When the spirit hits you, there’s nothing like getting behind the wheel and going for a long drive. When you head off the highway and towards Iowa’s backroads, it’s easy to appreciate the peaceful beauty that the Hawkeye State offers. In fact, several of these once-humble backroads have evolved into popular attractions in their own right. Here are five of the most beautiful backroads to explore on your next Iowa road trip.
- Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
Dorsalmo/TripAdvisor This isn’t just a backroad - it’s one of Iowa’s most unique natural wonders, thanks to its ancient hills.
It’s also become a popular spot for hiking, with most of the paths being perfect for all skill levels.
shanOC/TripAdvisor
- Western Skies Scenic Byway
Western Skies Scenic Byway/Facebook Much flatter but no less gorgeous is this winding road through central Iowa.
This road trip takes you through many of Iowa’s famous Danish villages like Elk Horn, where you’ll feel like you just took a trip to Europe.
Western Skies Scenic Byway/Facebook
- White Pole Road
TravelIowa This backroad is one of Iowa’s little secrets, a quirky detour through farm country with some strange landmarks.
Running for around 26 miles and passing through small towns like Adair and Dexter, it’s marked by 500 painted white poles that have been standing for decades.
TravelIowa
- Historic Hills Scenic Byway
TravelIowa The forests surrounding these backroads are among the most beautiful in the state, especially in the fall.
But this 110-mile drive through southeastern Iowa will also take you through some of Iowa’s oldest communities including historic Bentonsport.
TravelIowa
- Great River Road National Scenic Byway
TravelIowa The Great River Road isn’t only Iowa’s - this Mississippi-adjacent trip is one of the great American road trips.
But the Iowa section, which covers over 300 miles, takes you through some of the state’s most stunning views and attractive riverfront towns.
TravelIowa
Have you been for a ride on any of these backroads? Is there an underrated Iowa road for sightseeing you can’t wait to get back to driving across? Let us know in the comments section. Iowa is full of hidden gems, so make sure to drop by their official tourism site for new ideas for exciting road trips.
Dorsalmo/TripAdvisor
This isn’t just a backroad - it’s one of Iowa’s most unique natural wonders, thanks to its ancient hills.
shanOC/TripAdvisor
Western Skies Scenic Byway/Facebook
Much flatter but no less gorgeous is this winding road through central Iowa.
TravelIowa
This backroad is one of Iowa’s little secrets, a quirky detour through farm country with some strange landmarks.
The forests surrounding these backroads are among the most beautiful in the state, especially in the fall.
The Great River Road isn’t only Iowa’s - this Mississippi-adjacent trip is one of the great American road trips.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Great River Road, Great River Rd, Lansing, IA, USAAddress: Loess Hills Scenic Overlook, Oak Ave, Moorhead, IA 51558, USAAddress: Western Skies Scenic Byway Public Art “Listen to the Wind”, S 3rd St &, State St, Guthrie Center, IA 50115, USAAddress: White Post Road, White Post Rd, Bettendorf, IA 52722, USAAddress: Bentonsport, IA 52565, USA
