Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway

Discover small towns, rural vistas, and architectural treasures on a two-lane road trip along the historic Jefferson Highway! Named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson, the Jefferson Highway is one of America’s earliest automobile highways. The historic north-south U.S. border-to-border route runs over 2,300 miles from Winnipeg to New Orleans. Because the historic route ranged over many variations of climate and scenery, the highway was promoted as the “Vacation Route of America” and also as the “Pine to Palm Highway.”

Designated an Iowa Heritage Byway in 2016, Iowa became the first state to get the Jefferson Highway route fully marked with roadside signage throughout the entire state. The byway runs between Northwood and Lamoni, roughly along U.S. Highways 65 and 69. North Iowa towns along the route include Northwood, Kensett, Manly, Mason City, Rockwell, Sheffield, and Hampton.