Have You Driven on the Most Scenic and Majestic Road in Iowa?

The state of Iowa is home to many scenic and beautiful roadways, stretching from the Mississippi River in the east to the Missouri River in the west. But there's one section of road that tops the rest and it just so happens to run through the entire state.

Beginning in the Driftless Area in the northeast and running through the Mississippian Area of the southeast, the "Great River Road" is definitely a "Must Drive" on any Iowan's bucket list.

What is the "Great River Road" in Iowa? Well, it's not just in Iowa...

The Iowa Great River Road National Scenic Byway is part of the 10-state Great River Road along the entire route of the Mississippi River. The views of the river are ever changing along the 328-mile route in Iowa. You may be looking down from the bluff at a panoramic scene or be right on the riverfront where you can dip your toes in the water. One constant as you travel this world-renowned route is the stories you’ll hear of the Mighty Mississippi and the nation it helped build.

-Travel Iowa Website

Where is the "Great River Road" in Iowa?

Start at the Minnesota/Iowa border at New Albin and head south on Highway 26. At Lansing stop at the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center. Take County Road X52 to Harpers Ferry and then south on Highway 74. Stop at the Effigy Mounds National Monument and hike a short distance to see the mounds.

-NSB Foundation Website

From there the road will take you through the towns of Marquette, McGregor, Guttenberg, Balltown, Dubuque, Sabula, the Quad Cities, and eventually, all the way down to Keokuk.

To find the full route, check out this article from the NSB Foundation, and to learn more about the "Great River Road", read the article from Travel Iowa here.

Story Sources: IPTV on YouTube, Travel Iowa Website, NSB Foundation Website