What’s your favorite place to greet the sunrise at the start of a brand new Iowa day? What about the best place to reflect on the adventures of the day as the sun goes down? Iowa is full of fantastic views — and this full day trip in Iowa will take you to two of the best to start and end your day, amid a tour of the state’s best sights, eats, and experiences. So, pack up the car for an epic single-day adventure with this road trip itinerary that takes you from Council Bluffs to Dubuque — with some of the best places to see the scenic sunrises in Iowa

Iowa is a convenient one-day drive with some amazing sights along the way — and a stunning view awaiting you on each side of the trip.
Self-Generated/Google Maps
1. Lewis and Clark Monument (Council Bluffs)
Lewis and Clark Park, 19962 Monument Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USA
Stacie N/TripAdvisor
Start your journey at this historic park only a short distance from the Nebraska border. Here, you will find a stunning view of the Iowa sunrise.
2. Chuckwagon Restaurant (Adair)
Chuckwagon Restaurant, 113 5th St, Adair, IA 50002, USA
Chuckwagon Restaurant/Facebook
You've got a long ride ahead, so fill up at this country-style Adair staple. If you get here early, you can dig into a great spread at the breakfast buffet.
3. Covered Bridges (Winterset)
Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, South 9th Street, Winterset, IA, USA
TravelIowa
It wouldn't be a road trip through Iowa without a stop at the famous bridges of Madison County — the most beautiful drive in the state.

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4. Blank Park Zoo (Des Moines)
Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Blank Park Zoo/Facebook
This is the largest zoo in Iowa, and you'll want to take a break from the drive to pay a visit to the giraffes, red pandas, and all of the other friendly residents.
5. Pheasant Run Farm (Belle Plaine)
Pheasant Run Farm - Sunflower Experience, Co Trunk Hwy V40, Belle Plaine, IA 52208, USA
Pheasant Run Farm, Iowa/Facebook
This charming flower farm is always worth a stop but if you're here in August, you can witness the spectacular Sunflower Experience. (Editor's Note: The Sunflower Experience is open seasonally, so please check with Pheasant Run Farm to verify the dates it is open.)
6. Sykora Bakery (Cedar Rapids)
Sykora Bakery, 73 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
Skykora Bakery/Facebook
The last old-school Czech bakery left in Iowa, you'll want to drop in here to stock up on traditional rye bread, the meal of the day, and a whole lot of sweet kolaches.
7. The Palace Saloon Bar and Grill (Dyersville)
The Palace Saloon Bar & Grill, 149 1st Ave E, Dyersville, IA 52040, USA
The Palace Saloon Bar and Grill/Facebook
It's time for dinner at this western-style saloon. You can order from the menu or dig into the fan-favorite buffet with several types of meats each day.
8. Julian Dubuque Monument (Dubuque)
Julien Dubuque Monument, 1810 Monument Dr, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Jaime V/TripAdvisor
End your day at this memorial to the founder of Dubuque at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area — complete with Iowa's best sunset view.

Do you have other favorite spots to greet the Iowa sunrise or sunset? Let us know in the comments section. If you’re looking for more day trips in Iowa, consider this exploration of the state’s countryside hidden gems.

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More to Explore

Road Trip-Worthy Destinations in Iowa

William Suphan | February 07, 2023

What are the most unusual attractions in Iowa?

The most unusual attractions in Iowa include:

  • Future birthplace of Captain Kirk. Riverside, Iowa has a monument to this beloved fictional Star Trek character.
  • Ice Cave in Decorah. This cave stays frozen constantly due to an underground glacier and doesn’t even warm up in the summer.
  • The Volkswagen Spider. Located in Avoca, this roadside attraction is a huge metal spider whose body is made from a VW Beetle.
  • World’s Largest Truck Stop. This truck stop in Walcott has a dentist, movie theater, barber, laundromat, and much more.

Learn more about the most unusual attractions in Iowa. 

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Iowa?

The most beautiful natural wonders in Iowa include:

  • Maquoketa Caves. These limestone caves are the result of natural erosion over thousands of years and are quite a sight.
  • Ledges State Park. The sandstone cliffs here were formed by the ocean that covered this area 300 million years ago.
  • Pikes Peak State Park. This stunning park has gorgeous views overlooking the Mississippi River from 500 feet up.
  • Upper Iowa River. The bluffs alongside this river exist due to this area being avoided by glaciers in the last ice age.

Find out more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Iowa. 

What are the most underrated attractions in Iowa?

The most underrated attractions in Iowa include:

  • Waubonsie State Park. This is a place out of a Thomas Kinkaid painting when you stop here to view the gorgeous sunsets.
  • Pappajohn Scuplture Park. The various whimsical and creative art installations here are a joy to behold and photograph.
  • Fenelon Place Elevator. This funicular ride is the steepest and shortest scenic railway on the planet and has amazing views.
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument. There are over 200 Native American burial mounds here with trails that allow you views from all angles.

Discover more about the most underrated attractions in Iowa. 

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