Spencer, IA Road Trips
With 3 routes heading out and 3 heading in, Spencer, IA works well as a modest departure point in the Midwest. The route mix is balanced, with options ranging from 156-mile quick runs to 274-mile cross-state drives. Most routes from Spencer, IA head east, giving the route network a clear directional lean.
Photo: Jonas Horsch
Trip Routes
6
Longest Drive
330.4 mi
Bettendorf, IA
Quickest Drive
2h 9m
Sioux City, IA
Plan Around Spencer, IA
Popular Incoming Routes
Useful if Spencer, IA is the arrival point and you want the strongest routes into the city first.
Continue From Spencer, IA
Good next legs if this city is only one stop in a longer road trip.
Trips from Spencer, IA
Driving from Spencer, IA
On average, trips departing from Spencer, IA run 225 miles with a drive time of roughly 4h 41m. This is long-haul territory. Most routes stretch past the 250-mile mark, so pack snacks and plan fuel stops. The longest mapped route runs 274 miles (5h 30m), while the shortest is just 156 miles.
Popular Destinations
Drivers leaving Spencer, IA most often head toward Iowa City, IA (273.5 mi, 5h 30m), Marion, IA (246.5 mi, 4h 58m), and Council Bluffs, IA (155.7 mi, 3h 34m). Most destinations stay within the same state, perfect for exploring the local region thoroughly.
Planning & Costs
Regular gas in IA currently averages around $3.91 per gallon. For the typical 225-mile trip from Spencer, IA, budget about $35 in fuel one way, assuming 25 MPG. Longer hauls and premium fuel will cost proportionally more.
Most trips take a half-day, so a morning start gets you there in time for lunch or an afternoon of exploring. Routes tend to go east, so afternoon departures put the sun at your back on the return leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 3 mapped routes leaving Spencer, IA and 3 routes heading into Spencer, IA, covering 6 total connections. Distances range from 156 to 274 miles.
The longest mapped route from Spencer, IA covers 274 miles and takes approximately 5h 30m. Shorter options start at just 156 miles.
The average route from Spencer, IA runs about 225 miles with a drive time of roughly 4h 41m. This includes both short day trips and longer multi-day drives.
At current gas prices (about $3.91/gallon for regular), the average 225-mile trip from Spencer, IA costs roughly $35 in fuel one way, based on 25 MPG. Your actual cost depends on your vehicle's efficiency.
The most popular road trip destinations from Spencer, IA include Iowa City, IA, Marion, IA and Council Bluffs, IA. Each route page has detailed drive times, fuel estimates, stop suggestions, and turn-by-turn directions.
Spencer, IA by the Numbers
Recent demographic snapshot from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Population
11,393
Median Income
$57,068
Median Home Value
$178,300
Median Age
41.3
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-year (public domain). See our methodology for details.
Notable People from Spencer, IA
A sampling of people born in Spencer, IA.
Vicki Myron
1947
American writer
Robin Thede
1979
American comedian and screenwriter
Landmarks & Historic Sites
Attractions and heritage-registered places located in Spencer, IA.
Clay County Courthouse
historic courthouse in Spencer, Iowa, USA
City data from Wikidata (Q1903286), available under CC0. Photos from Wikimedia Commons under their respective licenses. See our methodology for details.
Traveler Guide to Spencer, IA
Spencer is in Western Iowa. A small town with a population of roughly 11,000. It is the county seat of Clay county. It is surrounded by a large area of agricultural land. The Little Sioux River runs through the town and divides it into North and South. Spencer is home to one of the largest county fairs in the world, the Clay County Fair. Being the largest community in the area attracts many people from smaller surrounding communities for both recreation and work. Spencer was put on the map in the late 1980s, when the town library adopted an abandoned kitten and named him Dewey. Dewey became the unofficial town mascot over his 19-year lifespan. The head librarian's best-selling book, Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World offers an indelibly vivid portrait, not just of the beloved cat, but also of the town, and rural Iowa in general.
While Spencer is a small town, there are still some things to get out there and do. Inkpaduta Canoe Trail - This is a stretch of the Little Sioux River that is great for a day trip with a kayak or canoe. The lazy waters are great for beginners or a trips for the entire family. The most common starting point is just off the Grand Ave. Bridge in West Leach Park, at which there is a small ramp down to the river. There are a few things to keep in mind. In the early Spring months, the water can be quite cold. Also, you will want to make sure that there is a good and safe amount of water. Too little, and you will be dragging your boats over sandbars. Too much and the dangers increase. But overall, this is a wonderful trip for all levels of paddlers. 1 Clay County Fair, 800 W 18th St (near Highway 71 and Highway 18). This is marketed as the World's Largest County Fair. Usually from the 2nd to 3rd weekends in September, there are exhibits of all sorts, a midway with rides and games, tons of delicious (if not the most nutritious) food, and shows throughout the day and in the evenings. Groups such as Lynard Skynyrd, Leann Rimes, Weird Al Yankovic, ZZTop, Clay Aiken, and Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons have all performed at the Clay County fair. There is a large agricultural theme, but there is plenty more for those who are not interested. Tickets sold in advance throughout most of the community. Entrance price varies by age and date. (updated Apr 2020) Disc Golf Course - This disc golf course is a great way to spend some afternoon.
The best way into Spencer is by automobile. It lies on the intersection of Highway 71 and Highway 18. It is approximately 2 hours northeast of Sioux City, 3.5 hours northwest of Des Moines, or 1.5 hours southeast of Sioux Falls. 1 Spencer Municipal Airport (SPW IATA). General aviation airport. No scheduled passenger service. (updated Aug 2020)
Automobile is the most common way to get around. However, there is a large trail system for bikes and other non-motorized methods of transportation that runs through the entire city. One can also walk and see many areas of the town. There is a taxi company. If you are many in number there is the area Rides bus service which can be used to transport both groups and those with limited mobility.
Travel tips adapted from Spencer (Iowa) on Wikivoyage, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Content summarized; visit the source for the full article. See our methodology for how we use it.
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