10 Spots Along The Lincoln Highway In Iowa That Everyone Should Stop And Visit
By Raymond Goldfield|Published June 14, 2023
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
The Lincoln Highway is one of the most storied drives anywhere in the United States, but traveling it is a massive undertaking – it crosses the entire United States! As the first transcontinental highway in the country, dedicated in 1913, every inch of it is packed with history – and that includes the area crossing the Hawkeye State. Iowa’s Lincoln Highway goes across the center of the state, hitting most major cities. Even exploring this length is a major time commitment, so here at Only In Your State we’ve come up with a road trip itinerary that’s more manageable for those who want to see some of the Lincoln Highway’s most historic spots. Spanning from the route’s beginning at the Iowa/Illinois border to a notable spot in Ames midway through the state, it contains about 200 miles of driving and is ideal for those who want to explore Iowa’s roots.
This road trip through eastern Iowa along the Lincoln Highway covers just over two hundred miles and a little under four hours of driving time.
Your first stop is this charming country park in Dewitt, which used to be the point where the Lincoln Highway met the historic Blues Highway. The park is dotted with historic markers and buildings to commemorate this.
If you're getting a late start and want to include a sleepover on your road trip, you won't do better than this old-school B&B, which has been serving long-haul travelers since 1915 (it was completely renovated in 1996).
4. American Gothic Barn - Mt. Vernon
American Gothic Barn, 1278 US-30, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA
A slight detour off the Lincoln Highway, this famous bakery is less than ten minutes away by car and features amazing Czech pastries and fresh-baked rye bread.
6. Youngville Cafe - Watkins
The Youngville Cafe, 2409 73rd St, Watkins, IA 52354, USA
A historic building that used to be a one-stop gas station and cafe for travelers, it operated until 1967 and is now a historic landmark. However, it now holds special lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer!
7. Lincoln Cafe - Belle Plaine
Lincoln Cafe, 1214 8th Ave, Belle Plaine, IA 52208, USA
But if you're not in town when Youngville Cafe is open, Lincoln Cafe has you covered! This 1928 restaurant has kept its original purpose through several owners, and it’s known for hearty portions of country-style cooking and delicious desserts.
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8. Watson's Grocery Store Museum - State Center
Watson's Grocery Store Museum, 106 W Main St, State Center, IA 50247, USA
Operating for almost a hundred years as a general store, this small-town museum is open during the summer so guests can see exactly how an old-time grocery store operated.
9. Reed/Niland Corner - Colo
Niland's Cafe, 24 Lincoln Hwy, Colo, IA 50056, USA
Another historic junction along the way, this was where the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways intersected. There’s still an old-school diner, as well as a small hotel at the crossroads. Both historic buildings are open for business!
10. Reiman Gardens - Ames
Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011, USA
The final stop on this part of the Lincoln Highway is Iowa's most famous botanical garden, featuring stunning plant displays and the state's largest butterfly house.
Have you taken this famous road through Iowa before? Tell us your favorite spots along Iowa’s Lincoln Highway in the comments section! You can learn more about this historic route on the Lincoln Highway Association website – it might just lead you to your next destination! Make sure to check out our past coverage of Reiman Gardens to learn about all this unique Ames institution offers.
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