Basics
- Length:
- 109 miles (175 km)
Description
Feeling loopy? The River Bluffs Scenic Byway lets you end whereyou begin. This "loop tour" is its own destination. You will viewbreathtaking bluffs, and wooded hill tops, as you explore theroller-coaster roads of northeast Iowa. View Eagles as they sorefree over the green countryside. Perhaps you'll get our of the carto explore and chance upon a secluded cave or a mountain stream.This area was once populated by prehistoric Native American peoplesand even today harbors some of their secrets. Strange mounds madein the form of birds and bears still survey the landscape. Now theland is locally known as "Little Switzerland." As you pass farmlandand buildings of the surrounding communities, you'll notice theunique use of limestone in the structures. Shop at quaint towns, orgo antiquing at one of the many shops along the way. If you want tocontinue your adventure, link up with the Great River Road, andfollow the legendary Mississippi River.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Guttenberg (IA)
As the Great River Road winds through its bluffs and valleys, visitors will come across Guttenberg. As a home of historic German architecture, the city offers blocks of buildings that are worth seeing. Among them is the Lockmaster's House Heritage Museum. Guttenberg's heritage is further preserved with a copy of the Guttenberg Bible on display at the local newspaper. Guttenberg boasts two scenic overlooks and a mile-long landscaped park along the river.
Directions
At one end of the byway off of county road C7X.
McGregor (IA)
Stroll down the Main Street charmed by late 19th centuryarchitecture and stay in a restored Bed and Breakfast Inn. TheRingling Brothers Circus began in the town of McGregor. You canexplore the beginnings of this legendary circus at the McGregorHistorical Museum on Main Street in McGregor (June throughmid-October, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings only).
Directions
At one end of the byway off of Highway 18.
