AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway

Iowa
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
F8bLincolnHighway · Public Domain. Mike Whye · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway connects visitors with the American journey by preserving and telling the story of the Lincoln Highway. Connecting 43 communities in 13 counties in Iowa, the 1913 Lincoln Highway was the first improved transcontinental road created with existing roads, Native American paths, wagon trails, and newly paved roads. Iowa’s Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway has many original intact elements that are actively preserved and restored for generations to come.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
The overlook at the Harrison County Historical Village and Welcome Center’s concrete posts mimic the Boy Scout of America concrete markers and support the 5 metal railings with cutouts with the words “13 States”, “3389 Mi.”, “Lincoln”, “Highway”, “Est. 1913” making this a wonderful opportunity for a family of 5 to see the expansive views of the Boyer River Valley, the Lincoln Highway, and row crops as they disappear into the Loess Hills off into the horizon.
F8bLincolnHighway
Public Domain. Mike Whye · Photo credits
Locals pooled their money to create unique side panels (balustrades) spelling out “LINCOLN HIGHWAY” on the 1915 concrete bridge over Mud Creek on the eastern edge of Tama, near the adjacent Lincoln Highway Bridge Park.
F4aLincolnHighway
Public Domain. Mike Whye · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.