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    Eastbound I-80 Cedar County Rest Area #3

    4.7 (9 reviews)
    InexpensiveRest Stops

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    https://youtu.be/hqpUA_XNxK0
    John T.

    This is one of a new generation Iowa rest area. This Eastbound rest area was Completed in December 22, 2002 on I-80 at mile post 270. This rest area tells the story of the Underground Railroad in Cedar County. Several people came together of different races helped to free the slaves of different races. Many felt it was their moral obligation to help slaves escape. They made secret hiding places in homes, barns, inns and offices. Part of the rail was "shipping slaves disguised as sacks of potatoes or other kinds of freight to Chicago." Let's go over some terms People who helped slaves find the railroad were "agents" or "shepherds" in some cases The Guides were known as "conductors" Hiding places were "stations" or "way stations" "Station masters" hid slaves in their homes, barns, inns and offices Escaped slaves were referred to as "passengers" or "cargo" Financial benefactors of the Railroad were known as "stockholders" The Railroad was often known as the "freedom train" or "Gospel train", The Big Dipper was known as the drinkin' gourd This rest area goes into the importance of Quilts of the Underground Railroad, and has them displayed all over the rest area. This was the Communication to the runaway slaves to find the next person that would help. These patterns and symbols that where made into Quaker quilts, have been shared across many cultures and remain a lasting tradition. We are going to go over the guide that is offered to their translation and understanding. Monkey Wrench: Get ready. Gather the tools you'll need for your journey and the necessary skills. A person or group, beyond suspicion, that would help organize the trip Wagon Wheel/Carpenter's Wheel: Pack provisions begin as in packing a wagon The wheel-"By the Grace of God Bear's Paw: Follow the trail of a bear through the mountains were food is available, A real trail. Crossroads: A safe terminal, often the destination of Cleveland, Ohio. Log Cabin: - An arrival. Stay where you are, find shelter, dig in. Shoofly: A liaison. A person who might ade in the flight. Bow Tie: (Hourglass)-To form relationship with someone who would help. The time to meet someone. Time to change one's clothes to "fancy ware". Flying Geese: Depart with the spring migration of geese for the north. Follow the geese along waterways. Drunkards Path: Zig Zag Don't move in a straight line. Star Evening Star/North Star: Let the North Star and other constellations be your compass. The North Star hung above Canada Nine Patch: -The colors of different crops, a plantation map Jacob's Ladder - The route north (up) to freedom , transcendence. Thank-you for all your comments and viewing the video. I have other videos I would like you to view.

    Does it resemble a railroad station to you? It should!
    Jerry M.

    I admit it, the first time I stopped here and didn't read any of the interpretive signage, I thought the theme of this rest area was railroads and quilting in Iowa. It was the second time I stopped here that I read the interpretive signage and learned how wrong I was. This is another of Iowa's uniquely themed rest areas, this one features the history of the Underground Railroad in Iowa. Iowa had an active role in the abolition movement, especially in Cedar County. With Terra Cotta, ceramic tile murals, steel stampings and floor murals, the story of Iowa's role in the Underground Railroad is shown here. The Underground Railroad operated between about 1830 and the Civil War, and at least 100 people in Iowa are known to have participated in one way or another. People who provided safe houses and relief were known as "station masters" and those who showed the way were called "conductors" while escaped slaves were called "passengers." Iowa was the westernmost pathway for runaway slaves, mostly from Missouri, to reach safety in Canada. The pathways were so well documented, with markings hidden in plain sight, that it seemed like runaways were on a fast moving train. Many of the messages were coded as symbols, sewn into quilt squares, in plain view on clotheslines. Routes were mapped into the quilts using special stitches and knots. Many of the symbols are documented in the building and the picnic shelters. Terra Cotta panels on the building and around the property contain images of the history. One panel, and in the floor mural inside, mention the Coppoc Brothers. They were Quakers who abhorred slavery, and went against their religion to fight with John Brown in Kansas and in the famous raid on Harper's Ferry. On the southwest edge of the property is a steel panel, cutout with a lantern and the word "Tabor." It represents the town of Tabor, in far southwestern Iowa, a significant station on the Underground Railroad. Tabor is located in Fremont and Mills Counties, and was the first stop for passengers on their way north from Missouri. The history of Tabor is fascinating in itself. The decor of the rest area is themed around railroading, with tracks in the sidewalk and light fixtures that resemble lanterns. There are ceramic tile murals in the restroom vestibules. Outside the ladies room is a quilt with secret message squares. Outside the mens room is a locomotive that honors the "station master" in Mechanicsville, who was known for "shipping" passengers on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, masquerading as bags of potatoes or other "freight." Like other rest areas in Iowa, everywhere you turn, history abounds. Stop in, rest awhile, and explore another interesting chapter in Iowa history.

    Well lit at night! Very clean and such a joy to stop by!

    Amazing rest area. One of the best ones we've ever seen in country (and we travel a lot). Very clean, very well lit, worker on duty, Wi-Fi (free!!), vending machines, info and maps, automatic doors, phone (on the wall) and many more! We are surprised to see such upscale amenities in such state as Iowa, but they are one of the best one we have ever seen. A+

    Rest stop, I-80 Cedar County, Iowa, USA, Nov. 2015

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    Westbound I-80 Tiffin Rest Area #10

    Westbound I-80 Tiffin Rest Area #10

    (8 reviews)

    $

    This is one of the cleanest rest stops I've ever been to! We're on the road a lot because we have…read morefamily and friends that live all over the country so finding nice rest stops along the way are our little wins. The bathroom is so well kept and huge. There's also a bunch of places to hangout outside under large trees if you want the shade. From covered picnic tables to places specially for your pets, this rest stop has a little bit of everything for everyone. There was someone even in a hammock just chillin' between two trees, perfectly unbothered. There was plenty of parking both for cars and trucks. There were also a ton of maps both state and local as well as various guides for food, attractions, and entertainment. We'll definitely be keeping this location in mind the next time we're heading to Iowa or on the same route.

    This is one of a new generation Iowa rest area. This Westbound rest area was Completed in January…read more2001 on I-80 at mile post 240. With the home of the ACT organization located in Johnson County, and with Iowa students scoring among the highest in the country on the most common entrance exams to college. Education theme was a perfect fit for this rest area. They have larger picnic shelters that have features similar to an old school house. As you can see the foundation is building blocks with pictures on them. The 2nd roof looks like it could house the school bell. Stacks of books with history of trucking, Iowa Artists, and others look like pillars that support the front of the rest area. You can see they have a masonry leage that goes around the building to look like one long book shelve, with books sitting on it. With there bindings showing classic literary works, and other great books. Every where you look you have planters and lighting features that look like oversize children's building blocks. Inside there is also some art work inside that you can view. Another important story is the Amana Colonies that settled in this area. They had a unique brotherhood was founded in Germany. Oppressive government at the time forced them to seek a new home in this great land of America. Around 1,500 people lived in 7 villages and owning 25,000 acres in Iowa. They have a great story to tell but will save that for another video. They had a huge impact on Iowa, and we all could learn a few things. It might be the smartest county in Iowa since it has the University of Iowa in it. It also held the first territorial capitol of the state located in Iowa City on the grounds of the University. This rest area has a little trail that has various grasses and wildflowers that are native to the prairies. 3 boy Scouts panned and planted this area so you could see what the early settlers seen when they crossed the prairies of Iowa. Some of the other rest area videos will talk about a little about some of the travelers, that has crossed by them over the years. Thank-you for all your comments and viewing the video. I have other videos I would like you to view.

    Iowa 80 Truckstop

    Iowa 80 Truckstop

    (275 reviews)

    $$

    Stopped here on a road trip and was genuinely impressed. This has to be one of the nicest truck…read morestops I've ever visited. Everything was clean, well maintained, and there was plenty of parking available. What really sets this place apart is how much it offers. There are countless food options, a large gas station, and even amenities you wouldn't expect like a chiropractor, dentist, movie theater, and museum. It truly feels like a one stop destination where you can take care of just about anything while traveling. Whether you're driving across the country or just passing through, this is a fantastic place to stop, refuel, grab a meal, and take a break. Highly recommend!

    This truck stop lives up to its billing of being the World's Largest Truck Stop. This place is huge…read moreand amazing. You can get gas here. Then inside is like a mini-mall. They have a food court with a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut Express, all with seating. They also have a truck parts store, tourist souvenirs, convenience store items, clothes, and custom truck parts. The place was really clean, especially considering how many people go through there. You will find an actual tractor-trailer truck in the auto parts section of the truck stop. There are a lot of photo ops here at the truck stop, including the tractor-trailers and other vehicles inside, and murals and antique gas pumps outside. There is also a truck museum across the parking lot that is free to visit, but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I came here on a Monday, so of course it was closed. If you are coming into or leaving Iowa, this is a must-stop. This place is amazing and has just about everything. The staff there was very friendly too. I am glad I made the stop here, and I did not even need gas.

    Long Hollow Scenic Overlook

    Long Hollow Scenic Overlook

    (4 reviews)

    This overlook buries the lede: It's not just, or primarily, a scenic overlook, but a large rest…read morearea. That was unexpected! Honestly it's really weird highway marketing. The "scenic outlook" part of it is the drive from the freeway to the rest area. And it is a beautiful vista to be sure, but... there's not really any place to pull aside and look at it. When I've encountered scenic overlooks in Oregon, or when I was in North Carolina near the Blue Ridge Mountains, there was a part of the road set aside with the explicit purpose of folks pulling over to look. Here, you can look as you're driving along but once you get to the parking you can't see anything. There are nearly a dozen picnic tables scattered about the place, some more secluded than others. There's also a garden, which has a couple of bench swings to sit and enjoy the surroundings a bit.

    Long Hollow Scenic Overlook is both overlook and rest stop…read more For the rest stop, they have bathrooms, plenty of parking, picnic areas, and scenic places to sit outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and reprieve from the road. They even have bench swings to leisure on. The scenic overlook is best accessed close to the entry. It offers a stunning view of rolling hills and tree dotted farmlands. It is seriously stunning and serene. We spent longer than we thought we might, simply gazing at the landscape, listening to the birds, and breathing in the fresh, country air. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the area. Get to it!

    Eastbound I-80 Cedar County Rest Area #3 - reststops - Updated July 2026

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