Scenic routes  › Iowa

Iowa Valley Scenic Byway

The 77-mile Iowa Valley Scenic Byway offers a rich cultural patchwork. The western end of the byway skirts Iowa’s only resident Native American community—the Meskwaki Settlement. Learn about their history at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel or Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum. Gladbrook’s Matchstick Marvels Museum, Traer’s Salt and Pepper Shaker Gallery, and the Riparian Diorama at Otter Creek Nature Center impress the most discerning travelers. Explore the Czech Trail towns nestled in what locals call the “Bohemian Alps.” Stop at Clutier’s Historic Town Jail for a quick picture behind bars! The Iowa River Corridor provides great fishing, paddling, bird watching, or hiking. Visit the Lily Lake at Amana in July to see thousands of blooming American lotus. Belle Plaine boasts unique shops, an interactive sound park, an historic gas station and garage, and the Belle Plaine History Museum. Loop down to the Belgian Rolle Bolle Court in Victor, and the childhood home of Mildred Wirt Benson (a Nancy Drew author) in Ladora. Check out Marengo’s Carnegie Library, historic Iowa County Courthouse, and Pioneer Heritage Museum & Resource Library. The Amana Colonies were settled in 1855 by Germans fleeing religious persecution. Start at the Amana Heritage Museum, then enjoy local eats at family-style restaurants. After plenty of shopping, take a load off in Iowa’s Largest Walnut Rocking Chair at the Broom & Basket Shop!

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