Iowa Travel Directory
The Heartland's Historic Auto Trail
The Jefferson Highway’s 220-mile route through Iowa is a fully paved state-designated Heritage Byway that embodies the "Good Roads" movement. Conceived by Iowan activist E.T. Meredith, the highway was designed to bring commerce and tourism into the heartland. Today, you can travel the original two-lane roads—roughly following U.S. 65 and 69—connecting friendly small towns, historic courthouse squares, and architectural landmarks. From the Iowa/Minnesota State Line to the Missouri border, explore the state where the Jefferson Highway was born.
Iowa Travel Directory Map
A work in progress, this Iowa Travel Directory Map displays the Jefferson Highway corridor. Use the interactive pins to locate our featured listings, including Visitor Bureaus, historic lodgings, restaurants, attractions and activities, and other businesses that welcome travelers along the route.
Attractions & Experiences
Discover the best natural, historical, and unique experiences to add to your Jefferson Highway journey through Iowa.
Iowa State Capitol
An architectural masterpiece completed in 1886 and featuring a vast, iconic 23-karat gold-leafed dome. Free self-guided and guided tours are available.
-
Address: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
-
Phone: +1 515-281-5591
Jefferson Highway State Line Monument
An obelisk dedicated in 1930 commemorating the completion of the Jefferson Highway across Iowa and Minnesota. A key physical monument for the auto trail.
-
Address: U.S. 65, Northwood, IA 50459
Kinney Pioneer Museum
This museum memorializes and celebrates the culture, heritage, and history of North Iowa, featuring local artifacts and pioneer displays.
-
Address: 9184 265th St., Clear Lake, Iowa 50428
-
Phone: +1 641-423-1258
-
Website: https://kinneypioneermuseum.org/
Reed-Niland Corner
A restored historic café/gas station/motel site where the Jefferson Highway and the Lincoln Highway cross. A perfect stop for food and a dose of auto trail nostalgia.
-
Address: 24 Lincoln Hwy, Colo, IA 50056
-
Phone: +1 641-377-3662
Food & Drink
Savor local flavor and historic nostalgia at the best cafes, diners, and unique dining destinations found in Iowa's Jefferson Highway towns.
Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Parlor
Serving burgers, sandwiches, tots, scooped ice cream, rolled ice cream, milkshakes, malts, sundaes, and more! Features free games and an outside patio in the historical district.
-
Address: 124 S Fillmore St, Osceola, IA 50213
-
Phone: +1 641-548-7003
Lodging Destinations
Find the perfect place to stay and plan your Iowa Jefferson Highway adventure with these lodging destinations.
The Historic Park Inn Hotel
The last remaining hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Offers unique historic lodging, two dining establishments, a gift shop, and building tours.
-
Address: 15 West State Street, Mason City, IA 50401
-
Phone: +1 641-422-0015
-
Website: https://www.historicparkinn.com/
Visitor Information Centers & Tourism Operations
Plan the Iowa portion of your Jefferson Highway adventure with these travel and tourism organizations.
Visit Mason City Iowa
Discover travel tips, maps, and souvenirs at Mason City’s new downtown Welcome Center, your resource for exploring North Iowa attractions.
-
Address: 13 N. Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401
-
Phone: +1 641-422-1663
-
Website: https://www.visitmasoncityiowa.com/