Lincoln Highway I By Tim Trudell FreelanceTravel Writer Passing through 13 states and covering more than 3,000 miles, the Lincoln Highway - US Highway 30 - was the country’s first transcontinental highway. Running from New York City to San Francisco, it was a natural fit to run through America’s heartland, opening communities in Iowa and Nebraska to national travelers. In Iowa, Highway 30 traverses about 330 miles from Clinton to Missouri Valley. Along the way, you’ll find unique attractions, ranging from a Czech museum to a giant concrete garden gnome. Kick off your Iowa adventure with a stop in Clinton. The Sawmill Museum, located along the Mississippi River, provides a look into the area’s lumber history. While the lumber mills are long gone, the museum features original equipment from the Struve Mill. Unique to Clinton, climb aboard the Showboat Theatre and watch professional summer productions. The riverboat is dry docked near the levee, offering showgoers the feel of theater on the river. While Lock and Dam 13 provides interesting views year-round, it’s especially popular during winter months for eagle viewing. Cedar Rapids is home to two key ethnic museums: the National Czech and Slovak Museum -66- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ September 2024
and African American Museum of Iowa. The Czech museum features exhibits focused on culture, freedom, democracy and immigration. The African American Museum of Iowa celebrates the state’s African American history and culture. No visit to Cedar Rapids is complete without a stop at the Grant Wood Studio and Visitor Center. See the studio where the artist created Regionalist art, such as the internationally-known American Gothic farm painting. Some of his other works are also on display. Heading west on Highway 30, a visit to Ames includes a visit to Reiman Gardens on the campus of Iowa State University. After visiting the