Iowa Highway 1 runs from Anamosa to Keosauqua, nearly 120 miles apart. Small towns and rolling farmland are the hallmarks of the highway scenery, and the highway connects the University of Iowa with other nearby communities. The highway dates back to the 1830s, making Iowa Highway 1 one of the oldest routes in the state. The current highway system wasn’t built until 80 years later! Check out this one day road trip that shows off some of the best of Iowa’s old-time highway.
As you might have guessed by now, Iowa’s Highway 1 is one of the state’s oldest routes, and it takes you through gorgeous rural Iowa land.
Google Maps Click HERE for an interactive road trip down Iowa’s Highway 1!
The road twists and winds for over 120 miles, from Anamosa to Keosauqua, showing off rural and urban Iowa the whole way.
Flickr / Adam Moss
Mount Vernon will be your first stop. This charming college town always has something to show off!
Flickr / JF
Fuel is one of Iowa’s most unique coffee shops, so start your day here.
Tripadvisor / TOMMIEkO Grab a fresh brewed speciality coffee and one of their homemade muffins to charge up your morning. Take the time to browse the shop, too - it’s also an antique store and art gallery.
After breakfast, head south on Highway 1 towards Solon. Here, you’ll take a detour to Lake MacBride State Park.
Flickr / Tony Webster Lake MacBride is one of Iowa’s most scenic destinations. Walk off that giant breakfast by trekking to the waterfalls, which provide a beautiful destination for a quick morning hike.
All that hiking will build up an appetite, so get back in the car and head south to Iowa City for lunch.
Flickr / Alan Light
The famous Pullman Bar & Diner is a great place to grab a bite to eat and people watch in one of Iowa’s artsiest cities.
Facebook / Pullman Diner
Be sure to ask around and see what’s going on when you visit - Iowa City almost always has a street fair, festival, or farmers market happening downtown.
Flickr / Adam Simmons
The historic village of Kalona is your next stop! Explore this tiny town where times stands still. You can explore on your own, or take a guided tour.
Facebook / Kalona Historical Village
Keosauqua is your last destination, where you’ll enjoy dinner in a charming restaurant at the heart of the Villages of Van Buren County.
Google Maps
After a day of exploring Iowa’s oldest road, you’ll want to treat yourself to an authentic, hearty, Midwestern dinner. First Street Grill may be your favorite part of the trip.
Facebook / First Street Grill
Iowa Highway 1 may not be the most famous road in the state (Thanks, Great River Road!), but it’s still a gorgeous journey from start to finish. What’s your favorite rural road in Iowa? Do you prefer speeding down Iowa 80, rather than taking the scenic route? Let’s talk road trips in the comments below!
Google Maps
Click HERE for an interactive road trip down Iowa’s Highway 1!
Flickr / Adam Moss
Flickr / JF
Tripadvisor / TOMMIEkO
Grab a fresh brewed speciality coffee and one of their homemade muffins to charge up your morning. Take the time to browse the shop, too - it’s also an antique store and art gallery.
Flickr / Tony Webster
Lake MacBride is one of Iowa’s most scenic destinations. Walk off that giant breakfast by trekking to the waterfalls, which provide a beautiful destination for a quick morning hike.
Flickr / Alan Light
Facebook / Pullman Diner
Flickr / Adam Simmons
Facebook / Kalona Historical Village
Facebook / First Street Grill
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