Along the River in Iowa

The Great River Road in Iowa:
On the Iowa Great River Road, abrupt and dramatic limestone bluffs cut by glacial meltwater in the north contrast with broad sandy floodplains in the south.  Be awed by soaring eagles and thousands of migrating geese and ducks, seek out sacred sites and burial mounds of Native Americans and watch commercial barges as well as recreational watercraft navigating the locks and dams on the Great River.  Experience Midwest hospitality on the main streets of river towns and cities.

Length:  326 miles

State Scenic Byway:   Yes
National Scenic Byway:   Yes
National Scenic Byways


What Mississippi River experiences await along Iowa's Great River Road:
The Mississippi River in Iowa is a ribbon of life for people, plants and animals.  Visitors can anticipate viewing a wide variety of plant and animal species comprising a significant component of the continent's biodiversity. The river acts as an international migratory corridor for water-fowl populations.  You'll find many areas along the river relatively pristine and isolated despite the environmental transformation caused by historic and contemporary human activity. 

Iowa's Mississippi is a major recreational resource.  Easy access and diverse resources attract millions of people annually for fishing, pleasure boating and water skiing.  Hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are all enjoyed along the river's edge. 

All along the river the traveler encounters historic villages and cities.  The river itself was the reason these communities were settled.  Each has its own rendition of river life as heard in the indigenous music including folk, gospel, blues, rock, country and bluegrass.  Many communities celebrate their heritage with festivals, tasting fairs, parades and art shows.  Most towns boast at least one museum sharing the history of the area, and, of course, the large cities have such attractions as the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque and the Figge Art Museum in Davenport.

The Mississippi's economic influence is also evident as you watch the barges manipulate the waters.  Commercial fisherman still haul the days' catch for trasnport to far-off markets.  Locks and dams tame the river to make travel safer.  Beautiful bridges span water and islands for highway traffic.  Power plants provide energy for homes, industry and farms.

Attractions and Events Along the River in Iowa

Iowa's Great River Road Interpretive Centers & Museums

-   Yellow River State Forest - Harper's Ferry

-   Pike's Peak State Park - McGregor

-   Backbone State Forest - Strawberry Point

-   Bellevue State Park - Bellevue

-   Maquoketa Caves State Park - Maquoketa

-   Wildcat Den State Park/Fairport Station - Muscatine

Other Key Links:

Iowa Great River Road Web site
Iowa Department of Transportation Travel Info
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa Historical Society
Iowa Life Changing - State Travel Information
Mississippi River Trail (biking)
Audubon Society - Iowa Chapter (birding)  


Click here for Travel Information Beyond the River in Iowa 

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See more Along the River Travel information in these Mississippi River states:

Minnesota
Wisconsin 
Illinois
Missouri
Kentucky
Tennessee
Arkansas
Mississippi
Louisiana