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Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway: A National Scenic Byway
Based on the historical routes, the byway features many loops — paved and unpaved — giving you a feeling for the history of the road and what it was like to travel in the original days of the automobile.
Join us and thousands of other travelers along the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
Iowa’s section of America’s original Main Street. A community-driven statewide historical effort to preserve the story of the places and people of the byway.
We are committed to the conservation, preservation, and responsible use of all of the byway’s natural, historical, cultural, and community resources while building upon local assets, strengthening and sharing its economic vitality.
What will you experience?
→ Original Landmarks
→ Rural Landscapes
→ Urban Vitality
→ Iowa’s Unique Topography
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway is Iowa’s longest and most historic byway, traveling through more than 460 miles of history, recreation, and welcoming Iowa communities.
The Lincoln Highway was the first improved highway across the United States. Learn more about the byway and its history, find out about attractions and events along the byway with our Interactive Trip Planner.
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway Guide explores the history and attractions, county by county, along the Lincoln Highway in Iowa, including easy-to-use maps. It can be downloaded or picked up at welcome centers, businesses, and attractions throughout Iowa.
NEW! Survey of National Historic Register Sites
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway Corridor Management Plan, published in 2016, identified 319 properties and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966. There had been no updated inventory of their physical conditions. This survey brings a greater understanding of the scope and depth of the properties’ preservation and maintenance needs. Prepared by Shellie Orngard, 2024.
Watch these byway videos featuring breweries, distilleries, and wineries in eastern Iowa!
Want to know more? Read our most recent blog posts!
Carnegie Library byways Tour: DeWitt, IA
The DeWitt Public Library originated long before the Carnegie grant came to town. And the Carnegie Building remains long after the DeWitt Public Library outgrew the building.
Carnegie Libraries byways Tour: Clinton Public Library
Whether accessed in person, online, or through interlibrary loan, the library’s multimedia offerings continue to serve Clinton, Iowa as more than just a building.
Lincoln Highway Resources
Official Map of the Lincoln Highway:
A detailed Google Map of the entire coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway map, including several original routes and thousands of points of interest across the country, including many in Iowa (be sure to click “points of interest” to view attractions).
Iowa Lincoln Highway Association:
The Iowa Lincoln Highway Association Chapter of the national Lincoln Highway Association is a membership group dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and expanding access to the Lincoln Highway and its associated sites.
National Lincoln Highway Association:
The website of the national Lincoln Highway Association, which is made up of thousands of members from the 13 Lincoln Highway states and beyond.
The Iowa Valley Scenic Byway takes you on a 77-mile ride through the Iowa River Valley. It is anchored by two distinct cultures.
Lincoln Highway Digital Image Collection:
This University of Michigan Library digital collection contains the records of the original Lincoln Highway Association (1910-1927). It includes dozens of vintage Iowa images.
“Iowa Byways” and the Iowa Byways design mark are registered trademarks. The word mark ‘Lincoln Highway’ is a registered trademark of the National Lincoln Highway Association.