Iowa’s backroads and scenic drives are among the best in the whole country, with the wide open byways providing so many incredible views. Some of them are also filled with an amazing amount of history, as this state used to be criss-crossed by some of the most important roads in the whole country. But as much as I learn about Iowa’s roads, I’m always amazed to discover there are scenic drives I haven’t discovered yet. A classic example of this is the Dragoon Trail in Iowa. This scenic drive travels along the Des Moines River, as well as the Boone and Raccoon Rivers, and it’s a close-to-200-mile jaunt that follows the path of the 1st US Dragoons – an 1835 group of U.S. soldiers who were among the first to scout Iowa after the state was acquired in the Black Hawk Purchase. Follow in their footsteps and discover some of Iowa’s most amazing small towns and beautiful sites!

The Dragoon Trail is one of Iowa's most unique scenic drives, full of beautiful riverfront views and historic sites.
Jonathunder/Wikipedia
Your first stop is Fort Dodge, where you'll be able to learn more about those first soldiers to map Iowa at The Fort Museum and Frontier Village.
The Fort Museum and Frontier Village, 1 Museum Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, USA
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Not far from that is Webster City, which is where you'll find the Boone River Water Trail - a great spot for kayaking.
Boone River Water Traill Access #22, 2483 Briggs Woods Rd, Webster City, IA 50595, USA
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Along the way, you'll pass through countless charming small towns and main streets, like this one in Stratford.
Stratford, IA 50249, USA
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The highlight of any drive on the Dragoon Trail is Boone, where you'll find Iowa's most famous recreational railroad.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum, 225 10th St, Boone, IA 50036, USA
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This also isn't far from the entry points of the famous High Trestle Trail, if you feel like going for a bike ride.
High Trestle Trail, Woodward, IA, USA
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But all roads lead to Knoxville, where your trip down the Dragoon Trail leads you to a very modern finale - the Knoxville Raceway, which is also home to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
Knoxville Raceway, 1000 N Lincoln St, Knoxville, IA 50138, USA
Heaven Fink/Google Local

Have you taken the Dragoon Trail in Iowa before? Let us know about your favorite spots on this unique scenic drive in the comments section. If you want to know more about some of the destinations along the way, check out our past coverage of the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay on a multi-day jaunt, consider the Cobblestone Inn & Suites in Boone – it’s great for families.

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Des Moines River, Iowa, USA