Early September I will be leaving northwest Iowa and going to southeast Iowa to follow the river up north. Any recommendations on roads and must sees for the day to get down there?

 

I live in SE Iowa and it really depends on if you want sights or speed. 163 will get you from Des Moines to Ottumwa quick and from there take 34 to Burlington or from 34 get on 218 to Keokuk. If you are in to stock car raceing, instead of 163 take hwy 5 to Knoxville. It is the Sprint car capital with regular races and a museum. Right next to Knoxville is Lake Red Rock which is a great ride to go once around. If you like lake rides and fishing then you can head further down hwy 5 to hit up Lake Rathburn. If you're coming through the weekend of September 16, 17, and 18th head over to Keosaqua for the State Line Rally. It is the largest bike rally in southern Iowa. Down hwy 2 from Keosaqua is a little town called Farmington. It has a great American Legion post right on the river. When you come down this way hit me up. I might ride a bit with you, if you don't mind me tagging along.

 

Thanks for the advice Jay. I was thinking of taking 20 over to Waterloo and taking 380 to 218. Are these to busy of roads? I saw your route going through Pella to Ottumwa but going around Des Moines is way to much traffic. When I get close to the southeast I dont know how far I will make it, but thinking of staying in Fort Madison or Keokuk if I would make it.

 

Going down 380 from Cedar Rapids to Iowa city
can be very crowded but its not that far.

 

Are you trying to get across the state quickly or taking your time?
34 across the state is a pretty good ride and not much traffic.
From 20 drop down 65 south and catch 6 east over to 218 south in Iowa city.

If your going over Labor day weekend, Conesville Rally has started back up and now has no clubs/colors rules.

 

20 to 380/218 is probably the fastest route but is all four lane divided so, imo, not much fun. Getting around Des Moines isn't too bad if you take 5 on the south side instead of 80.

 

I kind of like 65 south and this would cut out Des Moines. I could go over the interstate and end up close to Pella and go through Ottumwa and over to Mt. Pleasant. I would have to start seeing what time it would be by than to start looking for rooms. I wonder what a good place to stay down in this area. I would like to make Keokuk, but I would just have to see what the timing would be.
Looks like HWY 6 would take me back to far north. This way I could also take 34 for a ways.

 

You must go through Anamosa and stop at the National motorcycle museum. it is the best stop regarding motorcycles I have been to and I have seen a lot. if you have some time to kill, Fairfield is an unusual town to visit.... And if you have time to make house on the rock just north of Madison Wisconsin, it is well worth the trip although an hour or so out of your way,,,

 

I have got to ask why you mention Fairfield. That could be an option to go through there. I have been through Anamosa before

 

Fairfield is home to the Maharishi Institute so there is a lot of money in a small town that is fairly liberal. There are nice restaurants, bookstores/coffee shops, and retail places downtown. A lot of antiques and art shops.