Start your Iowa adventure along the Mississippi River in Fort Madison before visitng two iconic Iowa experiences: American Gothic House, and the Bridges of Madison County.
Day 1: Fort Madison to Madison County
Drive from St Louis Airport toward Hannibal (2 hours, 100 miles)and head toward Iowa along Highway 61 until you reach Fort Madison (an additional 90 minutes, 75 miles) along the Mississippi River. Then get ready to enjoy some of Iowa's most iconic attractions along your journey.
Explore Fort Madison for a casual morning. Choose from exploring Old Fort Madison (the replica of the original fort built on the Mississippi riverfront from 1808 to 1813, or head to the 1839 Historic Iowa State Penitentiary, the oldest prison west of the Mississippi River.
Drive to Bonaparte (40 minutes, 30 miles)
Lunch: Bonaparte Retreat
Located in a refurbished grist mill built in 1878, Bonaparte Retreat is a charming restaurant known for its hearty portions. Enjoy a delicious meal in a truly unique atmosphere diners have loved since the retreat opened in 1970.
Drive to American Gothic House, Eldon (40 minutes, 30 miles)
Take a tour of the 1880s home that inspired Grant Wood’s internationally recognized painting, “American Gothic.” Stop by the visitor center to take your own American Gothic photo in front of the 1930s exterior, tour the home’s original interior and learn more about Grant Wood's life and the history of the house.
Drive to Winterset (2 hours, 15 minutes; 120 miles)
Dinner: Madison County Winery
Located in the rolling hills of Madison County between the towns of St. Charles and Winterset, this winery has wood-fired pizzas during summertime in addition to its artisan cheeses and chocolates and of course, wine!
Overnight: Cobblestone Inn
Rest in comfort at the Cobblestone with luxury linens, 24-hour coffee, complimentary breakfast and an onsite lounge.
Day 2: Madison County to Des Moines
Start your day exploring downtown Winterset – a bustling square that includes Petite Café, known for its decadent bakery items and coffee. Or stop by The Bakery Unlimited, loved for its old fashioned baked goods including its iconic apple fritter.
The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to John Wayne, the iconic American actor who starred in over 170 films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. The museum offers an astounding collection of artifacts and memorabilia from Wayne’s career plus a movie theater with seating originally from Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood where you can watch a documentary on Duke’s phenomenal film career. Take a guided tour of Wayne’s birthplace home to complete your visit.
Lunch: Urban Taproom and Grill
Urban Taproom and Grill offers a casual and lively atmosphere. Try its popular smash burgers, an Iowa specialty pork tenderloin or a John Wayne casserole!Stop at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center and book your Bridges of Madison County guided tour! Visit the world-famous covered bridges, the inspiration behind and setting of "The Bridges of Madison County" movie. Or pick up a map and drive yourself to the six remaining covered bridges..
Drive to Des Moines (50 minutes, 40 miles)
Dinner: HOQ
Using produce from local farms, HoQ’s constantly evolving menu invites diners to sample global flavors inside an elegant dining space. The Des Moines restaurant carefully selected their suppliers, who provide over 90% of their ingredients using sustainable practices. The menu includes classic favorites with a twist, such as grass-fed beef burgers and steaks, free-range chicken burritos, locally raised lamb shanks, grilled cheese and a seasonal soup as well as a variety of unique vegetarian and vegan options like hummus and naan, rice and lentil crepes and more.
Day 3: Des Moines to Minnesota
After breakfast, drive north along I-35 and then Highway 141 for a morning stroll along the High Trestle Trail (Park at Grant's Woods Conservation Trail).
Drive to Madrid (45 minutes, 35 miles)
The High Trestle Trail is a decommissioned railroad line that has been converted into a multi-use trail. The trail’s main attraction, the High Trestle Trail Bridge, includes six overlooks to highlight the area's cultural and natural history. The 41 steel "frames" over the bridge represent support cribs within a historic coal mine. After dark, the bridge comes alive as blue lights illuminate a section of the steel cribbings.
Drive to Boone (25 minutes, 18 miles)
Riders can enjoy beautiful views of the Des Moines River Valley, where is it is not uncommon to see a convocation of bald eagles along the riverbank. The ride’s showstopper is the 750’ long, 156’ high “Bass Point Creek High Trestle”. Riders crossing this bridge have panoramic views of the valley and experience the thrill of soaring high above the creek below.
Lunch: Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum
This enchanting ride through the beautiful Des Moines River Valley features historic 1950’s passenger cars used on the Union Pacific Railroad’s famous “City of Los Angeles” and “City of San Francisco” streamliners, which traveled between Chicago and the west coast. This train crosses the 156′ tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, as well as the Des Moines River Bridge, on its journey through the river valley.
Drive to Ames (25 minutes, 18 miles)
Beautiful public botanical garden features 17 acres of outdoor gardens, indoor tropical plant Conservatory with seasonal displays and Butterfly Wing with hundreds of live butterflies in flight.
Dinner: Hickory Park
An Ames tradition since 1970, Hickory Park is famous for their hickory smoked selections, ice cream parlor desserts, generous portions, modest prices and exceptional service.
Continue your Midwest adventure on Interstate 35 toward the Minnesota border (1 hour, 30 minutes, 110 miles).
Return To All Trip Ideas