The Best Fall Drives in Iowa's Driftless Area

Vibrant red- and yellow-leaved trees towers over an asphalt road during fall in Iowa.

Home to two state-designated scenic byways, the northern portion of the Iowa Great River Road and hundreds of miles of rolling highways, the Driftless Area of northeast Iowa is a perfect fall road trip destination. Take in the view along the Mississippi River, be charmed by small towns like Guttenberg, Elkader and Decorah, and enjoy the outdoors at some of Iowa’s most popular state parks.

Fall color typically peaks in this area during the first two weeks of October, but these road trip suggestions can be done all season long. Be sure to check the Iowa DNR Fall Color Report to catch the colors at their brightest. And download the Iowa Scenic Byway Passport to keep exploring.

River Bluffs Scenic Byway

This byway is so named because it meanders between three rivers (the Turkey, the Volga and the Mississippi) and the iconic bluffs unique to the Driftless Area. The fall views of highways along the River Bluffs Scenic Byway’s limestone cliffs topped with red, orange and yellow trees can’t be beat. Download the map and hit the road.

5 Must-Stops on the River Bluffs Scenic Byway:

1. Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor
Take in the view of three states and the Mississippi River from this popular state park.

2. Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry
Explore the Native American history of the area.

3. Backbone State Park, Dundee
Iowa’s first state park and one of the most geographically unique.

4. Motor Mill Historic Site, Elkader
Park with hiking and paddling access, anchored by a six-story historic limestone mill. Tours of the mill are offered on Saturdays through mid-October.

5. Montauk Historic Site, Clermont
Historic mansion and home of Iowa’s 12^th governor, William Larrabee.

Best Fall Views Along the River Bluffs Scenic Byway:

These overlooks and scenic spots will give you the best backgrounds for your Instagram-worthy photos.

1. Marquette Observation Deck, Marquette - This public observation deck juts out into the Mississippi River and is located just north of the river bridge in Marquette.

2. Goeken County Park, Eldorado - Just off of Highway 150, this county park provides panoramic views of the river valley and small town of Eldorado.

3. Chicken Ridge Scenic Overlook, Elkader - South of Elkader, where Highway 13 and 295^th Street cross.

4. Guttenberg North Scenic Overlook, Guttenberg - Retaining walls along Highway 52 provide a parking space and safe overlook of the Mississippi River north of Guttenberg.

6 Great Places to Eat on the River Bluffs Scenic Byway:

1. Schera’s Algerian-American Restaurant, Elkader

2. Barrel Drive-In, West Union

3. Gunder Roadhouse, Elgin

4. GEAR Elkader, Elkader

5. Backwoods Bar & Grill, McGregor

6. Joe’s Pizza & Café, Guttenberg

5 Great Places to Stay on the River Bluffs Scenic Byway:

1. Cobblestone Inn & Suites, Marquette

2. Elkader Jail House Inn, Elkader

3. Barn on the Bluff, Elkader

4. Lakeside RV Park & Campground, Guttenberg

5. Boarders Inn & Suites, Fayette

Driftless Area Scenic Byway

This 144-mile Driftless Area Scenic Byway through far northeast Iowa blazes with color in the fall. The landscapes and roller-coaster road views will take your breath away – and the attractions and parks along the route make great pit stops along the route. Download the map and set off on an epic fall adventure.

5 Must-Stops on the Driftless Area Scenic Byway:

1. Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center, Lansing
Learn about the cultural, natural and historic significance of the Driftless Area, along with taking in the scenic views.

2. Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry
Those up for an adventure can hike to Iowa’s only fire tower, located in the Paint Creek unit.

3. Dunning’s Spring Park, Decorah
This natural waterfall is nestled among limestone cliffs and a short walk from parking.

4. Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum & Folk School, Decorah
Learn about Decorah’s Nordic heritage, tour historic buildings and view the collection of folk art.

5. Seed Savers Exchange, Decorah
Tour display gardens, hike paths, visit the heirloom apple orchard and fish for trout in the streams at Seed Savers.