Explore Mississippi River landscapes, cultural places and communities connected by scenic roads. A museum visit and an easy landscape walk make a satisfying combination.
Woodland paths connect overlooks and earthworks built by Indigenous communities. Some mounds take animal forms; the setting invites thoughtful walking and attention to a living cultural legacy.
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Throughout history, the Mississippi River influenced many lives: the Dakota, Chippewa, and Hopewell cultures; early French voyagers; African-Americans seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad; and many more. Through its charming river towns and metropolitan cities, historic sites and cultural artifacts, today s Great River Road still links resources, people, and history.
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The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway connects visitors with the American journey by preserving and telling the story of the Lincoln Highway. Connecting 43 communities in 13 counties in Iowa, the 1913 Lincoln Highway was the first improved transcontinental road created with existing roads, Native American paths, wagon trails, and newly paved roads. Iowa’s Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway has many original intact elements that are actively preserved and restored for generations to come.
Explore this place →Where to stay →Choose a manageable region, then allow time for the main attraction and the places along the way. Check current access and reservations before departure.
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