Why all these maps?

Liz merely wants you to be aware that only a few roads in Iowa go on the diagonal–therefore, there are many alternate routes possible.  It is pretty easy to get oriented in Iowa, so it is possibly worth the trouble to look at an actual map instead of just following directions off of mapquest. At the same time, the Joneses travel these roads frequently and have developed preferences.

Along those lines, if you’re coming from Minneapolis, taking the Highway 86 exit off of I-90 instead of the Highway 71 exit is actually much faster.  Plus it takes you by the wedding site.

On the other hand, it’s arguably more scenic on 71 because you pass several lakes and the river town of Jackson, MN.

Groomsman & Brother-of-the-Bride Will Jones explains how to get to Spencer from Des Moines

Start out on I-35 North.

(As you go North, take a moment to notice Ames, IA, home of the Iowa State Cyclones, alma mater of Liz’s parents, sister, brother, brother-in-law, and countless cousins, aunts, and uncles.)

Take Highway 20 West.

In Fort Dodge, turn north on Highway 169.

Take county road C49 West to avoid towns (and therefore stop signs).

Turn north on Highway 71.

However, Liz says, if you can stand going through a couple of tiny towns, taking Highway 3 instead of C49 would be her preference. There’s a great surprise in Pocahontas–a statue so magnificent, Liz has a poem about it.  Midwestern art at its finest. And you can see it all without even stopping your car.

Jonesworth Wedding Map

Here’s a copy of an actual road map (not mapquest) with some important locations marked. You can print this out; also look for the Iowa Welcome Centers which will give you free maps of the WHOLE STATE!!! (And free popcorn at select locations.) Download the PDF here.

Google Maps — Jonesworth Wedding

I just had to repost this map in the general section (it is also under Travel to Iowa) because I think that it is so cool. Liz, you totally rock.

Jonesworth Google Map