Iowa #2

Iowa #2

Posted: Sep 4, 2009 1:53 PM
Updated: Sep 4, 2009 1:53 PM

Driving Today: Legendary Drives

Iowa #2
Dubuque to Davenport on the Great River Road

The Great River Road is one of the longest, and possibly one of the most famous, scenic and historic drives in the country. The federally-designated route runs along the Mississippi River from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, on a collection of federal, state and county roads. From our starting point in Dubuque, head south on U.S. 52. The entire length of the route will be marked with special green Pilot Wheel signs. Stop in the town of St. Donatus and visit Calvary Hill and The Way of the Cross Catholic Church, built in the mid 1860s.

Stop by the Luxembourg Village and enjoy the Old World charm of this National Historic District. Continue on to Belleview, where the Belleview State Park sits perched on a high limestone bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi and a massive lock and dam structure built by the WPA in 1936. Continue south on Highway 52 through Sabula, to U.S. 67, and on to Clinton. While there, you can visit the Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino, or the Showboat Theater (319/242-6760). Continue south on U.S. 67 to Princeton and stop by the Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead (built by his father). Another few miles down the road in Le Claire is the Buffalo Bill Museum. There, on display, is also the Lone Star Steamer, a wooden-hull sternwheeler. You can even book passage on an overnight riverboat cruise up the Mississippi to Galena, Illinois and back (800/331-1467).

From Le Claire, it's just a short drive south to Davenport. Stop by the Davenport Museum of Art to view works by Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton and other artists from the region. The historic district of East Davenport also features many interesting buildings and architecture, as well as quaint shops and restaurants.

Starting Point:
Dubuque, IA

Distance of Drive:
103 miles

Must Eat:
Kernan's Riverview Restaurant
333 River Road, Princeton, IA 52768 (near Clinton)
Phone: 563-289-5137
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Fall is the recommended time of year for this drive as the colors of the autumn foliage on the banks of the river are a sight you won't soon forget.

Points of Interest on Drive:
Calvary Hill
The Way of the Cross Catholic Church
Luxembourg Village
Belleview State Park
Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino
Mississippi River
Buffalo Bill Museum