Keokuk Iowa, An Interpretative Center Along the Iowa Great River Road

The George M. Verity Riverboat Museum on Mississippi Drive, Keokuk, Iowa is an Interpretive Center for the Iowa Great River Road National Scenic Byway & All American Road. It was the first of four steamships built in 1927 for the revival of cargo transportation on the Mississippi River. Tours of the engine room, sleeping quarters and galley are available while visiting the Riverboat Museum. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day and open 9am to 5pm on weekends only from April 1 to Memorial Day and Labor Day to October 31. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 seniors, $2 for children ages 8 – 18, children age 7 & younger, free.

Story of the Byway by the National Scenic Byway Foundation

Follow the Mississippi River between Iowa’s southern and northern borders on the Iowa portion of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. You will find world-class vistas, charming river towns, magnificent limestone bluffs, and so much more. Part of a 3,000 mile-long network of federal, state, and county roads, the Great River Road stretches the length of the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.

The views of the river are ever-changing along the 328-mile route in Iowa. You may be looking down from the bluff at a panoramic scene or be right on the riverfront where you can dip your toes in the water. One constant as you travel this world-renowned route is the stories you’ll hear of the Mighty Mississippi and the nation it helped build.

Summer and Fall are two fun-filled travel times along the route. Both seasons include great contrast of floral and fauna against blue skies highlighting the Mighty Mississippi. Both seasons allow visitors to enjoy the sites & activities to their fullest potential. From blues festivals, minor league baseball, scenic overlooks, quaint shopping stops, hiking, biking, to interpretive centers there is something for everyone to enjoy. History and culture are rich along the route.

Itinerary for the Great River Road Experience in Iowa

Day 1

Start at the Minnesota/Iowa border at New Albin and head south on Highway 26. At Lansing stop at the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center. Take County Road X52 to Harpers Ferry and then south on Highway 74. Stop at the Effigy Mounds National Monument and hike a short distance to see the mounds.

The route continues through Marquette and McGregor. Stop at Pikes Peak State Park for breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and Wisconsin. Go on to Guttenberg and Balltown. Stop at Breitbach’s Country Dining and enjoy the overlook just down the street to the west. You can see the Mississippi River and the river valley for miles. Head on into Dubuque where you will find breweries, restaurants, supper clubs, diners, and hotels.

Day 2

Head south to Sabula and pick up Highway 67 which takes you into Clinton. Watch for winery signs along the road just north of town. Stop at Eagle Point Park for views of the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam #13. Head south out of Clinton on #67 to LeClaire, home of Buffalo Bill Cody and the American Pickers. Stop at the wineries, brew pubs, and distilleries. Enjoy the views and their locally sourced products.

The route continues into Davenport, Muscatine, Wapello, Burlington, Montrose, and Keokuk before the Great River Road continues into Missouri. There are great views, wildlife areas, parks, and museums along the way. Stop at what interests you.

The Iowa Great River Road National Scenic Byway is part of the 10-state Great River Road along the entire route of the Mississippi River.