Do you want to see all Iowa has to offer? That’s impossible in one road trip, but these ten stops might be a good start. Taking you from one end of the state to the other, this expansive road trip is the perfect long-distance adventure for those looking to take several days to explore the Hawkeye State’s hidden gems.
You’re off on an epic Iowa road trip from one end of the state to the other! With a drive time of less than eight hours and ten stops, it’s the perfect way to spend a weekend.
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Start out in Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs. This charming park is filled with gorgeous fountains and sculptures.
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The many animal sculptures in the park almost seem alive and make for perfect photo opportunities for those back home.
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You’ve got a long way ahead of you, so stop for lunch at the local fast-food favorite Doozies.
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The restaurant has a full menu of burgers and ice cream, but it wouldn’t be an Iowa road trip without a tenderloin sandwich.
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Now you’re back on the road, heading to Big Grove Village Inn in Oakland - a piece of living history.
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This quiet inn holds an old-fashioned 1800s log cabin. It’s a charming museum to tour - or a place to stay the night.
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Now it’s time to head due north to Denison, where you’ll explore the Donna Reed Theater - paying tribute to one of Iowa’s most famous daughters.
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The museum is full of TV and film history. Make sure to check if the attached theater has anything playing during your visit.
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You’re probably pretty hungry by now, so let’s head east to one of the state’s most underrated BBQ joints.
Bett & Bev’s BBQ, Perry/Facebook
Bett & Bev’s might look humble, but this Perry storefront serves some of the juiciest barbecue in the state.
Bett and Bev’s BBQ, Perry/Facebook
Now it’s time to head to Des Moines for one of the state’s biggest attractions - the Blank Park Zoo.
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You can easily spend a whole day searching out your favorite animals - including the always-popular Red Panda.
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Next, head southeast to one of Pella’s most famous attractions - the Scholte House Museum and Gardens.
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This museum is a tribute to the town’s Dutch heritage, complete with authentic design and rows of tulips outside.
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Next, head to Brooklyn, Iowa for one of the state’s most old-school restaurants - The Classic Deli and Ice Cream Shoppe.
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The classic diner has a full selection of sandwiches and entrees, but don’t leave without having one of their epic sundaes.
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Our penultimate stop takes us to Iowa City, where you’ll explore one of the state’s greatest wonders - the Devonian Fossil Gorge.
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Stare hundreds of millions of years of history in the eye here, where fossils from long before the age of dinosaurs are brilliantly preserved.
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You’ve come a long way, and you deserve to end it in style at the edge of Iowa in Davenport. Check into Duck City Bistro for an epic dinner.
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Serving modern American food with a French twist, this restaurant is famous for their elaborate platings - such as their famous duck breast.
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Have you taken an epic Iowa road trip of your own? Let us know all about your must-visit stops in the comments section. Iowa is full of amazing attractions for families and solo travelers alike, so make sure to visit the state’s tourism website to get some new ideas.
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Doozies/Facebook
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Bett & Bev’s BBQ, Perry/Facebook
Bett and Bev’s BBQ, Perry/Facebook
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Angel S/TripAdvisor
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Kim W/TripAdvisor
Jim C/TripAdvisor
Poprox21/TripAdvisor
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Becky G/TripAdvisor
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Address: Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503, USAAddress: Doozies, 321 Comanche St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USAAddress: Big Grove Village Inn, 18807 450th St, Oakland, IA 51560, USAAddress: Donna Reed Road, Donna Reed Rd, Denison, IA, USAAddress: Bett & Bev’s BBQ, Perry, 408 1st Ave, Perry, IA 50220, USAAddress: Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, USAAddress: Scholte House Museum & Gardens, 728 Washington St, Pella, IA 50219, USAAddress: The Classic Deli & Ice Cream Shoppe, 120 Jackson St, Brooklyn, IA 52211, USAAddress: Devonian Fossil Gorge, 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USAAddress: Duck City Bistro, 115 E 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801, USA
