Hiawatha Pioneer Trail

In the 1960's, tourism became of great interest to the Amana Colonies.The American Petroleum Institute helped get conversations going in Iowa to promote tourism through tourists trails. Born was the Hiawatha Trail, which wound through 2,000 miles of road and four states, including its highlight, Amana Colonies. Harold Hughs, former Iowa governor then, announced the trails ideas, plan, and execution. This also led to a Travel Council in 1963. By 2008 the trail was no longer supported by the four states it passed through so the DOT abandoned the trail and signs removed in 2008. It is now
"Iowa Valley Scenic Byways".