The Hawkeye State is typically known as “flyover nation,” the center a part of the US
vacationers go over on their option to and from the coasts. Others velocity throughout on freeways. However Iowa
is nicely value driving the backroads, notably in summer season when vibrant inexperienced, completely manicured
fields of corn and soybeans blanket hills throughout the state. Add lined bridges, historic most important streets
and majestic views of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and also you’ve received a number of quintessential All-
American street journeys. One route we received’t cowl on this article is the Lincoln Freeway, the nation’s first
cross nation street for cars. Established in 1913, it ran from New York to San Francisco. We’ll
embody Iowa’s section in a future article profiling your complete Lincoln Freeway.
- Nice River Street – All-American Street
- Loess Hills – Nationwide Scenic Byway
- Western Skies
- White Pole Street
- Coated Bridges
Nice River Street – All-American Street – 330 miles (+ 52-mile facet journey to Subject of Desires Film Web site)
There are various superlatives to explain the Mississippi River. It’s one in every of Earth’s largest river techniques
in measurement and habitat variety. In North America, it’s a serious migration route for birds and fish. And it’s
one of many world’s most necessary business waterways. Not like extra remoted, much less developed main
rivers across the globe, roads typically parallel your complete 2,552 miles of the Mississippi. Known as the
Nice River Street, you may observe the river’s size from its Minnesota headwaters to the Louisiana
delta.
Iowa’s part of the Nice River Street is among the finest, mixing Native American historical past and excessive
bluff overlooks with aquariums, a cave tour, nature preserves and a beloved baseball area.
By the point the Mississippi River reaches the Hawkeye State, it’s already meandered a number of
hundred miles by means of Minnesota. Beginning within the far northeast nook of Iowa, State Freeway 26
enters New Albin. Minneapolis, the closest main metropolis, is 180 miles northwest. Des Moines lies 240
miles southwest. A mixture of county, state and US highways make up the route. Street numbers change
as you drive south alongside the river so at all times preserve look ahead to the acquainted Nice River Street signal.
From New Albin, it’s 11 miles to the subsequent small city, Lansing, which has a bridge crossing to
Wisconsin. This a part of Iowa is particularly picturesque with hills, river valleys and limestone bluffs
lined in hardwood forest, that means summer season shades of inexperienced and sumptuous fall colours. You’re
additionally now driving by means of the Higher Mississippi River Nationwide Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The Driftless
Space Training and Customer Heart has interpretive displays and data on leisure
actions reminiscent of mountain climbing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and searching.
From Lansing, it’s 24 miles south to Effigy Mounds Nationwide Monument. People have lived within the
area for greater than 10,000 years and the monument has 206 prehistoric mounds, from 850 to 2,500
years previous. Their origin and objective are unknown though the oldest, conical-shaped mounds have been
used for burials. Some 1,400 years in the past, mounds within the type of bears and birds have been created. The
monument is a crucial Native American web site with forest mountain climbing trails and excessive bluffs overlooking the
Mississippi River. Nonetheless, the animal shapes might be exhausting to make out when standing so shut.
They have been possible seen from far-off, notably when bushes have been eliminated. Remember to cease on the
customer middle for displays and data.
A couple of minutes south lies one of many many enticing cities alongside the river. Based within the mid-1800s,
McGregor’s brick buildings home eating places and outlets promoting presents, antiques, books, garments and
ice cream. Throughout the river is the a lot bigger Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin with quick meals, massive field
shops and several other campgrounds.
The tenting spot with one of the best views is Pikes Peak State Park, simply south of McGregor. With 11
miles of trails, the park affords a wide range of mountain climbing terrain. Straightforward walks result in Bridal Veil Falls and bluff
overlooks with sweeping views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. At 1,130
ft, the park has the best bluff alongside the Mississippi and like Colorado’s Pikes Peak, can also be
named after Zebulon Pike, the explorer and U.S. brigadier basic.
From Pikes Peak State Park, it’s 18 miles to Guttenberg, one other attention-grabbing riverside city and a
good place to see the interior workings of the Mississippi. There are 29 dams on the Higher Mississippi
River that create swimming pools deep sufficient for giant towboats to navigate. The dams have locks which increase
and decrease vessels between ranges. In operation since 1937, Lock & Dam Quantity 10 is in
Guttenberg, with a viewing platform the place you may watch ships and boats transfer by means of the locks.
The close by Lockmaster Home Heritage Museum is the final remaining lockmaster home on the
Higher Mississippi River that includes artifacts, antiques, images and different memorabilia. The Guttenberg
Fish Hatchery additionally deserves a fast go to. Situated downtown, it raises northern pike fry for the Iowa
Division of Pure Sources and has an aquarium with native fish species and displays.
The granddaddy of Mississippi aquariums is farther down the river some 40 miles. Chartered in 1837,
Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest metropolis and one of many first European settlements west of the Mississippi River.
As we speak, this comfy, engaging midsize metropolis options restored brick buildings, colourful murals,
breweries, artwork galleries and a robust theater and music scene. The primary-rate Nationwide Mississippi
River Museum & Aquarium has quite a few indoor and out of doors shows on a big campus. Native
American historical past, river heritage, the Nationwide Rivers Corridor of Fame, dugout canoes, river otters and a
slew of wildlife and nature displays make it a prime draw.
One other main attraction within the space is a 52-mile roundtrip detour west of Dubuque. The Subject of
Desires Film Web site in Dyersville is the place many scenes from the beloved 1989 baseball basic have been
filmed. You’ll be able to run the bases, play a pickup recreation, tour the Kinsella farmhouse and stroll out of rows
of corn, similar to the ghosts of baseball legends. And in case you’re uninterested in tenting, contemplate the “Kinsella
Expertise” the place you spend the night time within the three-bedroom residence.
Again in Dubuque, the Nice River Street continues south 4 miles to Mines of Spain, a big
recreation space of woods and prairies that additionally homes the E.B. Lyons Interpretive and Nature
Heart. Though there’s no tenting, different actions embody canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, searching,
mountain climbing and spectacular images of the Mississippi River, downtown Dubuque and Illinois from
bluff overlooks.
From excessive above, it’s a few miles to an underground journey, Crystal Lake Cave. Found
in 1868, the cavern opened to the general public in 1932. As we speak, guides lead small teams by means of the cave’s
well-lit passages on a ¾-mile lengthy tour.
From Crystal Lake Cave, the Nice River Street follows US 52 south. In eight miles, search for the
photogenic Saint Donatus Church on the left as you go by means of the city of the identical identify. The
church seems to be much more spectacular from a distance, framed by farmland and forest as you climb the
hills to the south. From Saint Donatus, it’s 10 miles to Bellevue, one other enticing, historic riverside
city. Simply south is Bellevue State Park with extra spectacular river views, mountain climbing trails, tenting and
a nature middle and butterfly sanctuary.
From Bellevue, keep on US 52 till it reaches US 67 and proceed south to Clinton, a big city with
all of the requirements. Bellevue to Clinton is 37 miles after which drive one other 23 miles to LeClaire the place
the Buffalo Invoice Museum is value a peek. The long-lasting frontiersman, US Military scout and showman
was born in LeClaire in 1846. William F. Cody was an skilled marksman, incomes his nickname whereas searching buffalo, aka American bison. Within the late 1800s, Buffalo Invoice’s Wild West present started touring
the US and Europe and is essentially credited with creating most of the early stereotypes of
the American West.
Leaving LeClaire, the Nice River Street intersects busy I-80 earlier than persevering with south into Bettendorf
after which Davenport, two of the 4 Quad Cities. The others, Moline and Rockford, are positioned throughout
the river in Illinois. After passing by means of downtown Davenport, the Nice River Street follows IA 22
south to the subsequent spotlight. The Nahant Marsh is a 382-acre protect subsequent to the Mississippi River.
There’s an training middle and trails by means of the wetlands. Birding is common in addition to
photographing the tons of of blooming summertime water lilies.
From Nahant Marsh, it’s 15 miles to Wildcat Den State Park, one other stunning place to hike and
camp. Many guests come to see the Pine Creek Grist Mill, the oldest working grist mill between the
Mississippi River and Rocky Mountains. Whereas Wildcat Den showcases forest and sandstone bluffs,
drive 5 miles farther to Fairport State Recreation Space which affords tenting and leisure
actions subsequent to the Mississippi River.
From Fairport, observe the river seven extra miles to Muscatine. Within the late 1800s, the Mississippi was
the best habitat for big clam beds, creating the world’s largest pearl button business. Overfishing
and the event of plastic buttons finally ended Iowa’s pearl button enterprise. As we speak,
Muscatine is a reasonably riverside city with eating places and outlets. To study extra in regards to the clams and
button business, go to the informative, elegant Nationwide Pearl Button Museum.
Subsequent, the Nice River Street travels 24 miles to the Toolesboro Indian Mounds Nationwide Historic
Landmark. Iowa’s Hopewell tradition flourished for 5 hundred years, from about 200 BCE to 300
CE. This web site preserves a number of giant burial mounds and features a small museum and prairie
demonstration plot.
From the mounds, it’s 27 miles to Burlington, a big city with a peculiar attraction. Whereas San
Francisco has Lombard Avenue, many in Burlington contemplate Snake Alley to be the world’s crookedest
road. Guinness World Data provides Lombard Avenue the nod however you need to nonetheless take a look at Snake
Alley. In-built 1894, it’s in all probability safer to stroll up and down than drive an RV! Close by, the Heritage
Heart Museum is housed in a restored library in-built 1898. Highlights embody Native American
relics, immigrant tales and artifacts plus a first-rate fossil assortment of historical marine animals known as
crinoids.
From Burlington, historic interpretation continues 19 miles down the Nice River Street at Previous Fort
Madison. This residing historical past museum is a charming reproduction of the unique, erected in 1808 because the
first American army fort within the higher Mississippi area. Previous Fort Madison was a serious buying and selling submit.
Guides in interval uniform and costume reveal commerce, clothes, tools and weaponry.
The city of Fort Madison has well-preserved historic storefronts from the late 1800s. It additionally lays
declare to the world’s largest and Mississippi River’s solely remaining double swing-span bridge with
an higher degree for vehicles and a decrease half for trains.
One other 25 miles and the Nice River Street reaches its closing Iowa city, Keokuk. Search for the George
M. Verity Riverboat Museum on the riverfront. In 1927, the US authorities constructed the paddle boat
upstream in Dubuque to revive river transportation and transfer barges from St. Louis, Missouri to St.
Paul, Minnesota. In 1961, the George M. Verity was retired from service and donated to Keokuk.
From right here, the Nice River Street crosses into Missouri, the place we’ll proceed the journey quickly.
Loess Hills – Nationwide Scenic Byway – 220 miles (+ 70 miles for facet journeys)
This far-west Iowa street journey parallels the Missouri River from the Missouri state line to Akron, simply
throughout the river from South Dakota. The Loess Hills are the opposite vital geographical characteristic
right here. 12,000 to fifteen,000 years in the past, winds deposited tiny soil particles. Known as loess, the windblown
sediment covers a lot of the Midwest, making a number of the world’s richest farmland. In Iowa, the
particles additionally fashioned 200-foot-high bluffs that observe the Missouri River for about 200 miles, reaching
as much as 15 miles broad. Solely China has comparable loess deposits.
The byway begins in Hamburg within the southwest nook of Iowa, 55 miles southeast of Omaha,
Nebraska. Observe Bluff Street six miles north to the two,000-acre Waubonsie State Park. With its
expansive views, the park provides a fantastic overview of the Loess Hills and the plains of Nebraska and
Missouri River within the distance. The Sundown Ridge Nature Path runs by means of the guts of the park and
is a part of an intensive path system for mountain climbing, mountain biking and horseback driving. Tenting, fishing,
searching and snowmobiling are additionally common.
Street numbers change usually alongside this route, so observe the Loess Hills Scenic Byway indicators and your
GPS. From Waubonsie State Park the byway passes close to Sidney, residence to the 100-year-old Sidney
Iowa Championship Rodeo. Bull and bronc driving, steer wrestling, workforce roping, barrel racing and
mutton busting are a number of the occasions held yearly in late July or early August.
Again on the byway, proceed half-hour north to Mile Hill Lake, west of Glenwood. One other scenic
overlook has views of the Loess Hills. The park’s lake has fishing plus there’s mountain climbing and searching.
From Mile Hill Lake, it’s 20 miles to Council Bluffs, a medium-sized metropolis which sits immediately throughout the
river from Omaha, Nebraska’s largest metropolis. Council Bluffs is a crossroads. Busy I-80 passes
east and west whereas I-29 goes north and south. Railroads made town one in every of America’s largest rail
facilities, which you’ll study on the Union Pacific Railroad Museum downtown. From the
museum, it’s a ten-minute stroll to the Historic Normal Dodge Home, the 1869 Victorian mansion of
Grenville Dodge, a Civil Struggle main basic who additionally achieved fame and fortune as “the best
railroad builder of all time.” And earlier than that, in 1804 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led their
well-known expedition exploring the American West. In July of that yr, Lewis and Clark arrived in
Council Bluffs. Southwest of downtown, the Western Historic Trails Heart has displays on the duo
in addition to the Oregon, California and Mormon trails. Run by the Nationwide Park Service, there are additionally
strolling and biking paths alongside the Missouri River. North of town, the Lewis and Clark Monument
has scenic river views and commemorates the lads’s historic assembly with the Otoe and Missouri
tribes.
North of Council Bluffs, there are a number of out of doors recreation areas alongside the byway. Hitchcock
Nature Heart affords tenting, mountain climbing, searching and a 45-foot-high birds of prey remark tower on
1,500 acres of prairie, savanna and woodlands. That is additionally close to the beginning of the Western Skies
Scenic Byway the place you’ll discover:
- DeSoto Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
- Wilson Island State Recreation Space
- Watson Steam Practice & Depot
- Harrison County Historic Village & Iowa Welcome Heart
From the Harrison County Historic Village in Missouri Valley, observe the Loess Hills Scenic Byway
north to the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook with extra panoramic views that’s common with birders and
budding botanists who come to watch the wildflowers and yucca, a plant considerably oddly out-of-
place as its extra usually related to the western U.S.
From Murray Hill, proceed 9 miles to Preparation Canyon State Park, one of many extra rugged
parks within the coronary heart of the Loess Hills with picnicking, backcountry mountain climbing and ten hike-in tenting websites.
From Preparation Canyon, it’s 22 miles to Lewis and Clark State Park, one other historic spot from the
1804 expedition. There’s a customer middle with displays and a full-sized copy of Lewis and
Clark’s keelboat. The lakefront park has boating and fishing with a contemporary campground, playground
and seaside.
Lewis and Clark State Park is a little bit of a detour west of the byway so head east 11 miles by means of
Onawa and Turin to get again within the Loess Hills. From Turin, it’s 50 miles north to Sioux Metropolis with
grocery shops, quick meals, RV provides and extra. By now, it’s clear this street journey has a variety of
excellent pure areas and Stone State Park isn’t any exception. Situated six miles northwest of
Sioux Metropolis, this “city wildlife sanctuary” options mountain climbing, biking and tenting. The park’s prime
attraction can also be top-of-the-line locations in Iowa to study in regards to the Loess Hills. Contained in the Dorothy
Pecaut Nature Heart are prairie, wetland and woodland displays with native reptile and fish
shows, a hen viewing space and butterfly and wildflower gardens.
One other excellent nature protect is 12 miles north of Stone State Park. Damaged Kettle
Grasslands is Iowa’s largest remaining prairie the place greater than 200 bison roam, many descending
from a small herd reintroduced to the world in 2008. Together with the close by 5 Ridge Prairie, there
are quite a few mountain climbing trails with nice views.
From right here, the byway leaves the Loess Hills, ending ten miles north in Akron. After all of the driving,
mountain climbing and tenting, contemplate going one other 22 miles east to Le Mars, the place the Blue Bunny manufacturing facility
makes “extra ice cream than some other location on earth!” The corporate operates the Wells Customer
Heart & Ice Cream Parlor in downtown with interactive shows and dozens of flavors of ice cream,
sherbet and sorbet.
Western Skies – 145 miles
This street journey combines two state scenic byways, Western Skies and White Pole Street, because it explores
west-central Iowa. Working north of and parallel to I-80, the route is a soothing different to the hectic
freeway, usually crowded with semitrucks. The true pleasure of this itinerary is the sum of its elements. Nobody
cease actually stands out however collectively, the assorted roadside sights, nature preserves and historic
websites create a heat and fuzzy, small city Americana expertise.
Situated half-hour north of Omaha, the Western Skies Scenic Byway begins close to the Nebraska/Iowa
border in Missouri Valley. That is additionally the place Western Skies intersects the Loess Hills Scenic Byway
(article above). Simply west of city is the DeSoto Nationwide Wildlife Refuge that includes bottomland
forests, tall grass prairie and wetland habitats. The Missouri River separates Iowa from Nebraska and
the refuge is centered round DeSoto Lake, an oxbow lake that was as soon as a bend within the river.
Migrating waterfowl and bald eagles make birding a prime draw together with fishing and searching. On the
customer middle, you may see a group of 250,000 artifacts excavated from the buried wreck of the
Steamboat Bertrand which sank in 1865.
DeSoto is a day-use solely space however if you wish to say you’ve roughed it the place the explorers Lewis and
Clark camped in 1804, drive instantly south of the refuge to Wilson Island. The state recreation
space affords campsites, mountain climbing trails and picnicking set amongst cottonwood bushes.
From right here, Missouri Valley is 10 miles northeast. Close to downtown, Watson Steam Practice & Depot is a
enjoyable place to take youngsters. It’s a duplicate of a small-town depot and contains artifacts, shows and a serious
assortment of miniature brass locomotives. A restored steam practice and 2013 Union Pacific diesel
reproduction supply rides from Might by means of October.
Heading northeast on US 30, it’s 4 miles to the Harrison County Historic Village & Iowa
Welcome Heart the place quilts, carriages, barbed wire and several other restored buildings are on exhibit.
It is a excellent spot to ask questions and choose up brochures for scenic byways in addition to the Lewis
and Clark Nationwide Historic Path. Exterior is Harrison County’s Freedom Rock, a colorfully painted
tribute to army veterans. All of Iowa’s 99 counties have one and the rock that began all of it will likely be
visited afterward this street journey after we drive White Pole Street.
From the Welcome Heart, proceed northeast on US 30 for 14 miles to Woodbine after which drive 15
miles east to Panama. Indicators and GPS will provide help to navigate as street numbers change whereas this
byway passes by means of rolling hills of symmetrical corn rows, punctuated by silos and barns. Search for
large quilts, too. Although the development began in Ohio, at the moment many Iowa barns and different buildings sport 8-
foot picket quilts in cheerful patterns and colours.
Panama after which Westphalia, one other 4 miles east, have been based by German immigrants and
characteristic architecturally spectacular church buildings. Behind St. Boniface in Westphalia there’s a German
Heritage Park with a couple of historic buildings and statues. Round city, many indicators are labeled
“Strasse,” German for road.
From Westphalia, there are a number of close by leisure alternatives. Rosman Glendale Golf
Course is a 9-hole public golf course that’s 4.5 miles east of city. Proceed one other 5 miles to
Dinesen Prairie State Protect, a 20-acre remnant of native tallgrass prairie that’s “by no means been
turned by a plow.” It options 114 sorts of vegetation and a wide range of birds and animals. One other 13 miles
is Prairie Rose State Park. Surrounded by hills with a big lake, it’s common for boating, mountain climbing and
fishing. You’ll be able to camp right here, too. Harlan isn’t too far-off, both. It’s the biggest city within the space with
gasoline, pharmacies, eating places and such. It’s value repeating that you simply’ll want GPS as a result of there’s no
direct path to any of those locations. Put together to zigzag!
Whereas German affect is obvious round right here, Danish can also be prevalent. From Harlan, drive east to
Kimballton the place you’ll be greeted by Danish flags, velkommen (welcome) and posthuset (submit
workplace). Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid & Statue Backyard encompasses a reproduction of the
well-known sculpture in Copenhagen plus eight extra statues depicting his best-loved fairy tales.
Kimballton can also be residence to Audubon County’s Freedom Rock, the place you’ll see The Little Mermaid
holding Danish and American flags.
From Kimballton it’s three miles south to Elk Horn the place Kringleman Pastries sells Danish treats.
The city has two main sights. In-built Denmark in 1848, America’s solely genuine working
Danish Windmill sits prominently on Primary Avenue and is open for excursions. And shut by the Museum of
Danish America has historic displays, a family tree and training middle and hip design retailer in an
spectacular Danish-style construction.
From Elk Horn, it’s 12 miles east to Hamlin and Darrell’s Place, a nondescript constructing with a
crowded parking zone. For 4 many years, the family-owned restaurant has been serving homecooked
meals, together with “Iowa’s #1 Breaded Pork Tenderloin.” Consider me, it’s scrumptious and reasonably priced.
From Darrell’s Place, make sure you drive 5 minutes north to see Albert, the “World’s Largest Bull” in
the city of Audubon. Made from metal and concrete, proper right down to his gonads, Albert stands 30 ft tall
and lives in a park with a contemporary campground. That is additionally the beginning of the T-Bone Path which runs
21 miles south and is common with bikers, walkers and runners.
From Audubon, it’s 32 miles south after which east to Panora and the Guthrie County Historic
Village and Museum with a number of restored historic buildings together with a practice depot, basic retailer,
legislation workplace and log cabin.
From Panora, the byway continues south. In 10 miles, search for the 81-acre Nations Bridge Park
the place you’ll discover tenting, picnicking, kayaking, fishing, disc golf and horseshoes. The park has
a number of nature trails for hen and wildlife watching. It’s one other 5 miles south to Stuart the place
Western Skies meets White Pole Street and this street journey continues within the article beneath.
White Pole Street – 26 miles
This byway makes a fantastic extension to the Western Skies Scenic Byway (see above). And since
White Pole Street parallels I-80, it’s a calmer, way more attention-grabbing different to the freeway in your
option to and from bustling Des Moines, the state’s capital and largest metropolis.
From downtown Des Moines, it’s 30 miles on I-80 west to Dexter and the beginning of White Pole Street.
It’s named after an early 1900s grime street that adopted the practice tracks west. As we speak the byway runs
close to I-80 for some 26 miles. White Pole Street was Iowa’s first licensed auto route. Cities have been
positioned each few miles with white poles marking the best way, encouraging motorists to journey the “Nice
White Method.” White Pole Street is a superb journey for youths as a result of it’s a brief and candy treasure hunt that
features a chocolate store.
The primary gem to seek out is Dexter’s Roundhouse. In-built 1916 and listed on the Nationwide Register of
Historic Locations, the Roundhouse is fabricated from hole blocks and has a 30-foot-high dome that’s solely
supported by the round wall. This distinctive construction is believed to be the one constructing of its sort in
Iowa and probably the nation, and it nonetheless features as a group middle internet hosting every kind of occasions.
5 minutes north of Dexter are two different intriguing websites. As you drive Dexfield Street, search for a
roadside marker and plow on the best. President Harry Truman, his spouse Bess, daughter Margaret
and 100,000 different followers got here to Dexter for the 1948 Nationwide Plowing Match. A bit farther north
and also you’re at Racoon River close to what was Dexfield Park, web site of a 1933 shootout between legislation
enforcement and the five-member Barrow Gang. Clyde Barrow and his girlfriend Bonnie Parker have been
its two most notorious members, committing at the very least a dozen murders and a bunch of robberies. Together with W. D. Jones, Bonnie and Clyde escaped this shootout however Clyde’s brother, Buck died from his wounds and his spouse, Blanche was blinded in a single eye and went to jail. The FBI calls Bonnie and Clyde the “most infamous crime couple in American historical past” and the 1967 movie basic starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway is a must-watch, though it may be too intense for the youngsters! The Dexter Museum has displays on each the shootout and plowing match. Drew’s High quality Goodies predates each occasions. The shop has been handmaking sweets in the identical Dexter location by the identical household since 1927.
From Dexter, proceed west 5 miles to Stuart, the place White Pole Street intersects the Western Skies
Scenic Byway (see article above). Search for the previous First Nationwide Financial institution that Bonnie and Clyde
robbed in 1934. Stuart has a quaint downtown with outlets and the enticing Historic Clocktower
Constructing. A few blocks away is Saints Heart, as soon as voted the “Most Stunning Church in Iowa”
by Des Moines Register readers. After an arsonist set fireplace in 1995, it was restored and is now a group cultural facility and occasion venue. One other renovation value a photograph is Stuart Depot, a refurbished 1879 railroad depot.
From Stuart, White Pole Street continues west 5 miles to Menlo. Search for the Pleasant Fuel Station
Man on the best. The neon signal has been welcoming motorists since 1934. Then, previous city take a
left onto State Freeway 25 the place you’ll cross I-80 earlier than arriving at Freedom Rock, about 5.5 miles
from Menlo. Following the Western Skies Scenic Byway, we handed a number of of those boulders, as
detailed within the earlier article. That is the unique Freedom Rock, lined with patriotic scenes
honoring army servicemembers. It will get repainted yearly with a unique thanks to veterans.
Artist, Iowa native and State Consultant Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II was impressed by the film
Saving Non-public Ryan to color this primary large stone in 1999. He’s now created a Freedom Rock in all of
Iowa’s 99 counties.
From Freedom Rock, zigzag 5.5 miles west the place White Pole Street enters Casey. The customer middle
and museum are positioned contained in the renovated St. Joseph’s Catholic Church which has stunning
stained glass home windows. The massive mural at Veterans Memorial Wall & Park Gallery can also be value a
look.
From Casey, it’s eight miles to the byway’s finish in Adair, identified for its brick streets and buildings.
Opened in 1924, the Adair Viaduct is a three-span arch bridge listed on the Nationwide Register of
Historic Locations. And simply to the southeast of the small downtown is the Smiley Face Water Tower.
One other 5 minutes west of Adair marks the spot the place Jesse James and his gang carried out the
world’s first shifting practice theft in 1873. The outlaws thought $75,000 of gold was aboard however
solely discovered $2,000 within the practice’s secure. So, they robbed the passengers and made off with one other
$1,000.
Coated Bridges – 85 miles
Southwest of Des Moines is a day journey that travels from Iowa’s capital and largest metropolis to a picturesque
small city well-known for its lined bridges and Hollywood connections. Winterset is the birthplace of
John Wayne. It’s additionally the setting for The Bridges of Madison County, a 1995 movie primarily based on Robert
James Waller’s bestselling novel. The film was directed by Clint Eastwood who costarred with
Meryl Streep. Each the bridges and John Wayne play a big position on this scenic route.
From downtown Des Moines, it’s a straightforward 40-minute drive to Winterset. Erected between 1870 and
1884, there are six bridges to see in and round city. The covers have been constructed to guard the picket
decks and trusses from rain and snow, stopping decay and decay. And whereas every bridge is superb, all of them kinda look the identical. One thing to bear in mind as you’re planning the day. You’ll be able to stroll
throughout every bridge; Cedar Bridge is the one one which’s drivable.
- Hogback Bridge (1884): Situated on a well-maintained gravel street six miles northwest of Winterset, this bridge is 97 ft lengthy and lies in its unique location.
- Cedar Bridge (1883): At 76 ft lengthy, that is the one bridge you may drive throughout. It’s on a paved street that adjustments to gravel not removed from the bridge. Situated 3.5 miles northeast of Winterset, Cedar Bridge was moved to this spot in 1921. That is essentially the most well-known bridge because it’s pictured on The Bridges of Madison County e book cowl and was featured within the movie. Sadly, the unique bridge is gone. Practically destroyed by arson, it was rebuilt and re-opened in 2019.
- Holliwell Bridge (1880): This bridge was within the film and nonetheless sits in its unique location, off a gravel street 5.5 miles southeast of city. It’s additionally the longest bridge at 122 ft.
- Imes Bridge (1870): The oldest of the surviving bridges within the space, 81-foot-long Imes sits proper subsequent to State Freeway 251 in St. Charles, 13 miles east of Winterset. It’s one other mile east to I-35 which matches immediately north to Des Moines.
- Roseman Bridge (1883): One other movie star, this magnificence is 107-feet-long and nonetheless lies in its unique location, 9.5 miles southwest of Winterset on a gravel street. Close by Pammel Park options the Harmon Tunnel. In-built 1850, it cuts by means of a limestone ridge. The park is about in woodlands alongside the Center River and affords tenting, mountain climbing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing and fishing.
- Cutler-Donahoe Bridge (1870): This 79-foot-long bridge is the one one positioned on the town. It was moved to Winterset’s Metropolis Park in 1970. The park additionally options wonderful views of the countryside from Clark Tower, a castle-like construction a mile south of the bridge.
Based in 1849 and anchored by the putting Madison County Courthouse, downtown Winterset is
predictably charming with boutiques, eating places, a brewery and the nostalgic Iowa Theater, displaying
new motion pictures Fridays by means of Sundays and basic movies on Wednesdays.
Winterset’s most well-known son is well known at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, the world’s
solely museum devoted to the enduring actor. Even in case you aren’t a John Wayne fan, the museum is nicely
executed and interesting, notably for film buffs.
One in all America’s nice artwork varieties and a passion that’s rising in recognition around the globe, the Iowa
Quilt Museum has historic shows and a present store. However one of the best half is the extremely colourful
rotating displays that includes best-in-class quilters.
Simply south of downtown, the 25-acre Madison County Historic Advanced is a enjoyable walkthrough of
14 historic buildings together with a restored 1856 Victorian mansion, legislation workplace, basic retailer, fuel
station, blacksmith store and schoolhouse. A big barn is full of early farm tools, barbed
wire shows, wagons and carriages.