STUPENDOUS SUMMER ROAD TRIPS

If you are looking for a fantastic summer road trip, you need to get on the Great River Road! The GRR follows both sides of the Mississippi River from start to finish, going through 10 states all together.

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It is a National Scenic Byway AND has officially been designated an “All American Road” meaning it encompasses features unique and important enough to be tourist destinations all by themselves. String them together and you get one GREAT road trip!

To drive the East Coast of Iowa, you’ll want to give yourself anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks to complete the 328 mile route. This will take you through small towns, large cities, historical sites, educational opportunities, beautiful nature, and some of the best food you can eat. Identify what type of road tripper you are below, and then check out our suggested itineraries.

ROAD TRIP TYPE:

SCAN & SELFIE

If you like to check things off a list, download the Iowa Scenic Byways digital passport (traveliowa.​com/iowascenic-byway-passport-sign-up) and start earning points to redeem for prizes. Not only will you find spots along the Great River Road, but several intersecting Scenic Byways also have check-in locations. Consult the passport for check-in opportunities on the Driftless Area Scenic Byway, River Bluffs Scenic Byway, the Grant Wood Scenic Byway, and Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway. So check-in on your app, grab that selfie, and hashtag it #greatriverroad!

ROAD TRIP TYPE:

LINGER & LEARN

The Iowa Great River Road has 17 different Interpretive Center where you can learn a million wonderful things. Hike to the Native American burial mounds at Effigy Mounds National Monument on the north end of the road, and Toolesboro Indian Mounds in the south.

ROAD TRIP TYPE:

BACK TO NATURE