Follow in the tire tracks of America’s early road trippers along the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway, a 350-mile Iowa State Scenic Byway tracing one of the nation’s first transcontinental auto routes. Stretching the length of the state, this historic corridor connects charming small towns, rolling agricultural landscapes, and landmarks that tell the story of how the open road shaped American life.

As you drive, watch the scenery shift from the gentle bluffs along the Missouri River to the lush prairies and fertile farmland of central Iowa, then northward toward the Minnesota border. Along the way, discover historic courthouses, vintage roadside architecture, and welcoming Main Street communities where local diners and antique shops invite you to linger. Heritage markers and museums bring the early automobile era to life, connecting you to the pioneering spirit that built this corridor over a century ago.

Allow two to three days to fully appreciate the route, with plenty of time for detours and spontaneous stops. Late spring through early fall offers the best driving conditions, with summer wildflowers painting the roadsides and autumn delivering spectacular golden harvests. The Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway is a journey through Iowa’s heartland and America’s motoring past.

Explore Nearby

• Cutler–Donahoe Bridge — Covered Bridge in Iowa
• Cedar Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Iowa
• Pammel State Park — State Park in Iowa
• Badger Creek State Recreation Area — State Park in Iowa
• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail — Public Land in Idaho