Visit an Old World charming village, locks and dams of the mighty Mississippi, Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead, and the Davenport Museum of Art.
The Great River Road is one of the longest, and possibly one of the most scenic, popular, and historic drives in the country. The federally-designated direction runs along the Mississippi River from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, on a collection of federal, state, and county roads. From our starting point in Dubuque, go south on U.S. 52. The entire stretch of the route will be marked with special green Pilot Wheel signs. Stop in the historical town of St. Donatus and visit Calvary Hill and The Way of the Cross Catholic Church, built in the middle of 1860s.
Stop by the Luxembourg Village and take pleasure in the Old World charm of this National Historic District. Continue on to Belleview, where the Belleview State Park sits perched on a high limestone bluff overlooking the great Mississippi and a massive lock and dam structure built by the WPA in 1936. Go on south on Highway 52 through Sabula, to U.S. 67, and on to Clinton. While there, you can visit the Showboat Theater (319/242-6760) or the Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino. Proceed to south on U.S. 67 to Princeton and stop by the Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead (built by his father). Some few miles down the road in Le Claire is the Buffalo Bill Museum. On display there, is also the Lone Star Steamer, a wooden-hull sternwheeler. You can even book passage on an overnight riverboat sail up the Mississippi to Galena, Illinois, and back (800/331-1467).
From Le Claire, it’s just a brief drive south to Davenport. Stop by the Davenport Museum of Art to view works by Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, and other artists from the region. The historic district of East Davenport also features many interesting architecture and buildings, as well as quaint shops and restaurants.
Starting Point:
Dubuque, IA
Distance of Drive:
103 miles
Must Eat:
Kernan’s Riverview Restaurant
333 River Road, Princeton, IA 52768 (near Clinton)
Phone: 563-289-5137
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Fall is the recommended time of year for this drive as the colors of the autumn foliage on the banks of the river are a sight you won’t soon forget.
Points of Interest on Drive:
The Way of the Cross Catholic Church
Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino
Buffalo Bill Museum
Belleview State Park
Luxembourg Village
Mississippi River
Calvary Hill
Tagged with: best time:Fall • Iowa
Filed under: Best Road Trips