The Iowa Department of Transportation is inviting Iowans to begin celebrating America’s upcoming semiquincentennial with a new statewide event series highlighting history along Iowa’s scenic byways. The America 250 Scenic Byways Road Trip Series kicks off on Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a special presentation exploring the historic Native American village of Iowaville.
The first program, “An Assessment of Iowaville (1765–1824),” will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Lodge in Van Buren County. The presentation will focus on Iowaville, a significant village of the Ioway (Báxoje) Tribe, and its role in Iowa’s early history.
Presenters Cindy Peterson, Research Director with the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist, and Alan Kelley, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, will share findings from a research effort supported by the State Historical Society of Iowa. Their talk will explore archaeological discoveries, artifacts, tribal stories, and the broader cultural importance of Iowaville—an Iowa site recommended for designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Additional historical tours and activities will take place throughout January 18–19 in Van Buren County, coordinated by Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development, offering visitors even more opportunities to engage with the region’s rich past.
America 250 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. More than a milestone birthday, the observance is an opportunity to reflect on the diverse people, places, and stories that shaped the nation—including those rooted in Iowa’s landscapes and communities.
Following the January kickoff, the America 250 Scenic Byways Road Trip Series will continue with monthly, free public programs through June 2026, each highlighting a different scenic byway and historical theme. Upcoming topics include Governor William Larrabee’s home at Montauk and Iowa’s connections to the Underground Railroad.
Upcoming Events Include:
- January 18, 2026 | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Lodge – Historic Hills Scenic Byway
An Assessment of Iowaville (1765–1824)
Cindy Peterson and Alan Kelley - February 28, 2026 | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Clermont Opera House – River Bluffs Scenic Byway
An Overview of Montauk (1874–1912)
Nurit Finn - March 22, 2026 | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Fort Madison Riverfront Pavilion – Great River Road National Scenic Byway
Fort Madison and the War of 1812
State Archaeologist John Doershuk
All events are free and open to the public, welcoming Iowans of all ages to learn, reflect, and celebrate the stories that define Iowa’s place in the American journey.
For more information about America 250 in Iowa and the Scenic Byways Road Trip Series, visit the official America 250 Iowa website.
