Road Trips from Norwalk, IA
Norwalk makes for a great starting point if you're looking for a quick escape. You've got a handful of options that are all under an hour's drive, perfect for a day trip. Most of these are highway-focused, meaning you'll get there fast. There are also a couple of longer drives, around 2.5-3 hours, if you want to stretch your legs a bit more. Many of these routes include parks, so you can easily build in some outdoor time.
Total Routes
7
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
2
Under 2 hours
West Saint Marys, IA
22m13.6 mi one way
For a super short trip, this 13.6-mile drive to West Saint Marys, IA, is ideal. It clocks in at just 0.4 hours and has a strong drive score of 8. It's a highway-focused route and is one of the closest options available.
Urbandale, IA
21m12 mi one way
This 12-mile drive to Urbandale, IA, is a quick 0.4-hour trip. It features a mix of highway and surface streets and scores an 8 for the drive. It's one of the closest options, making it easy for a short excursion.
Indiana, IA
1h 1m47.1 mi one way
This 47.1-mile trip to Indiana, IA, is a highway-focused drive that takes about an hour. It has a drive score of 7. It's a bit longer than the drives to nearby Urbandale or West Saint Marys, offering a slightly further destination.
Des Moines, IA
22m12.1 mi one way
Heading to Des Moines, IA, covers 12.1 miles and takes only 0.4 hours. This route is characterized as a turn-heavy local drive with a drive score of 6. It's a very short distance, similar to Urbandale, but with a different driving profile.
Full-day getaway
Sioux City, IA
3h 45m202.6 mi one way
Cedar Rapids, IA
2h 40m131.9 mi one way
This longer 131.9-mile drive to Cedar Rapids, IA, will take you about 2.7 hours. It's a turn-heavy local drive with a high drive score of 8. It offers a significant distance compared to the shorter trips closer to Norwalk.
Waterloo, IA
2h 40m122.4 mi one way
The drive to Waterloo, IA, is 122.4 miles and takes approximately 2.7 hours. This route is classified as a turn-heavy local drive, boasting a drive score of 8. It's a substantial distance, comparable to the trip to Cedar Rapids.
Browse by Mood
When to Go
Spring
With parks available on many routes, spring offers opportunities for outdoor enjoyment on these drives.
Summer
The highway-focused and mixed routes provide efficient ways to reach destinations with parks during the summer.
Fall
Explore the areas around Norwalk with parks accessible on several of the listed drives.
Winter
Short highway-focused drives are available, though park access might be limited depending on conditions.
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 Norwalk, IA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.