Driving I-80 across Iowa question (Des Moines, Iowa City: home, live in, restaurants)

[Countryfreak]

In a few months I'll be coming out of Colorado and driving east. I've done I-70 before and was wondering if driving I-80 out of Denver and through Nebraska and Iowa is a good drive? I've visited Des Moines and area but this was flying in and out. I do not need a lot of sightseeing but I can take my time and was wondering if the drive through Iowa might afford a little sightseeing closer to the interstates?

Thanks

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

In a few months I'll be coming out of Colorado and driving east. I've done I-70 before and was wondering if driving I-80 out of Denver and through Nebraska and Iowa is a good drive? I've visited Des Moines and area but this was flying in and out. I do not need a lot of sightseeing but I can take my time and was wondering if the drive through Iowa might afford a little sightseeing closer to the interstates?

Thanks

I can't say that there's a great deal of sightseeing on I-80 across Nebraska and Iowa, BUT it beats the hell out of having to go across central and western Kansas. If there's a more boring drive in the U.S., I don't know what it is.

In Iowa you can find some points of interest to visit all across Iowa, but as to the terrain. it is somewhat rolling with a great view of cornfields.

You'll find some museums, interesting spots to visit like the Bridges of Madison County, John Wayne's birthplace and the Amana Colonies on I-80 in Iowa. Des Moines itself is, in my opinion, a somewhat unremarkable city as to tourist highlights.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

...wondering if driving I-80 out of Denver and through Nebraska and Iowa is a good drive?

It's like that old joke about the bear chasing two guys.
I-80 only has to be better than I-70. It is.

[jobaba]

Drove it in the 90s.

Nothing to see scenery wise, though I'd say the cities along it may be more interesting than back in the 90s.

[Countryfreak]

Originally Posted by jmgg

I can't say that there's a great deal of sightseeing on I-80 across Nebraska and Iowa, BUT it beats the hell out of having to go across central and western Kansas. If there's a more boring drive in the U.S., I don't know what it is.

In Iowa you can find some points of interest to visit all across Iowa, but as to the terrain. it is somewhat rolling with a great view of cornfields.

You'll find some museums, interesting spots to visit like the Bridges of Madison County, John Wayne's birthplace and the Amana Colonies on I-80 in Iowa. Des Moines itself is, in my opinion, a somewhat unremarkable city as to tourist highlights.

I spent some time in Des Moines years back for work and we drove out to the John Wayne birth home and I enjoyed that as I am a big fan. Was not a fan of The Bridges of Madison County but we did the obligatory stop there. I did cut across the mid section of Kansas coming from Santa Fe last year and I thought that drive would never end. Getting on I-70 further down was kind of a relief the next day.

[Sarahsez]

This song pretty much sums up my experiences.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMYGbRO-jmE

[Countryfreak]

No doubt that's the case but seeing miles and miles of corn is preferable to me over concrete and large buildings everywhere. I live in farm country in VA so that's okay. Just wondering if I could see a few sites while driving across the state. I'm not even committed to staying on the interstates and may do some back roads to break things up.

[lthenderson]

Originally Posted by Countryfreak

In a few months I'll be coming out of Colorado and driving east. I've done I-70 before and was wondering if driving I-80 out of Denver and through Nebraska and Iowa is a good drive? I've visited Des Moines and area but this was flying in and out. I do not need a lot of sightseeing but I can take my time and was wondering if the drive through Iowa might afford a little sightseeing closer to the interstates?

Thanks

I'm guessing most of those above haven't really stopped much along I-80 as I have found plenty to see and do.

West to East

Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs. (Hint, it wasn't made for squirrels.)
Volkswagon Beetle Spider in Avoca
Danish Windmill Museum in Elkhorn
Freedom Rock in Greenfield
Bridges of Madison County
Lots of things in Des Moines
Neil Smith Wildlife Refuge near Pella
World's Largest Wooden Nickel exit 244
Lots of things in Iowa City
Devonian Fossil Gorge near Iowa City
Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk in Riverside
Amana Colonies
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library in West Branch
World's Largest Truck Stop near Walcott
Home of the American Pickers in LeClaire
Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire
An old riverboat you can tour also in LeClaire
Mississippi River Distilling Company also in LeClaire

There are many unique and very tasty farm to table restaurants such as:
Ladora Bank Bistro in Ladora
Prairie Canary in Grinnell
Kalona Brewing Company in Kalona
The Faithful Pilot in LeClaire
Salt Fork Kitchen in Solon

[Countryfreak]

Thank you. This helps.

[fezzador]

Originally Posted by lthenderson

Neil Smith Wildlife Refuge near Pella

There's a biking trail near Polk City named after Neil Smith as well.