Road Trips from Urbandale, IA
Planning a quick escape from Urbandale? You've got options for short, focused drives and longer hauls. There are several destinations less than an hour away, perfect for a day trip, with some offering a more winding, local feel and others sticking to highways. For a more substantial outing, consider routes around 2.5 hours that utilize more surface roads, or head out for a drive scoring an 8 or 9 on the highway-focused scale. Whether you want a brief spin or a half-day adventure, there’s a route tailored to your time.
Total Routes
14
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
3
Under 2 hours
8 total in this range
Albia, IA
1h 39m73 mi one way
This 73-mile trip to Albia is a highway-focused drive, scoring an 8. It's a good mid-range option at 1.7 hours, longer than the closest towns but shorter than many other highway routes. It has parks available nearby, offering a chance to stretch your legs.
Carlisle, IA
31m20.4 mi one way
For a very short trip, Carlisle is just 20.4 miles and a 0.5-hour drive. This route is characterized as 'Turn-heavy local drive' with a drive score of 7. It's a quick option for a brief excursion, with parks available.
Marshalltown, IA
1h 11m55 mi one way
This 55-mile route to Marshalltown takes 1.2 hours and is described as 'Mostly surface roads.' It offers a change of pace from highways and is noted for its mostly flat terrain. However, there are no parks directly associated with this destination.
Runnells, IA
41m29.3 mi one way
Runnells is a quick 29.3-mile drive, taking only 0.7 hours. This pick is labeled 'Turn-heavy local drive' with a drive score of 7. It’s a short, local option, but does not feature parks nearby.
Atlantic, IA
1h 32m78.2 mi one way
This 78.2-mile drive to Atlantic clocks in at 1.5 hours. It's primarily a highway route with a drive score of 7. This destination is a straightforward, medium-distance trip without nearby parks.
Full-day getaway
6 total in this range
Council Bluffs, IA
2h 21m124.6 mi one way
Council Bluffs is a longer, 124.6-mile drive taking 2.4 hours, rated 8 for its highway-focused profile. It’s a solid choice for a longer day trip with parks available, offering more miles than shorter trips like Carlisle or Runnells.
Burlington, IA
3h 30m176.9 mi one way
This is the longest option at 176.9 miles, requiring 3.5 hours. It's rated a 9 for its 'Mostly surface roads' profile, suggesting a more involved journey. This route is not recommended for a day trip and has no parks nearby.
Carter Lake, IA
2h 34m134.2 mi one way
Carter Lake is a 134.2-mile drive, taking 2.6 hours. This pick is mostly highway and features mostly flat terrain. It's a longer, flatter highway option, but doesn't have parks.
Osage, IA
2h 56m150.7 mi one way
At 150.7 miles and 2.9 hours, Osage is a highway-focused drive with a score of 8. It offers mostly flat terrain and is a good choice if you're looking for a longer highway excursion without parks.
Cedar Rapids, IA
2h 31m124 mi one way
Cedar Rapids is a 124-mile drive that takes 2.5 hours, using mostly surface roads and scoring an 8. This is a longer trip that avoids heavy highway use, but there are no parks noted.
Browse by Mood
Council Bluffs, IA
2h 21m124.6 mi one way
Albia, IA
1h 39m73 mi one way
Burlington, IA
3h 30m176.9 mi one way
Carter Lake, IA
2h 34m134.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With parks available on some shorter drives like Carlisle and Albia, spring offers a chance to enjoy the outdoors on these routes.
Summer
The longer highway-focused drives to Council Bluffs or Carter Lake are good options for summer, utilizing their flat terrain for extended travel.
Fall
Routes like Marshalltown and Cedar Rapids, characterized by mostly surface roads and flat terrain, could be pleasant for fall foliage viewing.
Winter
The highway-focused drives to Albia and Council Bluffs, both scoring an 8, are practical choices for winter travel due to their efficiency.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
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