Road Trip! Iowa’s ‘Dream Drive’ Offers Stunning Views of the Maquoketa River Valley

Have you ever taken a drive on Iowa's most scenic roadway?

Love Exploring recently put together a list of 'dream drives,' which includes one scenic road or route in all 50 states that offers beautiful views. The pick for Iowa is actually over here on the Eastern side of the state! The publication chose the Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway as Iowa's 'dream drive.' Here's what the article has to say about it:

"The Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway unfurls in a bucolic loop, passing through a slice of the Maquoketa River valley. This is farm country and the views center around rolling hills, which drop into pastures studded with quaint buildings. The route traces the Maquoketa River (pictured), too, so you can park up and strike out on the water for a peaceful kayak."

According to Travel Iowa, the Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway is a 36-mile loop route that passes through the communities of Delaware, Delhi, Hopkinton, and Manchester. You can, of course, just drive the route and enjoy the scenery. But, why not make a whole day of it? Some of the popular stops that are on or near the route include:

• Bailey’s Ford Nature Center & Wildlife Exhibit, Manchester
• Bay Settlement Church and Monument, Delhi
• The Bread Basket (Restaurant), Manchester
• Delhi Landing (Restaurant), Delhi
• Hartwick General Store (Amish), Delhi
• Manchester Fish Hatchery
• Milo Forest Wildlife Area, Manchester
• The Museum at the Historic Lenox College, Hopkinton
• Pin Oak Pub, Links & Event Center, Manchester
• The Pizza Place, Delhi
• Retz Wildlife Area, Delhi
• Smokey's Lost Bar & Grill, Delhi
• Still Four Corners (Restaurant), Hopkinton
• Traver Toys & Farm Machinery Museum and Store, Manchester
• Turtle Creek Park, Manchester
• Whitewater Park, Manchester

Delaware Crossing isn't the only scenic byway that travels through the Northeast Iowa area! The others are:

• Driftless Area Scenic Byway
• River Bluffs Scenic Byway
• Grant Wood Scenic Byway