6 Best Motorcycle Rides in Iowa

Iowa’s rolling landscapes, winding rivers, and picturesque small towns create an ideal backdrop for motorcycle enthusiasts. The Hawkeye State offers riders diverse scenic routes that showcase its natural beauty and rich history. Let’s explore some of the best motorcycle rides in Iowa, guaranteed to satisfy your wanderlust and passion for two-wheeled adventures.

1. The Great River Road

Riders cruise south along Highway 26, hugging the river’s western bank, starting in Lansing. The road winds through towering bluffs and lush forests, revealing stunning vistas of the Mississippi at every turn. Quaint towns like McGregor and Guttenberg provide perfect pit stops, offering local cuisine and glimpses into Iowa’s riverboat history.

As the route continues south, it passes through the Effigy Mounds National Monument, where ancient Native American burial mounds dot the landscape. The ride culminates in Dubuque, Iowa’s oldest city, where riders can explore historic architecture and enjoy riverfront attractions.

2. Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

For those seeking a unique geological experience, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway delivers. This 220-mile route showcases western Iowa’s rare loess soil formations created by wind-deposited silt during the last ice age.

Starting in Sioux City, riders head south on Highway 12, traversing a landscape of sharp ridges and deep valleys. The road twists and turns through the hills, offering panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley to the west.

3. Iowa Valley Scenic Byway

The Iowa Valley Scenic Byway offers riders a journey through the heart of the state, showcasing its agricultural heritage and natural beauty. This 77-mile route winds through the Iowa River Valley, passing through a mix of farmland, woodlands, and historic towns.

4. Covered Bridges Scenic Byway

This 82-mile route in Madison County showcases Iowa’s famous covered bridges, immortalized in literature and film. Starting in Winterset, riders wind through rolling hills and pastoral landscapes, passing six historic covered bridges. The route offers a perfect blend of architectural interest and scenic beauty, making it a unique addition to motorcycle rides in Iowa.

5. Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway

Spanning 460 miles across Iowa, this historic route follows the original Lincoln Highway, America’s first coast-to-coast road. Riders travel through urban and rural landscapes, from Clinton on the Mississippi to Council Bluffs on the Missouri. The journey features vintage gas stations, classic diners, and quirky roadside attractions, offering a nostalgic glimpse into early 20th-century road culture.

6. Grant Wood Scenic Byway

Named after the famous Iowa artist, this 80-mile route in eastern Iowa takes riders through landscapes that inspired Wood’s iconic paintings. Starting in Anamosa, the byway winds through gently rolling hills, passing charming small towns and picturesque farms. Art enthusiasts can visit Wood’s studio in Stone City, while nature lovers will appreciate the scenic views of the Wapsipinicon River valley.

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