Fall is a great time of year to explore Iowa's ghost towns. As the lush summer vegetation begins to die back, it's much easier to spot what's left of these long-abandoned places. And if for some reason you can't find the area you're searching for because it's become so well hidden in the trees, you've still enjoyed a beautiful drive in what is arguably Iowa's prettiest season!
One of the ghost towns you might consider adding to your list to track down this fall is the town of Donnan.
Donnan was a small farming town built along the railroad in Iowa's Fayette County in 1874. It was named "Donnan Junction" in 1878. It was incorporated in 1922 so that it could build its own school.
The main feature of Donnan was its railroad depot - Donnan Junction was built at the intersection of two major railroads, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific and Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroads. It also supported a school, a post office, a hardware store, a hotel, a livery and blacksmith shop, a restaurant, a grain elevator, and other industries for many years.
Interestingly, Donnan is a prominent family name in Iowa history; William Donnan, for example, was a pioneer lawyer, Civil War officer, and two-term Republican U.S. Representative. It is for him that the city of Donnan was named.
Eventually, though, that small population dwindled down to zero. Officially, Donnan ceased to exist in 1991. Now, just about the only thing left of the town of Donnan Junction is a sign, a plaque, and the stories.
You can find the remnants of Donnan just southwest of West Union, Iowa at the intersection of New Donnan Road and Woodard Street and Woodard Street and Maple Street.
Have you ever visited Donnan? If you love ghost towns, here are a bunch more scattered around the state!
The call of the mighty Mississippi is perhaps best expressed by Johnny Cash in his song "Big River" - "Then I heard my dream was back downstream cavortin' in Davenport, And I followed you, Big River, when you called." Most of us won’t follow the Father of Waters' call of freedom and danger as Huck Finn did, by floating down with only a few planks of wood between him and the watery brown muscle. But there is another option: grab your keys and follow the Mighty Mississippi along the Great River Road in Iowa, a drive that was named among the most scenic in America by Prevention, at your own carefree pace. It's easy to see why this is easily one of the best scenic drives in Iowa -- not to mention the country as a whole.
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From New Albin in the northeastern tip of Iowa down to Keokuk in the southeastern corner, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the Mississippi for 328 miles through Iowa - just a portion of the 3,000-mile network of roads along this river.
Some highlights may whet the appetite. On your way, take time to notice the locks and dams; it's worth a stop to watch the ships navigate the waters of the Mississippi loaded with cargo!
There is so much history, scenery, culture, and recreation found along this road, and you'll discover new ways to experience it with each changing season. History buffs and nature enthusiasts alike will have a blast.
When starting from the north, you'll encounter a truly captivating view in Lansing atop the 450-foot bluff in Mount Hosmer City Park. This must-see stop shows off approximately 50 miles of the Mississippi, which seems to extend endlessly, as far as the eye can see.
Effigy Mounds National Monument in Harpers Ferry has one of 18 visitor interpretive centers along the Great River Road and gives a description of the 200 American Indian mounds located on-site. In addition, travelers will find plenty of informative displays with details about the surrounding land and its storied past.
Another great view can be had at Pikes Peak State Park, situated near where the Wisconsin River joins the Mississippi. Be sure to bring along your camera as you travel along this spectacular route, as you'll want to remember every beautiful view.
Stop at Balltown for an absolutely lovely country panorama and some good eating at Breitbach’s Family Dining, Iowa's oldest bar and restaurant located just a stone's throw from this vista. After all, road trips can be exhausting and it's important to stay fueled up.
The middle stretch of our beloved Great River Road between Dubuque and Muscatine is absolutely loaded with stops, including the must-see National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. When you stop by, you'll encounter interactive displays, riverboats, and a great variety of marine creatures in the aquarium. There's a little something here for every member of the family to embrace and appreciate.
The charming Island town of Sabula is also included in this stretch, along with Clinton, which houses the Sawmill Museum and the River Arts Center. You could drive the route dozens of times and always find something new to love.
Muscatine itself has its fair share of interesting stops, including an 1840s working-condition grist mill and the Muscatine History and Industry Center. On the southern end of Iowa’s Great River Road lies the town of Keokuk, home to the George M. Verity River Boat Museum. Talk about a perfect way to round out your journey along this incredible Iowa scenic drive.
While we've highlighted plenty of worthwhile stops along the Great River Road in Iowa, there are endless treasures just waiting to be unearthed. If you've always wanted to check out this scenic drive in Iowa but haven't quite followed through yet, well, now is the time to start planning. After all, priceless memories and incredible scenery await around every bend. Grab your keys and start exploring this magnificent road and river! Or, to recommend another of Iowa's beautiful scenic drives you think we should check out, fill out our official nomination form.
When people think about scenic train rides in Iowa, their first thought probably goes to the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad. That Iowa mainstay may deliver brilliant views - but are you out of luck when colder weather rolls around? Not if you know where to look. Amtrak, the cross-country railroad, runs two long-distance routes through Iowa - the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief. Both originate in Chicago and terminate in California - and you can take year-round Iowa train rides on either. Whether you're looking for a short jaunt through the prairie or a long journey to the coast, these memorable train rides are an epic adventure - with a spot in the Hawkeye State,
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All aboard! The Southwest Chief train leaves from Chicago and makes six stops along the route in Iowa,
But that's not where the adventure ends. Sure, you can get off and stay in Iowa - or you can get settled for a multi-day trip across the American southwest.
The scenery is very different in the winter, but no less beautiful. Take in the snow-capped mountains as you ride the leisurely rails - and it all starts in Iowa.
Have you taken one of these Amtrak train rides in Iowa? Let us know what you think of these year-round scenic train rides in Iowa in the comments section. If you're planning a trip of your own soon, make sure to visit Amtrak's route page for more information about the routes and stations.
