The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Ames, Iowa to Ashton, Iowa

Are you thinking of taking a road trip? Do you want to explore the beautiful countryside of Iowa? If yes, then you are in for a treat. Driving from Ames, Iowa to Ashton, Iowa offers breathtaking sights, cultural delights, and hidden gems.

The best part of a road trip is that you can stop wherever you want, explore at your own pace, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Here are our top picks for places you must see when driving from Ames, Iowa to Ashton, Iowa.

The Land Between Two Rivers

As you start your journey from Ames, Iowa, the first place that you should drive to is The Land Between Two Rivers. This area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here, you will find the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers, which gives the area its name.

The Land Between Two Rivers features winding hiking trails, scenic biking paths, and lush green picnic spots. You can also visit the Des Moines River Historic District, a National Historic Landmark that dates back to the 1800s.

The Bridges of Madison County

As you continue driving, you will come across one of the most famous tourist destinations in Iowa, The Bridges of Madison County. These six beautiful covered bridges are a must-see for anyone visiting Iowa. The bridges were made famous by the novel and movie of the same name, and they are one of only a few remaining covered bridges in the state.

The bridges' rustic beauty and tranquil surroundings make them a favorite spot for photographers and romantics alike. You can also take a tour of the bridges to learn more about their history and construction.

Pella, Iowa

As you venture further, you will come across the charming Dutch settlement of Pella, Iowa. This picturesque town is famous for its unique architecture, cultural heritage, and thriving arts scene. Pella's Dutch heritage is evident in its windmills, charming streetscapes, and rich culinary traditions, making it feel like a little slice of Netherlands in Iowa.

While in Pella, don't forget to indulge in delicious Dutch treats like stroopwafels, poffertjes, and Dutch letter pastries, which are a Pella specialty. You can also visit the Vermeer Windmill Museum, explore Pella's historic downtown, or watch a live performance at the Pella Opera House.

The Amana Colonies

As you near Ashton, Iowa, make sure to visit the seven villages of The Amana Colonies. These unique German colonies were founded in the mid-19th century and offer a glimpse into the life and culture of the Amana people.

The Amana Colonies are known for their traditional crafts, breweries, wineries, and authentic German cuisine. You can stroll through the quaint streets, admire the well-maintained brick buildings, and visit the local artisans. You can also satisfy your hunger with traditional German dishes like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel.

Sully, Iowa

Before reaching Ashton, Iowa, make sure you stop in Sully, Iowa, to see the stunning Windmill Park. This park boasts a 100-foot-tall working Dutch windmill named De Immigrant, which was built in the Netherlands and shipped to the US in 2000.

You can take a guided tour of De Immigrant and learn about the process of building and shipping a windmill. You can also take a walk around the gardens, enjoy a picnic, or attend one of the many events hosted at Windmill Park throughout the year.

Conclusion

Iowa is a beautiful state with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Driving from Ames, Iowa, to Ashton, Iowa, is a fantastic way to explore this gem of a state. With so many scenic routes and picturesque towns, it's hard to choose just a few places to visit. However, we hope our list of top places to see when driving from Ames, Iowa to Ashton, Iowa, will inspire you to hit the road and explore this beautiful state for yourself.