One of Iowa’s Most Surprising Road Trip Stops Is Hiding in Plain Sight

I love exploring the Midwest from the driver's seat of my car. While many folks may see the stretch of Interstate 80 across the Hawkeye State as a stretch that you just need to slog through, I prefer to treat it like a scavenger hunt for hidden gems. If you're willing to slow down a bit as you approach the rolling hills near Iowa City, you'll find one of the best road trip stops in Iowa, and it's located right at the edge of the highway.

You may pull into one of the rest areas near Tiffin expecting nothing more than a quick restroom break and a chance to check your phones, but you may end up wandering the grounds for several extra minutes, like I did. This pair of stops, located on both the eastbound and westbound sides of the highway, is a stunning tribute to the written word and the deep intellectual heritage of the Hawkeye State—and it's totally worth pulling over for.

Why This Stop Is Worth the Detour

The reason you should definitely pull over here has everything to do with the fact that you're driving through the literal epicenter of the American literary world. Iowa City, one of the first designees as a UNESCO City of Literature, is just a few minutes away. It's the kind of place where books are not just read but are created and practically woven into the very fabric of the community.

This rest stop acts as a welcoming gateway to that culture, especially since it sits so close to the world-renowned Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa. For nearly a century, this program has shaped some of the most influential voices in modern prose and poetry, and the Tiffin rest area makes sure you know exactly whose footsteps you are following in.

What Makes It So Unexpected

What really catches you off guard is that it isn't your typical concrete-block rest stop. Eastbound travelers are greeted by a 15-foot-tall quill pen sculpture that looks like it was just set down by a literary giant. It's one of those unexpected places in Iowa that captures the whimsical side of public art while simultaneously honoring a Hawkeye State legacy.

If you're heading west toward Des Moines, your experience will be different (but equally whimsical). The westbound stop was designed to resemble a stylized 19th-century schoolhouse, but with a twist. The massive pillars out front are made to look like stacks of giant books, and the exterior is designed to mimic a library bookshelf. You'll see the names of classic literary works etched into the structure. It's a wonderfully tactile way to celebrate education and the art of storytelling.

What To See and Do Here

Inside, the theme continues with intricate mosaics depicting the iconic Old Capitol building in Iowa City, as well as rural landscapes. Take a slow lap around the interior to read the different literary quotes and informational panels referring to renowned authors and explaining the region's deep connection to education and the University of Iowa. Even the exterior planters and lighting fixtures lean into the theme. This is one of those rare spots where a quick pit stop can leave you feeling inspired for the next leg of your journey—or to get to work on that novel you've been thinking about.

Where To Eat and Stretch Your Legs in the Iowa City Area

If you have time for a longer break after exploring the literary memorials along the highway, head toward the Iowa City area for a real meal and a bit more cultural immersion. Grab a table at Bryant’s Off 6 in Tiffin for some great local flavor, or if you're looking for a spot where writers and locals have rubbed elbows over the decades, head to Donnelly’s Pub on Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall. This Irish bar is a popular watering hole where Kurt Vonnegut once hung out, and it's a perfect place to grab a pint and soak in the atmosphere.

Since you're in a UNESCO City of Literature, a visit to Prairie Lights Books is mandatory. This world-renowned independent bookstore is a cornerstone of the local writing scene and has hosted readings from some of the most famous authors in the world. If you'd rather stretch your legs in nature, head over to F.W. Kent Park for a few miles of quiet trails, or take a 15-minute detour to the Devonian Fossil Gorge. It offers a fascinating look at an ancient sea floor that was exposed by massive flooding in the mid-1990s, and it's unlike anything else you'll see in Iowa.

Whether you're a lifelong lover of literature or just someone who appreciates a unique roadside attraction, these literary rest areas belong on your Iowa bucket list.

If you're ready to keep exploring, you'll definitely appreciate our picks for some of the best road trips in Iowa. Before you head out, be sure to use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to help you string together all the best stops in the Hawkeye State.