Iowa often gets dismissed as part of “flyover country,” a vast stretch of land that’s simply a blur outside an airplane window. But anyone who has ever taken to the roads here knows better. This state unfolds like a perfectly written novel—each chapter revealing something unexpected, something delightfully offbeat.

It starts with the landscape, a hypnotic blend of rolling fields, towering silos, and skies that stretch wider than your imagination. Unlike congested highways in big cities, Iowa’s open roads invite you to breathe, take your time, and let your curiosity lead the way. And if you think a road trip here is just about farmland and small towns, well, you’re in for a surprise. There’s a quirky, sometimes surreal side to Iowa that makes for the best kind of road adventure.

Detours Worth Taking: Offbeat Stops That Make the Trip

One of the first must-see stops? The Iowa 80 Truck Stop in Walcott, proudly claiming the title of the world’s largest truck stop. It’s not just a place to refuel—it’s a full-blown roadside empire. Picture a trucker’s Disneyland with a museum dedicated to vintage big rigs, an entire food court, a chiropractor, a movie theater, and even a dentist. If you didn’t plan to spend an hour here, you might just find yourself sucked into its odd charm.

Further down the road, there’s a more poetic kind of magic at the Bridges of Madison County—yes, the same ones that inspired the novel and movie. Whether you’re a fan of the story or just someone who appreciates craftsmanship, these historic covered bridges are worth the stop. They carry the kind of nostalgia that makes you want to slow down, take a walk, and maybe even write a love letter.

And if you love baseball (or just a little bit of movie history), you can’t miss The Field of Dreams in Dyersville. This isn’t some commercialized sports park; it’s a quiet, almost sacred space where people still come to “have a catch.” The simple white farmhouse and the perfectly manicured field are straight out of the film, and when the corn is tall in late summer, it feels downright otherworldly.

Small Town Surprises: The Heart of Iowa’s Road Magic

Iowa’s biggest surprises are often tucked inside its small towns. Take the Amana Colonies, for example. Founded by German Pietists in the 1850s, these villages still hold onto their old-world charm, complete with craft shops, cozy bakeries, and hearty family-style restaurants where you’ll never leave hungry. This is the kind of place where you can step into a general store and walk out with homemade jam and handwoven baskets made by artisans who have been perfecting their craft for generations.

Then there’s Pella, a little slice of the Netherlands in the middle of the Midwest. It has a working windmill, Dutch bakeries that serve pastries so good they might ruin all other desserts for you, and the famous Tulip Time festival every spring. If you didn’t expect to see wooden shoes and canals on your Iowa road trip, well, Pella will change that.

And let’s not forget Winterset, a charming town with a surprising claim to fame—it’s the birthplace of John Wayne. The town’s museum dedicated to The Duke is worth a stop, even if you’re only mildly into Westerns. There’s something surreal about standing in front of the modest home where one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors took his first steps.

Foodie Pit Stops: Where to Eat Like a Local

Road trips are as much about the food as they are about the drive, and Iowa does not disappoint. First on the list? A tenderloin sandwich, which is basically a religion here. A good one means a slab of pork so massive it spills out from the bun like an edible fan, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Every small-town diner claims to have the best one, and honestly, they might all be right.

Then there’s sweet corn, which isn’t just food in Iowa—it’s a seasonal event. Drive anywhere in the summer and you’ll find roadside stands selling ears so fresh they don’t even need butter (though no one’s stopping you from adding it). And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, homemade pies are another non-negotiable. From classic apple to rhubarb to sour cherry, these slices of heaven are often served at unassuming mom-and-pop cafes where recipes have been passed down for generations.

And if you happen to stumble into an old-school supper club, do yourself a favor and order a steak. Many of these spots have been serving perfectly charred cuts of meat for decades, and they’ve got the cozy, dimly lit atmosphere to match.

A Road Trip Without a Rush: Savoring the Slow Travel Vibe

One of the best things about an Iowa road trip? You’re never really in a hurry. There’s no big-city gridlock, no overwhelming crowds, just a steady rhythm of backroads and highways that invite you to take your time. The best stops aren’t always planned. Maybe you’ll spot a handmade sign advertising an antique shop in an old barn, or a hidden park with trails that lead to unexpected views.

Even something as simple as stumbling upon a roadside café with vintage restaurant furniture and the smell of fresh coffee in the air can turn into an unexpected highlight. The magic of slow travel is letting those little discoveries become the best parts of the journey.

And of course, there’s no better way to end a road trip in Iowa than by pulling over just as the sun starts to set. The sky puts on a nightly show—streaks of pink, orange, and gold washing over fields that seem to go on forever. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments are the ones that stay with you the longest.

So, if you’ve ever dismissed Iowa as just another place to pass through, it might be time to take a closer look. The open road here isn’t just a way to get somewhere—it’s the whole point. And if you let it, it’ll take you to places you never expected, in the best possible way.