Northeast Iowa Scenic Byway Project

Since the inception of the Iowa Byways Sustainability Project (IBSP) in May of 2008, Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&Ds) across Iowa have been working collaboratively with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) to preserve, protect, interpret, and promote Iowa’s eight state-designated byways. In April of 2011, news broke that phase two of the IBSP would be extended until March of 2014. When complete, this project will serve as a catalyst for Iowa’s Byways to become engines for economic vitality, historic preservation as well as community and transportation planning across the state.

For our portion of the project, Northeast Iowa RC&D is serving as the lead entity to build the capacity of the Driftless Area, River Bluffs, Delaware Crossing and Grant Wood Scenic Byways. To date, stakeholders and councils have been established, new byway wayfinding and signage has been installed, GIS mapping has been complete, byway photos have been taken and work continues on the development of corridor management plans and promotional material for each of the byways.

Visitors who travel these routes will have an opportunity to explore landmarks and other sites of interest that truly make this region of Iowa distinctive and diverse. Byway travelers will experience breathtaking views, unique shopping, year-round outdoor recreation, entertaining festivals, exceptional dining, welcoming people and daily sunsets.

Click on the logos below to learn additional information about each byway:

The Scenic Byways of Iowa:

Be sure to check out all of Iowa’s eight state-designated and two nationally-designated scenic byways. These routes are offered to those who wish to relax and stop often to enjoy Iowa’s scenic beauty and sites of interest. Estimated driving time ranges from one and one-half hour to three and one-half hours, depending on your speed and number of stops.

To learn more about Iowa’s Byways Program, please visit the Iowa’s Byways website!