Take A Drive Down One Of Iowa's Oldest Roads For A Picture Perfect Day
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 27, 2018
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Iowa Highway 1 runs from Anamosa to Keosauqua, nearly 120 miles apart. Small towns and rolling farmland are the hallmarks of the highway scenery, and the highway connects the University of Iowa with other nearby communities. The highway dates back to the 1830s, making Iowa Highway 1 one of the oldest routes in the state. The current highway system wasn’t built until 80 years later! Check out this one day road trip that shows off some of the best of Iowa’s old-time highway.
As you might have guessed by now, Iowa's Highway 1 is one of the state's oldest routes, and it takes you through gorgeous rural Iowa land.
Grab a fresh brewed speciality coffee and one of their homemade muffins to charge up your morning. Take the time to browse the shop, too - it's also an antique store and art gallery.
After breakfast, head south on Highway 1 towards Solon. Here, you'll take a detour to Lake MacBride State Park.
Lake MacBride is one of Iowa's most scenic destinations. Walk off that giant breakfast by trekking to the waterfalls, which provide a beautiful destination for a quick morning hike.
Be sure to ask around and see what's going on when you visit - Iowa City almost always has a street fair, festival, or farmers market happening downtown.
After a day of exploring Iowa's oldest road, you'll want to treat yourself to an authentic, hearty, Midwestern dinner. First Street Grill may be your favorite part of the trip.
Iowa Highway 1 may not be the most famous road in the state (Thanks, Great River Road!), but it’s still a gorgeous journey from start to finish. What’s your favorite rural road in Iowa? Do you prefer speeding down Iowa 80, rather than taking the scenic route? Let’s talk road trips in the comments below!
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