Exploring Historic Route 20

05/29/2026

The eastern end of Route 20

The Citgo sign is on the move

05/26/2026

📍 Parkersburg, Iowa: A Historic Stop on Old Highway 20 & a Story of True Resilience 🌾

Did you know that charming Parkersburg, Iowa sits right along the original alignment of U.S. Highway 20? Before the modern four-lane bypass, travelers on the historic route would roll through town via what is now Iowa Highway 57 and Iowa 14. Back in the early days of cross-country road trips, this was classic small-town America—complete with local diners, grain elevators, and that genuine Midwest welcome. 

Settlers first arrived around 1857, building log cabins and putting down roots in Butler County. The town grew with the railroads and became a proud farming community along the old highway. 

Then came May 25, 2008—a day that tested Parkersburg like never before. An EF5 tornado, nearly a mile wide with winds up to 205 mph, carved a devastating 43-mile path through the town. It destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, leveled the high school, and claimed nine lives. The destruction was almost unimaginable. 

But here’s what truly defines Parkersburg: its unbreakable spirit.
In the days and weeks after, neighbors helped neighbors. Over 1,000 first responders and volunteers poured in from across Iowa and beyond. The community rallied, rebuilt stronger than before—with hundreds of new homes (many featuring safe rooms), a brand-new high school, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, the population has grown, the town thrives, and those scars serve as a testament to resilience. 

Parkersburg proves that even after the worst storm, small towns on old Highway 20 can rise again—stronger, tighter-knit, and full of hope.

05/25/2026

Did you know the official birthplace of Memorial Day was almost lost to a simple newspaper typo?
In 1883, a Seneca County paper mistakenly claimed Waterloo, NY had been holding Decoration Day ceremonies since 1866 (based on a math error from a Syracuse article). A correction followed quickly, confirming the first village-wide observance was actually in 1868.
But that early typo didn’t change Waterloo’s remarkable truth: since 1868, they’ve held a continuous, solemn, community-wide tradition every year — businesses closed, flags at half-staff, and the entire village turning out to honor fallen Civil War soldiers.
In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson officially recognized Waterloo, NY as the birthplace of Memorial Day, a designation it still holds today.
While other towns have strong claims to early observances, Waterloo’s consistent, organized tradition earned it the federal honor. 🇺🇸
This Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifice — and the small village that never forgot.

05/23/2026

Here is a quick itinerary to plan for 14 days on Route 20. Use this as a guide when making plans. We suggest beginning your morning at 8am and ending by 6pm. More to come!!

05/22/2026

A few tips on driving Historic Route 20

05/21/2026

This handmade directional sign once stood on an old tree along Route 20 in Northborough, MA

Where is your destination?

05/19/2026

The rolling hills of western Iowa are dissected by road cuts like this one where historic Route 20 heads west between Correctionville and Moville.

05/17/2026

Thermopolois, Wyoming

05/13/2026

Discover Winnebago County, Illinois along Historic US Route 20! 🇺🇸

Cruising through northern Illinois on the General Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Highway (US 20), you’ll roll into Winnebago County — home to Rockford, vibrant small towns, and a rich tapestry of American history. 

A Quick History Hit:
• Named after the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) people whose ancestral lands this was.
• Settled in the 1830s after the Black Hawk War opened the region to pioneers. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile Rock River valley. 
• Rockford grew rapidly as a manufacturing hub — earning the nickname “Forest City” — and became a key stop on the westward expansion routes.
• US 20 itself tells the story of 20th-century America: designated in 1926, it carried travelers, goods, and dreams across the Midwest. In Illinois, it’s proudly the Grant Highway, honoring the Civil War general and president.

Today, drive through bustling Rockford with its museums (hello, sock monkeys & Rockford Peaches legacy!), charming Cherry Valley, and the village of Winnebago. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, exploring historic sites, or just enjoying the open road, this stretch of US 20 blends small-town charm with big Midwest heart.

Who else loves a good road trip on Historic Route 20? Drop your favorite stop in Winnebago County below! 👇

05/12/2026

Something exciting is coming to the riverfront. ✨

We’re kicking off the Light the Dam fundraiser to help transform one of Independence’s most iconic views into a nighttime landmark our whole community can be proud of.

This project is about more than lights. It’s about community pride, tourism, downtown energy, and creating something memorable for generations to come.

Every donation, sponsorship, and share helps bring the vision to life.

💡 Join us in lighting up the Wapsi.

https://www.cfneia.org/donations/light-the-dam-fund/