WORTH THE DRIVE: Iowa’s Great River Road

Wanna go for a drive this summer?

Take a trek on the Iowa portion of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, a 328-mile stretch of roadway along the Mississippi River.

Or, if you really want to put some miles on this summer – try the entire route through 10 states and 3,000 miles --- from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico --- that's around 36 hours of straight driving.

But we'll just focus on the Hawkeye State. Along Iowa's route you'll find 18 interpretive centers to learn more about the Mississippi River and the Great River Road. The list includes: Effigy Mounds in Harpers Ferry, the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque, the 513-acre urban wetland near Davenport, and many others.

The bluffs overlooking the Mississippi brings spectacular views. You can see miles upon miles from the 450-foot Mt. Hosmer in Lansing and at Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor --- and that's just in the Northeast corner of the state.

The Great River Road is marked with road signs featuring the green pilot’s wheel logo.

Travel Iowa has a great list of the many attractions you can visit on Iowa's Great River Road.

Map of the Iowa Portion of the Great River Road HERE.

Download the Experience Mississippi River app for more details!

Reminder: Plan ahead! Due to COVID-19 many restaurants and tourist attractions may not be open this summer.

Credit: FHWA DOT