Iowa is a fascinating state for history buffs – with thousands of years of Native American history and a few hundred years of European-American settlement, there’s so much to learn about the Hawkeye State. Take a few days to explore Iowa’s most interesting historic sites on this incredible historic Iowa road trip.
This Historic Iowa Road Trip will take you to the best monuments and historic sites in the whole state.
Google Maps Click HERE for an interactive map.
The Jesse James Trail Robbery Site is the first stop.
Flickr / Chris Murphy Did you know the first robbery of a moving train happened here in Iowa? Visit the Jesse James Historical Site to see for yourself, but read the story of the unbelievable train robbery to learn more.
Next, visit the Old Historic State House in Iowa City.
Flickr / Tony Webster The historic Old State House in Iowa City is a great place to learn about early Iowa history. It was the main government building in Iowa, and now it’s a landmark building at the University of Iowa.
Iowa’s first established settlement is commemorated by the Mines of Spain Recreation Area in Dubuque.
Flickr / Dustin Oliver Julien Dubuque gained favor with the local Native Americans and started a fur trading post at this spot long before Iowa was even a state! The very first town in Iowa became Dubuque thanks to his efforts. Dubuque and two local Native Americans are buried at the monument that overlooks the river.
Head up north to see the Effigy Mounds National Monument.
Flickr / Tony Webster The Effigy Mounds National Monument is an incredible testament to the Native American culture in Eastern Iowa. Visit to take a glimpse back in time and see this incredible, preserved natural area for yourself.
Visiting the Grotto of the Redemption is sure to take your breath away - plan to spend some time here.
Flickr / Laura Bernhardt The stunning Grotto of the Redemption is the life work of Father Paul Dobberstein. Read about the largest Grotto in the world here.
A trip to the Sergeant Floyd Monument will teach you a lot about the exploration of the West.
Flickr / Ali Eminov The Sergeant Floyd Monument overlooks the Missouri River and was established to honor Charles Floyd. Sergeant Floyd was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who died on the voyage, and was buried here.
The final stop on your trip is the General Dodge House in Council Bluffs!
Flickr / Tony Webster The beautiful General Dodge House is a historic museum in Council Bluffs. It was built in 1869 and Grenville M. Dodge, a Union Army general, lived there. General Dodge was an important Iowa politician, and a big part of the railroad development across the American West.
Have you visited any of the places above? Tell us all about your trips in the comments below!
Google Maps
Click HERE for an interactive map.
Flickr / Chris Murphy
Did you know the first robbery of a moving train happened here in Iowa? Visit the Jesse James Historical Site to see for yourself, but read the story of the unbelievable train robbery to learn more.
Flickr / Tony Webster
The historic Old State House in Iowa City is a great place to learn about early Iowa history. It was the main government building in Iowa, and now it’s a landmark building at the University of Iowa.
Flickr / Dustin Oliver
Julien Dubuque gained favor with the local Native Americans and started a fur trading post at this spot long before Iowa was even a state! The very first town in Iowa became Dubuque thanks to his efforts. Dubuque and two local Native Americans are buried at the monument that overlooks the river.
The Effigy Mounds National Monument is an incredible testament to the Native American culture in Eastern Iowa. Visit to take a glimpse back in time and see this incredible, preserved natural area for yourself.
Flickr / Laura Bernhardt
The stunning Grotto of the Redemption is the life work of Father Paul Dobberstein. Read about the largest Grotto in the world here.
Flickr / Ali Eminov
The Sergeant Floyd Monument overlooks the Missouri River and was established to honor Charles Floyd. Sergeant Floyd was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who died on the voyage, and was buried here.
The beautiful General Dodge House is a historic museum in Council Bluffs. It was built in 1869 and Grenville M. Dodge, a Union Army general, lived there. General Dodge was an important Iowa politician, and a big part of the railroad development across the American West.
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