Day 7 takes you deep into Iowa’s Lincoln Highway, filled with historic diners, iconic gas stations, roadside oddities, and some of the last remaining brick road sections. By the end of the day, you’ll reach Council Bluffs, closing out another epic stretch of America’s first transcontinental highway.
Morning
Youngville Café
📍 Watkins, IA
A restored 1930s café that once served travelers along the Lincoln Highway. If it’s open, it’s a great spot for breakfast! But it is only open one day a week for a few hours.
Lincoln Café
📍 Belle Plaine, IA
A beloved local diner with classic comfort food, a great stop for a morning coffee break.
Preston Historic District
📍 Belle Plaine, IA
A well-preserved historic district showcasing early Lincoln Highway service stations and garages.
Tama Lincoln Highway Bridge
📍 E 5th St, Tama, IA 52339
One of the most iconic Lincoln Highway landmarks, this bridge is the only one with “Lincoln Highway” carved directly into its side that is still standing.
Marshalltown Maid-Rite
📍 106 S 3rd Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158
One of Iowa’s most famous loose-meat sandwich shops. A quick, classic bite for lunch.
Midday
Niland’s Café & Colo Motel
📍 24 Lincoln Way, Colo, IA
A historic roadside complex featuring a restored café, gas station, and motel, giving you a feel for early highway travel.
Jefferson & Lincoln Highway Intersection
📍 Jefferson, IA
A key crossroads along the historic route for the Jefferson Highway and the Lincoln Highway.
World’s Largest Concrete Gnome
📍 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA
A fun, oversized gnome statue located in Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University.
Afternoon
Tallest Double-Track Railroad Bridge in America (Kate Shelley High Bridge)
📍 Boone, IA
A towering railroad bridge with stunning views of the Des Moines River Valley.
Green Point Museum (Grand Junction, IA)
📍 Grand Junction, IA
A local museum preserving Lincoln Highway history. It was only open by appointment when we went.
Old Gas Station
📍 Grand Junction, IA
A classic roadside relic, great for a quick stop to see a preserved gas station.
Mahanay Bell Tower
📍 Jefferson, IA
An observation tower offering great views of the town and surrounding farmland. This is one not to miss.
Lincoln Statue
📍 Lawn of Green County Courthouse, Jefferson, IA
A beautiful statue honoring Abraham Lincoln along the highway named after him. Sits at the base of the Mahanay Bell Tower.
Evening
Missouri-Mississippi Divide
📍 1341-1319 Lincoln Hwy, Arcadia, IA
A geographic marker denoting the point where water flows east to the Mississippi or west to the Missouri.
Restored Standard Oil Gas Station
📍 119 US-30, Vail, IA
A perfectly restored 1920s Standard Oil gas station, offering a glimpse into early road trip culture.
Dunlap Lincoln Highway Sign
📍 Dunlap, IA
A mural that shows how far you are from the start and end point.
Woodbine Brick Roads & Sidewalks
📍 Woodbine, IA
One of the longest stretches of original brick Lincoln Highway, along with three historic gas stations.
Rails West Railroad Museum
📍 Council Bluffs, IA
A great museum highlighting the impact of railroads on westward expansion, a fitting stop as you reach the western end of Iowa.
Day 7 offers a deep dive into Iowa’s Lincoln Highway legacy, from original brick roads to historic cafés and classic gas stations. The mix of history, small-town charm, and unique roadside stops makes this a true Lincoln Highway experience.
