50 Mile White Post Highway Tour

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Iowa

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 0 visitors

State: Iowa
Date Submitted: July 1, 2009
Submitted by: Brian Coppess
Motorcycle Road Length: 52 Miles

Written Directions

We knew we wanted to ride the White Pole Highway so we started our loop in Urbandale and headed west on I-80 to Adair. Start in Adair, IA. For the first attraction you need to head west out of town on G30. It's a county road that takes you to the site of the first train robbery in the West committed by Jesse James and his gang. After you've visited the site, turn around and head back into town. If you're so inclined stop over by the famous Smiley Face Water Tower for some pictures. Be sure to loop through main street. There was a pub at the end of the street with cold refreshments and a group of people friendly to motorcyclists. You might want to stop by the old newspaper building and take a picture. Head north out of town on county road N54. It leads you to F65 the White Pole Highway. Head east on F65. In Menlo you will see the Gas Station Man sign - if you pass at the right time of day he'll wave at you. We stopped in at Short's on Main Street. The locals were watching the NASCAR race. We enjoyed a refreshment and joined their conversation and reflections on the race and the veritable nerve (or lack thereof) of the different drivers. Similar adventures awaited us on down the road traveling east on the White Pole Highway. The route through Stuart, Dexter, north to Redfield and east to Adel is a step back in time on a comfortable two lane road. If you grew up in a small Iowa town, you'll relive the pride each community has in its own history and uniqueness. If you have not experienced small town living, make sure you initiate a conversation with the local residents. You'll find friendliness you didn't know existed, and you'll get a sense of what community caring is all about.

Scenery

The White Pole Highway reveals plenty of beautiful Iowa Countryside. You'll see corn, beans, and rolling hills of Iowa pasture land.

Road Quality

The road is good. There is occasional construction, but the ride is generally very smooth. There are some twists and turns and some hills. It is a pleasing ride.

Roadside Amenities

Small towns are spaced every 6-8 miles along the road. There are the typical convenience shops in each town. You'll want to leave the road to cruise the local main street of each town to capture the essence of small town Iowa. Note: more roadside amenities are suggested below in the written directions text.