Do you ever feel like the peace and quiet of the open road would set everything right? Iowa may not be widely known for its scenery, beyond cornfields, but there’s a surprising diversity in terrain here. These backroads in Iowa will take you on the scenic journey you long for.

1. Historic Hills Scenic Byway
Jimmy Emmerson DVM/Flickr
At 105 miles, this is a nice long drive. The southeast corner of Iowa is rich with history. Along this drive you'll be close to Iowa's oldest courthouse, the state's only Civil War battle site near Croton, and the beginning of the Mormon Pioneer Trail. Stop in historic Bentonsport, and enjoy the southern Iowa forests, renowned all over the world for excellent white-tailed deer hunting. It’s one of our favorite backroads in Iowa.
2. Grant Wood Scenic Byway
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
This eastern Iowa road offers a rolling landscape dotted with limestone structures. This area of Iowa inspired the famous artist Grant Wood's work. The drive begins south of Bellevue at the Mississippi River on Jackson County Road Z-15. If you’re in Bellevue and looking for back roads near me, you need to check out this gorgeous scenic byway.
3. Smokey Hollow Road, north of Marquette, Allamakee County
Google Street View
From Effigy Mounds National Monument on Highway 76, take Smokey Hollow Road north. You'll pass amazing scenery, including the famous Hanging Rock. Go right on Luster Heights Road and follow it as it curves left. At Great River Road, take a left to Highway 76. From there, go south back to Effigy Mounds. Easily one of the best drives in Iowa.
4. Tree in the Road, Brayton
Paul W. Konopacki/YouTube
The teeny tiny town of Brayton is located within Audubon County along the East Nishnabotna River. It’s accessible by means of Highway 71, 3 miles north of I-80. This stunning cottonwood tree stands at almost exactly 100 feet. What's perhaps most extraordinary is that the tree doesn't even interrupt traffic flow. Drivers simply yield to it in the same way as they would a roundabout. That tree is growing RIGHT through the center of the 350th and 710th street intersection.

5. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway near Tama
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
This road from the Mississippi River in Clinton to the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, is part of the first coast-to-coast "modern" highway, established in 1913. The main streets of 43 Iowa communities are connected by this route. Easily one of our favorite scenic drives in Iowa.

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6. U.S. Highway 52 south along Bellevue
Phil Roeder Follow/Flickr
photolibrarian/Flickr
The Iowa section of U.S. Highway 52 is 166 miles long. It starts in the small island town of Sabula and goes north to Dubuque. Just north of Dubuque, the route turns west. In Luxemburg, it goes north to Guttenberg. From Calmar to Decorah, and then into Minnesota - the scenery is truly special.
7. Eagle Point Park Dubuque
SD Kirk/Flickr
The landscape here is truly unique. It is located on the Paleozoic Plateau; an area of the state that wasn't laid flat by glacial activity. This is an incredible drive. It’s one of the most gorgeous backroads in Iowa.
8. Highway 92 between Winterset and Council Bluffs
Rich/Flickr
You'll see it all on this road trip. Farm country, amazing horizons, rolling hills, several quaint small towns, hills, creeks, and forests grace this long stretch of road through the heart of western Iowa.
9. Donnellson to Keosauqua
Christine Warner / Flickr
This is a shorter road trip, but it's not a busy route, so take it slow and soak up the scenery. The curvy road, lined with rolling hills and farms, goes through the stunning Shimek Forest, Indian Lake Park, and the White Timber Area, and it ends up close to the beautiful Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
10. Little Loess Hills Loop
amir85/Flickr
On this drive, you'll see the best view of the famous Iowa Loess Hills from Murray Hill Scenic Overlook. Start in the town of Missouri Valley, take Highway 30 east to Logan. Enter Highway 127 until you get to Loess Hills Trail. Turn right toward Highway 183. Another right on Highway 83 heading north leads to Pisgah. Go left on F20/Easton Trail to Murray Hill Lookout. From there, you'll continue to Vine Street in Little Sioux then on to River Sioux, K45/Austin Ave to Mondamin, and then left on Highway 127 going east takes you to Loess Hills Trail and back to Missouri Valley. This is one of the most scenic backroads near me.

Where is your favorite place in Iowa for a beautiful scenic drive? Have you tried these backroads in Iowa? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more great drives? We love this winding highway in Iowa. Don’t forget to pack plenty of road snacks for your trip – or trips!

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More to Explore

Backroads in Iowa

Megan McDonald | August 24, 2023

How many scenic byways are in Iowa?

Iowa boasts a rich tapestry of landscapes and historic locales beautifully showcased through its scenic byways. Iowa is home to 12 state-designated scenic byways and three nationally-designated byways. These routes traverse diverse terrains, from the rolling hills of the Driftless Area to the vast stretches alongside the Mississippi River. The byways, each with unique charm, provide residents and visitors with a picturesque journey through Iowa's cultural, natural, and historical wonders, making them a must-experience aspect of the state. 

What are the best scenic roads in Iowa?

Iowa may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of scenic drives, but it offers a variety of beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, and charming small towns. Here are some of the best scenic roads and routes in Iowa:

  • The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway drives winds through the unique Loess Hills, which are wind-deposited hills made of silty loess material. The byway provides picturesque views of these formations and the surrounding farmland.
  • The Great River Road: This multi-state route follows the Mississippi River. In Iowa, it hugs the state's eastern edge and provides breathtaking views of the mighty river, bluffs, and the small towns that dot its banks.
  • The Covered Bridges Scenic Byway: Located in Madison County, this route takes visitors past the famous covered bridges popularized by the novel and movie "The Bridges of Madison County."
  • The Driftless Area Scenic Byway: This route gives travelers a glimpse into the unique "Driftless Area" of Iowa, which was untouched by the glacial drifts that shaped much of the Midwest. Expect rolling hills, steep bluffs, and winding roads.
  • Glacial Trail Scenic Byway: Winding its way through northwest Iowa, this route showcases the state's glacial history with a mix of prairies, rolling hills, and serene waterways.
  • Heritage Trail: This route stretches from Dubuque to Dyersville and offers a combination of woodlands, river views, and limestone bluffs. Dyersville is also home to the "Field of Dreams" movie site.

 

When planning a scenic drive in Iowa, it's a good idea to check the seasons. For instance, fall can be a particularly beautiful time to explore these routes, thanks to the vibrant autumn foliage. Always check the local tourism websites or visitor centers for additional information, current conditions, and special events or attractions.

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