Written Directions
This trip starts in Des Moines, Iowa at the intersections of SW 63rd St/IA-28 South & Army Post Rd.
1. Head southeast on IA-28 S for 11.5 mi
2. Turn right onto IA-92 W for 17.3 mi
3. Turn right to stay on IA-92 W for 51.1 mi
4. Turn left onto IA-92 W/US-71 S/630th St/U.S. Rte 71 S for 2.0 mi
5. Turn right onto IA-92 W/Tucson Rd
Continue to follow IA-92 W for 44.6 mi
6. Continue onto E South Omaha Bridge Rd for 0.5 mi
7. Continue straight onto IA-92/US-275/E Manawa Dr Continue to follow IA-92/US-275 for 0.2 mi
This trip ends in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the intersection of IA-92/US-275 & S Expressway St.
Scenery
This trip provides an excellent mix of views and experiences that are presented by the various environments along historic Highway IA-92. The first part of this trip takes IA-28 south for a short jaunt through the city of Norwalk. Then you continue south on IA-28 for a few miles until you come upon a classic little small town called Martensdale.A little past that and just as we exit Martensdale is where IA-28 ends and we begin our IA-92 stretch. After a small trek through some farm country you will pass beneath Interstate I-35 and then through the barely noticeable town of Bevington. As we continue down IA-92 we get some mostly fields views for about 13 miles until we reach the sizable town of Winterset. Continuing on IA-92 after Winterset we wrap around and the road turns into US-169 so stay on the lookout for you upcoming turn off to stay on IA-92. After the turn off and we're back on IA-92, this is where in my humble opinion the "meat" of the visual stimulus begins. You are greeted with various landscapes and spectacular horizons as you proceed down good roads that stretch out over rolling hills with a couple of gradual curves. After about 23 miles you find the great "small town" atmosphere of Greenfield. Great "small town" appearance and feel. As we continue through Greenfield we are once again presented with the excellent views and landscapes as we pass through the small town of Fontanelle that hardly hinders the solace of our visual candy. We continue on past the turn off for the town of "Bridgewater" and this is where we start a LONG, strait stretch of these various landscapes. Crops, Forests, Fields, Hills, Creeks, whatever you will, by far the most pleasant portion of the trip in my opinion. From here you will find many occasions to roll on the throttle and cruise right along. You're next quick shuffle will be upon Highway US-71 S where we will once again need to jaunt down south for a couple miles to turn back onto IA-92. And then on through the town of Griswold. About 15 miles from Griswold to Carson. Then about 10 miles from Carson to Treynor. And finally we hit the back end or our little journey. We see about 13 miles from Treynor to the end of our run. All in all a beautifully scenic run through the heart of Iowa. If you like isolated runs this is a good drive, but its equally excellent with a few riders to share it with.
Drive Enjoyment
Majority of this trip is on lightly utilized State Highways. Mostly fair condition roads. With towns that you actually pass "THROUGH" there are variations in road quality, but since your have to reduce your speed to a crawl anyway, nothing that would be considered bad. Minimum quality is Fair, and maximum quality is probably Good.
Tourism Opportunities
First you will pass through the city of Norwalk, there are a few traffic lights and some good places to "fuel up for the coming trip. Lake Colechester is right here if you have an interest in stopping by for some additional stimulus.
Next, a classic little small town called Martensdale. There is an excellent old style "sleepover" right off the highway here called the "Roadside Inn" for those looking for the quaint little weekend getaway.
Next we'll enter the sizable town of Winterset. Plenty of fuel and food in this town. Good to place to fuel up if need be. Plenty of food, and housing. Good place for a "layover".
The great "small town" atmosphere of Greenfield. There is a couple places for fuel available here and the town is decent enough size that you won't "miss" it when you blink. Great "small town" appearance and feel. Good place to stop for some grub. Greenfield Lake, Nodaway Park, & Ken Sidey Nature Area, are all available close by for those looking to take a little hiatus.
After this you'll pass by Adair Wildlife Management Area just across the highway from the Hwy 92 Wildlife Area.
You'll come upon Griswold which offers up the Nishna Valley Recreation Area and the Griswold Park which are close by.
The next point of interest would be in Treynor which presents the Treynor Recreation Area : Club House.
At which point your destination is in Council Bluffs which you will see the various amenities of Lake Manawa State and City Parks. Council Bluffs is a sizable enough city that you can find a plethora of venues to suit your tastes.
Motorcycle Road Additional info
There are a few little "hidden bonuses" sprinkled through this trip if you are adventurous and eager enough to scout them out. One such item is Lake Rose about half way between Treynor and Council Bluffs. I'll let you find the rest. ;)
Write a review