Hey there, Hawkeyes! Are you going a little crazy spending all this time inside right now? This lovely Iowa springtime road trip will help you beat that ‘cooped up’ feeling while still keeping you safe from harm.
Enjoy an Iowa springtime road trip that shows off some beautiful sections of the Hawkeye State while you stay safe in your car this year.
Google Maps Click here for an interactive map!
Start off in Des Moines, where you’ll be able to hop on the road and head out on a scenic journey.
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
The city is already coming alive with the colors of spring! Tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms brighten up our capital city after chilly and monochromatic winters.
Flickr / Michael Leland
As you head out of the city, stick to the rural roads, rather than the busy highways. The scenery is better that way!
Flickr / Michael Massa
If you follow the map above, you’ll find yourself crossing Lake Red Rock along the Mile Long Bridge. The view from this modern marvel seems endless.
Google Street View
The Mile Long Bridge is one of the longest spans in the state of Iowa, and you can see all of Lake Red Rock from above.
Facebook / Red Rock Lake Association
Keep heading southeast and you’ll find yourself winding through rural back roads and country scenes that start to come to life in spring.
Flickr / Tumblingrun
As you continue on our Iowa springtime road trip, you’ll find yourself in the charming town of Ottumwa.
Flickr / Barry Dale Gilfry
It’s time to stop for a bite to eat! Plenty of restaurants in Ottumwa are open for take-out or curbside service.
Facebook / Main Street Ottumwa
The most famous restaurant in Ottumwa, Canteen Lunch in the Alley, is offering takeout.
Tripadvisor / IowaSmallTownGuy
Place an order for their famous Canteen sandwiches with a bag of chips and you’ll feel like you’ve transported ahead to a time where life is normal again.
Google Local / Glenda Williams
Don’t forget to order a slice of pie to-go! Their pies are delicious, and you’ll want a road trip snack for later.
Facebook / Greater Ottumwa Convention + Visitors Bureau
Wind through Henry County and you’ll end up in Mt. Pleasant! This charming town is packed with history.
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM
Soon enough, you’ll find yourself in the river town of Burlington on the eastern border of Iowa.
Flickr / Formulanone
This charming and historic town showcases some of the finest scenery in Iowa! You’ll want to check out Snake Alley for sure.
Flickr / Formulanone
The “world’s most crooked street” is this cobblestone alley, and the drive down is entertaining for everyone in the car.
Flickr / Formulanone
If you’re looking for one last view before you head home, cross the Mississippi River on the Great River Bridge. When you get to the other side, turn back and take in a beautiful view of the Hawkeye State.
Flickr / Steve Shupe
Google Maps
Click here for an interactive map!
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
Flickr / Michael Leland
Flickr / Michael Massa
Google Street View
Facebook / Red Rock Lake Association
Flickr / Tumblingrun
Flickr / Barry Dale Gilfry
Facebook / Main Street Ottumwa
Tripadvisor / IowaSmallTownGuy
Google Local / Glenda Williams
Facebook / Greater Ottumwa Convention + Visitors Bureau
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM
Flickr / Formulanone
Flickr / Steve Shupe
Do your best to enjoy the season that’s working its way into the Hawkeye State, and we’ll be able to get through this crisis with a little bit of fresh air and positive thinking.
If you’re staying home for now, you can pass the time reading when you order a few new books from Prairie Lights, one of Iowa’s most beloved bookstores.
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Address: Des Moines, IA, USAAddress: Mile-long bridge, 670-698 IA-14, Otley, IA 50214, USAAddress: Ottumwa, IA 52501, USAAddress: Mount Pleasant, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641, USAAddress: Burlington, IA, USA
