Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Central City, Nebraska and Davenport, Iowa

Have you ever taken a road trip where you just drive and see where the road takes you? That's exactly what this author did on a drive from Central City, Nebraska, to Davenport, Iowa. This scenic drive took approximately six and a half hours. Along the way, they discovered some unexpected gems. In this article, you'll find a list of five unexpected places to stop, each with a bolded title and a one-paragraph description of why they're worth a visit.

Stuart, IA (Halfway Point)

Before reaching Stuart, Iowa, the drive can seem never-ending. However, once you get there, you'll want to stop and look around. It's a small town with a classic Main Street, and it's the perfect place to stretch your legs. The town of Stuart has a rich history, and you'll uncover stories of the people and events that defined this unique community. On Main Street, make sure to visit the Carnegie Library and the Stuart Heritage Museum. In the museum, you'll find artifacts from past eras that tell the story of Stuart's past.

Favorite food to eat in Stuart, IA: Stop by Benson's Bakery for an ooey-gooey cinnamon roll.

Casey, IA

In Casey, IA, the town center is chock full of whimsical delights. The community used to be known for its train depot, but now it's full of murals, a hand-carved carousel, and the world's largest rocking chair. The town's main attraction is the American Gothic House Center, a significant landmark in art history. It was once the home of the models for Grant Wood's famous painting, American Gothic. The house is open for tours of the inside and outside.

Favorite food to eat in Casey, IA: Stop by Darrell's Place for a classic Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich.

Eldon, IA

Eldon, IA, is a small town that's easy to miss when driving by, but it houses one of the most iconic works of American art, Grant Wood's American Gothic painting. The painting features a stern-looking couple standing in front of an old-fashioned house, with the man holding a pitchfork. At the time of its creation, this painting stirred up controversy and became a symbol for American culture throughout the decades. At the Visitor's Center, you can see the original painting and a replica of the house from the painting.

Favorite food to eat in Eldon, IA: Stop by The Pink Grocery for a freshly made deli sandwich.

Galena, IL

Galena, Illinois, is a small town tucked away in the northwestern corner of the state. It's famous for its historic downtown and scenic views of the Mississippi River. The town dates back to the 1800s and has preserved much of its architectural heritage. Expect to see brick buildings, old-fashioned storefronts, and intimate alleyways. While walking through town, stop by the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site.

Favorite food to eat in Galena, IL: Stop by the Fried Green Tomatoes restaurant for their namesake dish.

Dubuque, IA

Dubuque, Iowa, offers a lot to see and do in a small space. It's a city of bridges, hillsides, and riverfront parks. You can ride the Fenelon Place Elevator to get a scenic vantage point of the Mississippi River, visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, walk across the famous Five Flags Center, take a stroll through the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, or take in a show at the historic Grand Opera House.

Favorite food to eat in Dubuque, IA: Stop by the Pepper Sprout restaurant for a farm-to-table meal.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an unexpected, off-the-beaten-path road trip, consider driving from Central City, Nebraska, to Davenport, Iowa. Along the way, make sure to stop at these five places. Each offers its unique history, culture, and experiences that you can't find anywhere else. You might even find some hidden gems that aren't on this list. When you embark on this journey, be open to all the surprises that come your way, and you'll have a trip filled with memories that will last a lifetime.