Road Trips from Bettendorf, IA
Hey there! If you're in Bettendorf and looking to get out for a bit, you've got options ranging from quick hops to longer hauls. There are several routes that keep you on mostly highway for a swift drive, perfect for a day trip. For those who prefer a bit more scenery, some picks offer mixed highway and surface roads with mostly flat terrain. If finding green space is a priority, several destinations include parks, making them good for stretching your legs on a longer drive.
Total Routes
11
Shortest
1.4h
With Parks Nearby
1
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Iowa Falls, IA
3h 42m191.6 mi one way
With a drive score of 10, this 3.7-hour, 191.6-mile trip offers a mix of highway and surface roads. The terrain is mostly flat, and it includes parks, making it a solid choice if you want a longer drive with some green space. It's more scenic than the pure highway options.
Indianola, IA
3h 34m186.1 mi one way
This 3.6-hour, 186.1-mile route is primarily highway, scoring an 8 for the drive. It features mostly flat terrain and includes parks. If you're looking for a longer day trip with the potential for park visits, this is a good option, offering more than just the quickest highway routes.
Pleasant Hill, IA
3h 11m167.7 mi one way
Weekend trip
7 total in this range
Spencer, IA
6h 32m330.4 mi one way
At 6.5 hours and 330.4 miles, this is one of your longest drives, with a perfect drive score of 10. The route mixes highway and surface roads across mostly flat terrain and includes parks. It’s a significant haul, ideal if you're planning a longer excursion and want a high-quality drive experience.
Mason City, IA
4h 18m220.9 mi one way
Osceola County, IA
7h 26m370.1 mi one way
This 7.4-hour, 370.1-mile trip is your longest option, featuring mostly surface roads and a drive score of 9. The terrain is gently rolling, and parks are available. If you're aiming for the furthest destination with a more varied drive, this is the one.
Creston, IA
4h 47m250.6 mi one way
This 4.8-hour, 250.6-mile drive scores an 8 and sticks mostly to the highway. The terrain is mostly flat, and parks are available along the way. It’s a good middle-ground option for a longer day trip or an overnight, offering parks without the longest drive times.
Atlantic, IA
4h 43m252.2 mi one way
A 4.7-hour, 252.2-mile trip with a drive score of 8. This route is mostly highway with mostly flat terrain and parks nearby. It’s similar in length to Creston but might offer a slightly different highway experience.
Browse by Mood
Spencer, IA
6h 32m330.4 mi one way
Iowa Falls, IA
3h 42m191.6 mi one way
Mason City, IA
4h 18m220.9 mi one way
Osceola County, IA
7h 26m370.1 mi one way
Spencer, IA
6h 32m330.4 mi one way
Mason City, IA
4h 18m220.9 mi one way
Osceola County, IA
7h 26m370.1 mi one way
Atlantic, IA
4h 43m252.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat terrain and parks available on several routes, spring offers good opportunities for day trips with potential for outdoor stops.
Summer
The longer drives, some with mixed terrain, are well-suited for summer exploration. Parks are a feature on many of these routes.
Fall
The mostly flat and gently rolling terrain on these routes should be pleasant for fall drives, especially those including parks.
Winter
Given the mostly highway options and flat terrain, winter drives are feasible, though park access might be limited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Bettendorf, IA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.