Iowa is inviting UK travellers to explore two of America’s most scenic and memorable road-trip routes, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, offering an immersive journey through the heart of the Midwest.
As the U.S. marks the America 250 celebrations, Iowa offers travellers the chance to experience authentic Americana through landscapes shaped by river valleys, rolling hills, and charming small towns. These scenic byways provide ideal routes for multi-state fly-drive itineraries, connecting seamlessly with arrivals into gateway cities such as Chicago, St Louis, Minneapolis and Kansas City.
The Great River Road, following the mighty Mississippi River, is a quintessential American road trip experience. Travellers can begin in Chicago and journey south toward Hannibal and St Louis, discovering historic river towns, dramatic river bluffs, and vibrant Midwestern culture along the way. The route provides a classic introduction to Iowa’s riverside landscapes and heritage, making it ideal for long-form, multi-day driving itineraries.
Alternatively, the Loess Hills Scenic Byway offers a striking contrast, showcasing one of the world’s most unique land formations. Starting from Omaha or Kansas City, travellers can explore rolling ridgelines, wildlife-rich prairies, scenic overlooks, and welcoming small communities, before continuing onward toward South Dakota and the Black Hills for a wider regional adventure.
Across Iowa, travellers will also discover an array of wonderfully quirky roadside attractions that bring a sense of fun and discovery to any journey.
Highlights include twisting down the “unbelievably crooked” Snake Alley in Burlington; visiting the world’s largest truck stop and trucking museum in Walcott; and riding the Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, often described as one of the world’s shortest and steepest scenic railways.
Visitors can also pose with oversized landmarks such as the world’s largest bull in Audubon and the world’s largest strawberry in Strawberry Point.
Other unusual stops include the world’s largest Swedish coffee pot in Stanton, the world’s smallest church in Festina, and a giant pickleball paddle in West Des Moines – offering memorable photo opportunities throughout the state.
Together, Iowa’s Great River Road and Loess Hills Scenic Byway routes offer a fresh take on the American road trip. Blending scenic beauty, small-town hospitality and playful roadside discoveries, they provide the perfect foundation for family-friendly fly-drive itineraries showcasing the best of the American Midwest.
