
Take a Trip: Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway Central
In season 2 of Road Trip Iowa, we continued our trip along the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, traveling from Marshalltown to Boone County to discover tranquil landscapes, historical institutions and epic outdoor adventures along the way.
Want to take this journey with us on your next road trip? Use Travel Iowa's itinerary tool to send yourself a fantastic route along this byway to experience most of our episode in person (please note that the itinerary tool doesn't always have every stop featured in our show so you may need to add a couple of stops along the way if you want the full experience).
Taylor's Maid-Rite
Brooke's first stop is to an original sandwich shop where if it's not Maid-Rite, it's made wrong. Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown has been in business since 1928 and is the oldest Maid-Rite restaurant still owned by the original family. With fresh ground beef cooked daily in the original cast iron cooker, Maid-Rite remains a nostalgic and beloved stop for locals and visitors alike.
State Center Rose Garden
Next, we stop at State Center, the rose capital of Iowa, where nature's beauty and small-town charm come together at this hidden gem in the middle of the state. Designated the Rose Capital of Iowa in 1958, this charming community boasts a vibrant garden filled with dozens of rose varieties, a veterans memorial, a Lincoln Highway marker, and commemorative bricks honoring former rose queens. The rose queens are crowned each year at the annual Rose Garden Festival, an event that had become a signature celebration of history, community and, of course, roses. With dozens of varieties, this rose garden is a testament to the town's deep-rooted love for these timeless flowers.
Iowa State University
Nestled in the heart of Ames, Iowa State University is more than just a campus. It's a community, a legacy and a launch pad for leaders, thinkers and doers. But, it is also a must stop for travelers along the Lincoln Highway that blends history, modernism and charm. Founded in 1858 as a model agricultural college, it has grown into a leading land-grant university known for accessibility, research and forward-thinking education. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Lake LaVerne, the Memorial Union, the Marston Water Tower and the beloved Campanile—home to daily carillon concerts. With over 2,500 public art pieces, vibrant fall Saturdays at Jack Trice Stadium, and year-round natural beauty, Iowa State offers a campus experience that’s as inspiring as it is picturesque.
Reiman Gardens
Next, we travel to Reiman Gardens, a 17-acre botanical garden on the campus of Iowa State University. Peak bloom season is June through August, but the gardens change daily, offering new sights with every visit. With over 6,000 plants, 27 different themed garden spaces and a butterfly wing, there's something for everyone to explore.
Hickory Park
Our next stop takes us to a culinary landmark that has been serving up smiles and filling up stomachs for over 50 years, Hickory Park. Located in Ames, Hickory Park has a robust menu and serves anywhere from 15,000 to 17,000 people a week. Hickory Park isn't just a restaurant, it's an Ames institution. The warm, family friendly atmosphere keeps patrons returning making it a cherished gathering spot in the community.
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Rail Explorers and the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
Take a ride through Iowa’s rail history in Boone. Just off the Lincoln Highway, the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad offers a one-of-a-kind way to explore Central Iowa—from the thrill of pedal-powered rail bikes to the nostalgia of vintage train rides. Visitors can coast through fall colors, cross the dramatic Bass Point Creek High Bridge and experience the charm of Iowa’s countryside. Operated by the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Museum, the 14-mile round-trip includes historic locomotives, scenic views and a look back at how railroads helped shape the state.
Travelers can find their next big adventure just a few miles down the Lincoln Highway at Seven Oaks Recreation. Best known as a top Iowa ski resort, Seven Oaks transforms in summer with guided canoeing, kayaking, and tubing trips down the scenic Des Moines River. Surrounded by bluffs and forested views, it’s a peaceful yet active way to enjoy Central Iowa’s outdoors.