Road-Trippin' from Cedar Falls to Mingo: What You Need to Know
Roadtrips can be fun, but figuring out the best route to take can be stressful. That's where we come in! If you're heading from Cedar Falls to Mingo in Iowa, we've got you covered. Here are some tips to make your journey easy, breezy and enjoyable!
The Distance
First, let's talk about the distance. The two cities are about 98 miles apart. That may seem like a considerable distance, but it's entirely doable, no matter which route you take.
The Route Options
The fastest route: If you're in a hurry to get to your destination, taking Interstate 80 (I-80) is the best option. It's just over a two-hour drive, and the distance you'll cover is 98 miles. You'll take US-20 East, I-380 South, and then I-80 East. Most of the drive's route is on the Interstate, so you'll be able to maintain high speeds.
The scenic route: If you're not in a hurry, taking a scenic route is the best way to make the most of your drive. One option is taking IA-57. This route will add some time since it's a bit longer. You'll cover a distance of 109 miles, and the driving time will be about 2 hours and 25 minutes. However, you'll get to see some of Iowa's countryside's beauty and might even spot some specific wildlife.
The off-road route: Another option to make your trip more fun is to take the back roads. Get off the beaten path and experience the smaller towns and villages. You can take IA-14 South to the smaller towns, hop on US-30 East, and then get back on I-80 for the final stretch. This route will cover a distance of 110 miles and take about 2 hours and 45 minutes since you'll be reducing some of the high speeds stretches of the interstate.
Pit Stops Along the Way
Half of the joy of a road trip is stopping and experiencing the new places you encounter along the way. In the scenic route section, you'll already be seeing a lot of nature, which you may enjoy. But there are other places that might pique your interest:
- Rudd Rock, Floyd County: Imagine exploring nature's incredible beauty and seeing a breathtaking rock formation made by the forces of erosion. That's what you'll get to experience when you stop by Rudd Rock.
- The Grotto of the Redemption, West Bend: As you are driving on the scenic route, make sure to stop by the Grotto of the Redemption, a National Catholic shrine built by a German immigrant named Paul Dobberstein. The grotto is an incredibly intricate series of nine separate chapels containing multiple large sculptures and several tiny ones in nooks and crannies all over the space.
- Iowa Speedway, Newton: If you want to spice up your road trip experience, taking a detour to the Iowa Speedway in Newton sounds fun. In just one hour, you could take a tour or even drive a car around the track.
Stay Safe on the Road
Of course, no matter which route you take, the most important thing to remember is to drive safely. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, and obey traffic laws. Driving can be fun, but it's essential to stay alert and focused!
No matter which route you choose, your journey from Cedar Falls to Mingo, Iowa, can be a fun and exciting adventure. Bon voyage!