When traveling through Iowa, the first thing you notice is how 'quiet' it is. As seen in the above photo, tranquility is part of daily life.

Thus, the roads here are among the quietest in the United States. Once you leave the urban areas like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, you are greeted by endless flat roads stretching to the horizon, often with not a single car in sight. The strange sense of liberation that comes from driving alone on the road is something that those who love driving can truly experience in Iowa.

The reason Iowa's roads are so quiet is due to its geographical characteristics. The entire state consists of gentle plains and farmland, resulting in less traffic compared to other states with large urban centers. Especially, aside from the interstate highways I-80 and I-35, most roads are two-lane country roads. After a few trucks or commuter vehicles pass by, silence returns.

The roads of Iowa are part of the changing scenery with the seasons. In spring, fields sprout with green shoots, while in summer, golden corn grows tall, reaching for the sky. In autumn, the leaves turn red, transforming the entire road into warm colors, and in winter, the white snow blankets the land, creating a picturesque scene. This is why some people refer to Iowa as a "great state for driving."

With the windows down and the cool breeze blowing, you soon find your mind clearing as you take in the natural surroundings.

The roads here are also famous for their safety. With low traffic and well-maintained roads, the accident rate is low.

Even at night, streetlights are installed at regular intervals, and the signal system is simple, resulting in almost no driving stress. Especially, the local roads connecting rural towns are in good condition, making them popular among cyclists and motorcyclists. In fact, one of the bicycle touring routes crossing the Midwest passes through Iowa in the summer.

The driving habits of Iowans also match the quiet road atmosphere well. Everyone drives leisurely and politely. There is hardly any rushing to cut in at traffic lights, and when farm machinery slowly passes by, they simply wait. Thanks to this relaxed driving culture, travelers can drive comfortably as well. Even the highway rest areas are quiet, with just a few truck drivers enjoying coffee and taking a break.

There are plenty of places to rest. Each small town has local cafes or gas stations, making it easy to stop for a cup of coffee and enjoy the journey. College towns like Iowa City and Ames have many cozy cafes and small restaurants, while rural areas feature family-run pie shops and charming diners. When you park and step into such places, it feels like stepping into a scene from a movie.

Ultimately, there is no need to rush on Iowa's roads, and there is no need to feel anxious. On the quiet roads that weave between cornfields, it seems like a continuous series of moments where you can set aside time and speed and truly feel at ease. In fact, that is the charm of Iowa.