An Iowan Drive

Between the Quad Cities (collectively Rock Island, Moline, Davenport, and Bettendorf) and Dubuque unfolds an exquisite stretch of highway. Actually, there are two highways, U.S. State Highways 67 and 52 respectively, serving the same purpose – to cradle and compliment the picturesque and historic shores of the Mighty Mississippi River. Painted with bucolic scenes of rolling prairies, unique homes and cottages, mom and pop diners and gas stations, this is one of the most peaceful and affordable trips one can take to simply “get away from it all.”

One of the most amazing attributes of this drive is the openness. That is to say, there are numerous hidden treasures that one can just pick and choose, at random, where to stop. This is definitely the type of drive the more adventurous, non-planning road tripper should venture in order to get the full experience.

For instance, as Highway 52 merges into 67 (essentially, Green Island to Clinton), there is plenty of scenic river front spots to take photos, stare at Illinois across the way, have a picnic, strum a guitar, or watch the train roll by – the tracks run right along the river’s edge. One can feel the history, the paths, the explorers, the slide guitars, harmonicas and whistles, which have, time and time again, traveled these roads.

Some quaint towns dot this drive. Places like Clinton, Le Claire and Camanche offer distinctive character to this region, especially when encountering some of the locals. However, my personal favorite is Bellevue. With a population of just under 2,500, this town is situated on a rolling cliff overlooking the Mississippi River. There are great bed and breakfasts, local inns, shops, and restaurants. One of the town’s most famous destinations is Potter’s Mill, which is a former flour mill built in 1845 converted into a restaurant and bed and breakfast. The people are very warm and friendly as well. In fact, one of my trips there, I came across a sign, which said: “Come see our new born baby.” There was an open house for anyone to come in, and, well...see their baby! Suffice to say, I elected not to go in (maybe my city roots got the best of me?).

Next time you are bored, want to get away, and happen to be pursing the heartland, travel along the Mississippi River between the Dubuque and the Quad Cities. Allow the freedom, sensibility, and uniqueness of this area to channel through your urban soul. It is quite an amazing experience to be able to stroll in the backyard of America...

One more note: If you find yourself enjoying the drive, try crossing the border at Dubuque into Wisconsin. There is a great, old ‘Cheesetown’ called Schullsburg along State Highway 11!

Below is a list of some recommended music to take along with this road trip:

Albums

Workingman’s Dead – Grateful Dead
Greatest Hits – Johnny Cash
Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley
Let It Bleed – Rolling Stones
The Great Twenty-Eight – Chuck Berry
Rumors – Fleetwood Mac
Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin
Harvest – Neil Young
Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Pearl – Janis Joplin
John Wesley Harding – Bob Dylan
RCA Country Legends – Dolly Parton
Headhunters – Herbie Hancock
Born Under A Bad Sign – Albert King
The Real Folk Blues – Muddy Waters
The Band – The Band
Dust Bowl Ballads – Woody Guthrie

Songs

“Get Back” – Beatles
“Going Up The Country” – Canned Heat
“Midnight Rider” – Willie Nelson
“Roadhouse Blues” – Doors
“Green Onions” – Booker T. and the MG’s
“Melissa” – Allman Brothers
“Small Town” – John Mellencamp
“Black Water” – Doobie Brothers
“Can’t Find My Way Home” – Blind Faith
“Lola” – Kinks
“Your Own Sweet Way” – Notting Hillbillies
“End of the Line” – Traveling Wilburies
“Running Down A Dream” – Tom Petty
“Everybody’s Talking” – Harry Nilsson
“Ooh La La” – Faces
“Angel of Harlem” – U2
“Daughter” – Pearl Jam
“Alice’s Restaurant” – Arlo Guthrie
“Low Rider” – War
“Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple
“Streamline Woman” – Muddy Waters
“Hear My Train A-Comin’” – Jimi Hendrix
“Sweet Jane” – Cowboy Junkies

Catch ya' on the open road!

- gypsy george.