Grant Wood Scenic Byway

Step into a Grant Wood painting as you traverse this scenic byway that stretches 75 miles from Stone City to the Mississippi River. The Grant Wood Scenic Byway passes through both the hometown of this iconic American artist and beautiful settings that inspired him.

Taking a bird’s eye view down the byway, the surrounding countryside is a patchwork of striking farmland and limestone bluffs connecting three rivers, the Wapsipinicon, Maquoketa and Mississippi River. Wetlands dot the landscape and three Iowa state parks provide beautiful and historic places to enjoy the outdoors.

The Grant Wood Scenic Byway has more than scenic vistas. A closer look reveals a prison museum next door to a late 19th-century, castle-like penitentiary that still houses inmates, plus three wineries and a microbrewery.

It will come as no surprise that art is one of the star attractions. Explore past artistic accomplishments at the Grant Wood Art Gallery and site of the famed Stone City Art Colony co-founded by Wood. You could also peruse work created by present day artists at the Maquoketa and Bellevue art galleries. If you’re an aspiring artist, don’t miss attending a workshop at the Maquoketa Art Experience.

Come for the inspiring landscape and discover all that the Grant Wood Scenic Byway has to offer.

 Map and Information
  Group Itinerary