Sean Dengler

Traveling on roads is what most do in life. While many roads to travel on exist in Tama County, only a few can be the best. Although Tama County has many wonderful county roads to travel, this power ranking sticks to only state and U.S. highways. Time to put the list in gear, so let us get started.

#5 – Highway 96

Only running through one town and ending in 63 makes for not an overly exciting road in Tama County. With some curves to it, though it mostly runs east and west, it’s easy to travel. However, considering it is also one of the shorter highways in Tama County, it does not have as much to offer.

# 4 – Highway 8

8 is a short highway with one bend in the road, giving it slight character. Most may think 96 would be a better road, but this is not the case. Throughout my life, I have frequently traveled on 8. This mostly flat road, leaving little to guess about what is coming next, has taken me to many places.

#3 – Highway 21

8’s buddy for a few miles, 21 has a few elevation changes and different topography to provide flavors. Unfortunately, there are only two built-in turns, a straight shot down the county line. It feels too good for Tama County as it straddles the Benton County line. It is one of the longer routes in Tama County, but it is not the best for this list.

#2 – Highway 30

This national road stretches from the east coast to the west coast, and it passes through the hilly southern Tama County, providing those who know northern Tama County well to wonder if they are still in Tama County. 30 also carries history with it as much of the historic

Lincoln Highway became part of it. While, unfortunately, it has been separated from towns as it went to our lanes, it does allow one to never be stuck behind a slow car.

#1 – Highway 63

63 is a perfect road. It changes directions from north to south, east to west. It runs the entire county with elevation changes throughout. Traveling from one end to the other on 63 in Tama County provides a good overview of Tama County. It also meets up with 30, provided the only interchange in Tama County.

Stretching across the county, these roads are driven often. They have led to Tama County’s success. While the county roads are fun to travel, these highways are always nice to drive on. It is time to get behind the wheel and enjoy the open road.