Iowa Road Cams: A Guide for Travelers and Commuters
Iowa, known as the Hawkeye State, is a beacon of the American Midwest. With its admission to the Union on December 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state, a land where the tall corn grows, and the rolling prairies stretch far and wide. Its fertile soil and favorable climate have made it a powerhouse of agriculture, particularly in corn production, which constitutes a significant portion of the nation’s harvest.
The state’s name, Iowa, originates from the Iowa River, named after the native Iowa people, and means “one who puts to sleep” in their language. Iowa’s citizens, known as Iowans, take pride in their rich heritage and the state’s contributions to both agriculture and manufacturing.
Iowa is served by over 10,000 miles of primary roads, designed to connect its communities, and facilitate the movement of goods and people. These roads are evenly distributed across the state, with clusters near population centers, ensuring accessibility and economic growth.
Main Routes in Iowa
The primary highway system, maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation, comprises Interstate Highways, United States Highways, and Iowa state highways, making up approximately 8 percent of Iowa’s public road system. The longest of these is U.S. Highway 30, stretching 332 miles, while the shortest is Interstate 129 at a mere 0.27 miles.
- I-80: This is the longest and busiest interstate highway in Iowa, running east-west from the Nebraska border to the Illinois border. It passes through Des Moines, Iowa City, and Davenport, and connects to several other interstate highways, such as I-29, I-35, and I-74.
- I-35: This is a north-south interstate highway that runs from the Minnesota border to the Missouri border. It passes through Ames, Ankeny, and West Des Moines, and connects to I-80 and I-235.
- I-380: This is a spur of I-80 that runs north-south from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo. It connects to U.S. Route 20 and U.S. Route 218, and provides access to the Eastern Iowa Airport and the University of Northern Iowa.
- US Route 20: This is the longest U.S. route in Iowa, running east-west from the Nebraska border to the Illinois border. It passes through Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Waterloo, Dubuque, and Galena, and connects to several state highways, such as Iowa 4, Iowa 14, and Iowa 32.
- US Route 61: This is a north-south U.S. route that runs from the Missouri border to the Wisconsin border. It passes through Keokuk, Burlington, Muscatine, Davenport, and Dubuque, and connects to several state highways, such as Iowa 2, Iowa 22, and Iowa 64.
- Loess Hills Scenic Byway: This is a 220-mile route that follows the unique landform of the Loess Hills, which are hills made of wind-blown silt. The route starts from the Iowa-Nebraska border near Sioux City and ends at the Iowa-Missouri border near Hamburg. Along the way, you can see stunning views of the Missouri River valley, visit historic towns and villages, and explore parks and preserves, such as Stone State Park, Preparation Canyon State Park, and Waubonsie State Park.
- Great River Road: This is a 326-mile route that follows the Mississippi River, which forms the eastern border of Iowa. The route starts from the Iowa-Wisconsin border near Lansing and ends at the Iowa-Missouri border near Keokuk. Along the way, you can see majestic bluffs and islands, visit charming river towns and cities, and explore cultural and natural attractions, such as Effigy Mounds National Monument, Pikes Peak State Park, and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
- Covered Bridges Scenic Byway: Southwest of Des Moines. This byway is a mix of gravel and paved roads, winding through hilly terrains that provide excellent photo opportunities. The covered bridges themselves are a sight to behold, each with its own story and charm. The town of Winterset adds to the experience with attractions like the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum and a picturesque Town Square.
- Driftless Area Scenic Byway: This is a 100-mile route that loops through the Driftless Area, which is a region that was not affected by the glaciers during the last ice age. The route starts and ends in Elkader, and passes through Clayton, Fayette, and Allamakee counties. Along the way, you can see scenic valleys and ridges, visit historic sites and landmarks, and explore outdoor recreation areas, such as Backbone State Park, Yellow River State Forest, and Spook Cave.
Main Cities in Iowa
Here are some of the main cities in Iowa that you can visit to experience the best of what the state has to offer:
- Des Moines: This is the capital and the largest city of Iowa, with a population of about 215,000. Des Moines is the cultural, political, and economic center of the state, with many attractions and amenities, such as the Iowa State Capitol, the Des Moines Art Center, the Blank Park Zoo, and the Iowa State Fair.
- Cedar Rapids: This is the second-largest city of Iowa, with a population of about 133,000. Cedar Rapids is known as the “City of Five Seasons”, which refers to the extra season of enjoying life. Cedar Rapids is a hub of arts and culture, with many venues and events, such as the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the Paramount Theatre, the Brucemore Mansion, and the NewBo City Market.
- Davenport: This is the third-largest city of Iowa, with a population of about 102,000. Davenport is part of the Quad Cities, which also include Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline, Illinois. Davenport is a city that celebrates its river heritage, with many attractions and activities, such as the Figge Art Museum, the Putnam Museum, the River Music Experience, and the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival.
- Sioux City: This is the fourth-largest city of Iowa, with a population of about 82,000. Sioux City is located at the junction of the Missouri, Floyd, and Big Sioux rivers, which gives it a strategic position for trade and transportation. Sioux City is a city that honors its history and culture, with many attractions and landmarks, such as the Sioux City Public Museum, the Sergeant Floyd Monument, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
- Iowa City: This is the fifth-largest city of Iowa, with a population of about 76,000. Iowa City is the home of the University of Iowa, which is the oldest and largest public university in the state. Iowa City is a city that fosters creativity and innovation, with many attractions and opportunities, such as the Old Capitol Museum, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the Englert Theatre, and the Iowa City Book Festival.
Driving in Iowa
Driving in Iowa is generally a pleasant and safe experience, as the state has a low population density, a low crime rate, and a high road quality. However, there are some things that you should be aware of and prepared for when driving in Iowa, especially during different seasons and weather conditions.
- Winter: Iowa can experience harsh winters, with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. You should check the road conditions and traffic cameras before you travel, and adjust your speed and distance accordingly. You should also have winter tires, a snow brush, an ice scraper, and an emergency kit in your car. You should avoid driving during blizzards, whiteouts, and black ice, and seek shelter if necessary
- Spring: Iowa can experience severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flooding in spring. You should check the weather forecast and the road conditions before you travel, and avoid driving during storms, high winds, and flash floods. You should also have a radio, a flashlight, and a first aid kit in your car. You should seek shelter in a sturdy building or a low-lying area if you encounter a tornado, and never drive through flooded roads.
- Summer: Iowa can experience hot and humid weather, as well as occasional droughts and wildfires in summer. You should check the air quality and the fire danger before you travel, and avoid driving during extreme heat, smoke, and haze. You should also have sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water in your car. You should stay hydrated, take breaks, and seek shade if you feel overheated, and never leave children or pets in a parked car.
- Fall: Iowa can experience beautiful and colorful foliage, as well as mild and pleasant weather in fall. This is a great time to enjoy the scenic drives and the outdoor attractions in the state. However, you should also be aware of some potential hazards, such as deer crossings, fog, and frost. You should check the wildlife activity and the visibility before you travel, and use your headlights and caution signs accordingly. You should also have a camera, a map, and a jacket in your car.
