in Des Moines, where you'll be able to hop on the road and head out on a scenic journey.

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The city is already coming alive with the colors of spring! Tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms brighten up our capital city after chilly and monochromatic winters.

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As you head out of the city, stick to the rural roads, rather than the busy highways. The scenery is better that way!

If you follow the map above, you'll find yourself crossing Lake Red Rock along the Mile Long Bridge. The view from this modern marvel seems endless.

The Mile Long Bridge is one of the longest spans in the state of Iowa, and you can see all of Lake Red Rock from above.

Keep heading southeast and you'll find yourself winding through rural back roads and country scenes that start to come to life in spring.

As you continue on our Iowa springtime road trip, you'll find yourself in the charming town of Ottumwa.

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It's time to stop for a bite to eat! Plenty of restaurants in Ottumwa are open for take-out or curbside service.

The most famous restaurant in Ottumwa, Canteen Lunch in the Alley, is offering takeout.

Place an order for their famous Canteen sandwiches with a bag of chips and you'll feel like you've transported ahead to a time where life is normal again.

Don't forget to order a slice of pie to-go! Their pies are delicious, and you'll want a road trip snack for later.

Wind through Henry County and you'll end up in Mt. Pleasant! This charming town is packed with history.

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Soon enough, you'll find yourself in the river town of Burlington on the eastern border of Iowa.

This charming and historic town showcases some of the finest scenery in Iowa! You'll want to check out Snake Alley for sure.

The "world's most crooked street" is this cobblestone alley, and the drive down is entertaining for everyone in the car.

If you're looking for one last view before you head home, cross the Mississippi River on the Great River Bridge. When you get to the other side, turn back and take in a beautiful view of the Hawkeye State.

Do your best to enjoy the season that’s working its way into the Hawkeye State, and we’ll be able to get through this crisis with a little bit of fresh air and positive thinking.

If you’re staying home for now, you can pass the time reading when you order a few new books from Prairie Lights, one of Iowa’s most beloved bookstores.

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Featured Addresses

Des Moines, IA, USA

Mile-long bridge, 670-698 IA-14, Otley, IA 50214, USA

Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA

Mount Pleasant, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641, USA

Burlington, IA, USA