61 Counties in 6 States

The Fourth of July weekend was going to be a long weekend for me. The fourth was on a Sunday, but my work gave us off the fifth in observance of it. So I wanted to do what I could to maximize this long weekend as I did over Memorial Day Weekend.

For my planning, I often use Bill Cook's "Optimal Tour for Extra Milers." Bill is a professor at the University of Waterloo. He has dedicated his studies to the Traveling Salesman Problem. The Traveling Salesman Problem is finding the most efficient route between multiple waypoints. It also finds a way to not pass through the same waypoint twice.

Bill figured out a way to visit every single county seat in the USA in a single trip. It is a little over 93,000 miles. I wish I could follow this route in a single trip, but I do not have the time to do this with having to work a full-time job.

With that, I can follow some of the lines he has figured out. First, I will typically find a place to start on his map and follow that line. Next, I will figure out how much time it'll take and when I need to start heading home. I can then find another somewhat close line that will take me back home.

Map of the United States displaying all county boundaries color-coded by region, showing the complete scope of the 3,143 county courthouse documentation project

As you can see by the picture, you will often zig-zag between different states. Sometimes county seats are only a few miles away from each other and are only separated by a state line. But, when you're like me and trying to visit every country in the USA, state lines no longer matter. What matters is visiting as many counties as you can.

Since the days were still long, I'm always trying to figure out how to maximize daylight. This means finding somewhere close, so I can start on Friday and get a few counties in before it gets dark. As I complete more counties, this is getting harder. For this trip, I saw that driving to Albert Lea, Minnesota (Freeborn County) was about 4.25 hours. This would still leave me 3-4 hours of daylight to explore.

I then looked at the calculated line it would take and realized that it eventually ended up in Central Iowa. This would complete the trip only a few hours away from home in Wisconsin. In addition, this trip would allow me to pick up new counties in 6 different states. These states would be Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri.

One thing I've learned from previous trips is knowing when to cut the trip short and head home. I'm often ambitious with the number of counties I want to visit. I end up planning more than I can actually visit. I'd rather have an optimal route for that than trying to figure an optimal route while on the road.

With that, my itineraries have become a bit more advanced. I used just to list the order of the counties I wanted to visit and the courthouse addresses. Lately, I've added the time to the next county, and the time it takes to get home. This allows me to do basic math in my head and know how many more counties I can pack in before I have to start heading home.

Printed spreadsheet listing county seats with courthouse addresses and driving distances between locations, used for route planning

The picture above is just the first page of my itinerary. If all goes well, I planned to visit 67 counties. So on Friday, I hit the road at precisely 1 PM when I got done with work. Of course, there were a lot of other people that had the same idea. It didn't take me long to find a traffic jam.

Interstate highway overhead sign showing westbound exits for Highway 90 to Tomah/La Crosse and Highway 94 to Eau Claire/St. Paul

I-94 between Madison and Minneapolis turns into a parking lot. Between Madison and Tomah, it runs concurrently with I-90 until it splits. I-94 will continue going towards Minneapolis, and I-90 will head towards La Crosse.

For this trip, I headed on I-90 towards La Crosse. After the split, the traffic was like night and day difference. I did not run into a traffic jam and was able to just set my cruise control and enjoy the open road.

Minnesota state welcome sign featuring the state outline and motto, visible from highway entrance

The interstate driving was easy. I made it to my first courthouse, Freeborn County, Minnesota.

Red brick Romanesque Revival courthouse with stone foundation, multiple turrets, and American flags displayed on front plaza

I would then start zig-zagging between states. My next few courthouses would be in Iowa.

Iowa state welcome sign on rural highway with agricultural fields in background

Worth County, Iowa, was the next courthouse I visited. They were really decked out for the Fourth of July. I could even hear a band playing where it appeared they had a festival going on.

Historic brick courthouse with arched entrance, flanked by rows of American flags lining the concrete walkway

Next was Cerro Gordo County, Iowa.

Modern three-story county government building with large tree in foreground, photographed at dusk

Then was Hancock County, Iowa.

Romanesque courthouse with tan brick facade, featuring prominent arched entrance and symmetrical design

On my way to Winnebago County, Iowa, I saw a farmer that had a huge hay stockpile.

Agricultural landscape along highway showing large round hay bales wrapped in white plastic beside the road

The courthouse was pretty nice too.

Tall courthouse clock tower with Romanesque arched windows, photographed at sunset with tree shadows visible

I was soon back in Minnesota to visit Faribault County.

Red brick courthouse with prominent clock tower, Romanesque architecture, and stone foundation base

By this time, I could tell the daylight hours were starting to get limited. It did make for a pretty drive.

Rural highway at sunset with orange and pink sky gradient, view from driver's perspective

I still had some daylight for Martin County, Minnesota. It appears this courthouse was getting a facelift.

Neoclassical courthouse with center clock tower currently under renovation, covered in protective scaffolding and white sheeting

It was time for me to find a place to sleep. I found this boat launch on Long Lake near St. James. I got a good night's sleep, and there was a nice sunrise in the morning.

Peaceful lake view with wooden dock extending into calm water, photographed during golden hour

Lake or river shore with boats moored near wooded area, captured during sunset with pink sky reflection

The first courthouse of the day would be Watonwan County, Minnesota.

Pottawattamie County Court House with prominent square tower, Romanesque design elements, and turret feature

Traveling in the morning is often pleasant. The roads are often nice and wide open.

Rural interstate highway view with blue exit sign visible ahead, flat agricultural terrain on both sides

My second county was Cottonwood County, Minnesota.

Neoclassical courthouse featuring grand columned portico, ornate dome with cupola, and red sandstone construction

My last Minnesota county of the trip would be Jackson County. This county was also getting a facelift.

Neoclassical courthouse with prominent columned portico and central tower currently under renovation with extensive scaffolding

I was soon in Iowa and at Emmet County.

Modern courthouse annex featuring brutalist concrete vertical columns alongside tan brick wing

Next was Dickinson County, Iowa. This courthouse had an interesting shape to it.

Contemporary Dickinson County Courthouse with red brick construction, central clock tower, and large arched glass entrance

Soon I was in Clay County, Iowa.

Red brick Romanesque courthouse with ornate domed clock tower, classical columned portico, and American flags displayed on front lawn

Followed by O'Brien County, Iowa.

Art Deco courthouse with cream-colored facade, decorative cornice details, and symmetrical window arrangement

Between courthouses, you often travel in remote areas. So while I don't think I'd drive down one of these roads in a snowstorm, it was good to have an extra warning.

Rural dirt road through agricultural fields with wind turbines visible on horizon and yellow 'Snow Removal On This Road Lower Priority' warning sign

After driving in some remote areas, I was in Sioux County, Iowa.

Romanesque Revival courthouse featuring tall red brick tower with pointed spire, decorative stonework, and multiple arched windows

Then was Plymouth County, Iowa.

Red sandstone courthouse with neoclassical columned portico, rounded dome with clock face, and professionally maintained landscaping

Followed by Woodbury County, Iowa.

Art Deco courthouse with tall central tower, buff brick construction, and biblical inscription carved into facade

The interesting thing is the Sioux City city hall also looked like a courthouse.

Romanesque stone courthouse with prominent clock tower heavily surrounded by mature trees on urban street setting

Now it was time to do some zig-zagging between states again. So I zigged to Dakota County, Nebraska (my first Nebraska County).

Nebraska state welcome sign mounted on interstate highway overhead gantry structure

Dakota County Courthouse, two-story neoclassical building with cream stucco exterior and symmetrical window placement

I then zagged to Union County, South Dakota (my first South Dakota County)

Rural divided highway stretching into distance with speed limit sign visible, agricultural fields on both sides

Single-story modern county government building with tan metal siding, flat roof, and flagpole displaying American flag

I stayed in South Dakota and made it to Clay County.

Red brick Romanesque courthouse with ornate domed clock tower, classical columned portico, and American flags on lawn

I found a cool park with an awesome view along the way in South Dakota before I zigged back into Nebraska.

Scenic hillside overlook with wooden bench positioned under shade tree, expansive valley view in distance

Elevated panoramic vista across heavily forested valley with small settlement visible on far horizon

Nebraska state welcome sign on two-lane rural highway bordered by dense woodland on both sides

I then made it to Dixon County, Nebraska.

Modern three-story courthouse with brown brick exterior, white architectural trim, oversized windows, and American flag

On my drive, I started running into construction. I guess that's better than the minimally maintained roads.

Deteriorating dirt road cutting through agricultural fields with weathered yellow 'Minimum Maintenance' road sign

The construction slowed me down a bit, but I was soon in Wayne County, Nebraska.

Romanesque Revival red brick courthouse with imposing square tower featuring decorative crenellations and corner turrets

Up next was Pierce County, Nebraska.

Modern single-story county government building with brown brick exterior and decorative brick plaza paving in foreground

Madison County, Nebraska's courthouse was on the outskirts of town. It was a quiet place with cornfields around it.

On the way to Stanton County, there were nice rolling hills.

Straight rural highway stretching to horizon through Nebraska prairie with Route 57 sign visible roadside

The drive through the rolling hills was nice, and I was soon at Stanton County, Nebraska's courthouse.

Modern single-story county building with limestone-colored stone facade and expansive paved parking area

It didn't take long, and I was in Cuming County, Nebraska.

Mid-century modern courthouse featuring horizontal window bands, projecting canopy entrance, and pink-gray concrete panel construction

Then was Thurston County, Nebraska.

Red brick courthouse with distinctive octagonal tower, white-painted foundation level, and mature shade trees throughout grounds

On the drive to Monona County, I found a nice scenic overlook. I could see the Missouri River and Iowa off in the distance. I would soon be zigging back into Iowa for a county.

Covered scenic overlook pavilion with mounted interpretive signage, commanding view of river valley below

Sweeping elevated panorama across agricultural floodplain with winding river cutting through green valley

That Iowa county was Monona County.

Historic red brick Romanesque courthouse with corner tower and arched windows, connected to modern single-story brick annex

I then zagged back into Nebraska to visit Burt County.

Neoclassical courthouse with elaborate cornice molding and decorative stonework, American flags prominently displayed along entrance walkway

Next up was Washington County, Nebraska.

View showing historic courthouse clock tower rising behind contemporary one-story government addition building

Then was Dodge County, Nebraska.

Beaux-Arts courthouse with white painted exterior, ornate window pediments, and classical architectural detailing photographed at twilight

Soon after was Saunders County, Nebraska.

Monumental neoclassical courthouse with gray limestone construction and central clock tower topped with octagonal dome, captured at dusk

My next county would be Lancaster County in Lincoln, Nebraska. I knew I wouldn't be able to get there before it was dark, so I looked for a place to sleep. I knew there were some rest stops along the area on the interstate, so I found one and made it my home for the night.

Nighttime view of silver sedan parked on residential concrete driveway with darkened wooded area beyond

In the morning, I made it into Lincoln and first visited the Nebraska State Capitol Building.

Nebraska State Capitol illuminated at dusk, showcasing iconic Art Deco tower rising from horizontal limestone base structure

I then made it to Lancaster County, Nebraska courthouse, which was huge.

Expansive modern government complex with white panel exterior photographed during golden hour with mature street trees lining roadway

I spotted something a little out of the ordinary for 6 AM on my way to Seward county. There was a really cool decked-out car on the interstate! I thought it was early for a cruise, but we coincidentally ended up at the same location. There was a big festival in Seward, and he was there early for the car show.

Classic red and white vintage automobile decorated with University of Nebraska branding traveling interstate highway at sunset

Downtown street festival setup with white vendor tents arranged in town square, historic commercial buildings forming backdrop

Detail view of customized 1950s sedan featuring Nebraska Cornhuskers themed red and white paint scheme with chrome trim and whitewall tires

It was more difficult getting a picture of the Seward County, Nebraska courthouse. The lawn had many tents set up, so finding the best spot was a bit of a challenge.

Classical Revival courthouse with golden dome and cream-colored facade photographed at golden hour, with festival vendor tents arranged on front lawn

After getting away from the crowd setting up, I made it to Butler County, Nebraska.

Butler County Justice Center, modern single-story facility with dark brown brick exterior and expansive concrete plaza

Next up was Colfax County, Nebraska.

Art Deco courthouse with tan brick construction, elaborate decorative cornice, and vertically-emphasized architectural elements

Then came Platte County, Nebraska.

Classical white limestone courthouse with prominent roofline inscription paired with contrasting modern tan brick annex wing

Soon after was Polk County, Nebraska.

Neoclassical courthouse featuring ornate terra cotta cornice detailing, decorative roofline balustrade, and symmetrical three-story design

Later was York County, Nebraska.

1970s-era York County Courthouse with brown brick construction, angular modern design, and recessed entrance plaza

Fillmore County, Nebraska, was very majestic.

Romanesque Revival courthouse with prominent red brick clock tower, multiple conical-roofed turrets, and limestone foundation with memorial plantings

Soon was Saline County, Nebraska.

Classical Revival Antelope County courthouse constructed of white limestone blocks with Art Deco stepped massing and corner pilasters

Then came Gage County, Nebraska. They were doing some sort of work on it, but not sure what it was.

Romanesque gray limestone courthouse with elaborate clock tower, multiple dormers, and orange maintenance lift positioned near facade

Jefferson County, Nebraska, was up next.

Victorian Second Empire courthouse featuring elaborate central golden dome, ornate gabled pavilions, and decorative carved stonework

Thayer County was the last county in Nebraska for a bit.

Massive Romanesque courthouse with rusticated gray limestone construction, round corner turrets, and deeply recessed arched entrance

I was soon in Kansas!

Kansas state welcome sign on interstate highway with dramatic cumulus cloud formations overhead and prairie grassland surroundings

As I wrote earlier, I just follow the most efficient route that has already been calculated. I try to cover as much ground as I can, so that's why I don't often have much between each courthouse. I did find a pleasant surprise at my first county in Kansas, though.

The optimal route brought me to Republic County, which is located in Belleville. I loved this coincidence because I live in Belleville, Wisconsin!

Large-scale 'Belleville Kansas' mural painted on historic brick commercial building featuring American bison and state map imagery

The Republic County, Kansas, was also pretty cool!

Republic County Courthouse, Art Deco structure with pure white exterior, vertical window groupings, and rows of American flags along entrance

Next was Cloud County, Kansas.

Brutalist mid-century courthouse with poured concrete panels, asymmetric massing, and sculptural modernist forms set on expansive lawn

I got to enjoy some rolling hills as I made it to Clay County.

Perfectly straight rural Kansas highway stretching to vanishing point through open prairie under billowing white clouds

I was soon at Clay County, Kansas.

Classical limestone courthouse with central clock tower completely framed by dense mature tree canopy creating dappled shadows

Washington County, Kansas, was soon up.

Washington County Courthouse, Art Deco design with vertical concrete fluting, stepped roofline, and manicured evergreen landscaping

Then I made it to Marshall County, Kansas. The modern courthouse was next to the old courthouse, which had since been turned into a museum.

Historic red brick Romanesque clock tower rising behind contemporary single-story brown brick government annex building

Next up was Nemaha County, Kansas.

Nemaha County Courthouse, mid-century modern design combining orange brick and concrete panel construction with prominent building name signage

It was now time to leave Kansas and get back into Nebraska.

Kansas state border with blue 'Leaving KANSAS Come Again' sign visible alongside rural two-lane highway

Nebraska state welcome sign reading 'the good life' and 'Home of Arbor Day' on rural highway with gentle curve ahead

I was soon at Pawnee County, Nebraska.

Pawnee County courthouse with neoclassical design, tan brick construction, four-column portico, and patriotic bunting decorating entrance stairs

Johnson County, Nebraska, was next on the list.

Victorian Second Empire courthouse featuring red brick construction, ornate white domed cupola, and extensive American flag display across front lawn

Nemaha County, Nebraska, was up next. If you thought you just read about me visiting Nemaha County, you're right. Nemaha County, Nebraska, and Kansas are very close to each other, and I visited both of them on this trip.

Romanesque Revival courthouse constructed of light-colored limestone with prominent corner tower, steep slate roofing, and patriotic entrance decorations

I soon dipped into Missouri and visited Atchison County. This was the first county courthouse I visited in Missouri!

Missouri state welcome sign visible on horizon of straight rural highway cutting through flat agricultural terrain

Victorian courthouse with deep red brick construction, prominent square clock tower, multiple dormer windows, and mansard roof elements

I was then in Nebraska visiting Otoe County.

Italianate red brick courthouse with central white cupola tower, symmetrical arched window arrangement, and expansive front lawn

I wasn't in Nebraska long before I made it to Fremont County, Iowa.

Historic red brick courthouse with central tower photographed at dusk showing warm evening light on facade

In some ways, Freemont County felt a bit like being in West Texas (minus the corn).

Oversized decorative fiberglass cowboy boot sculpture mounted on downtown street pole, photographed at sunset with storefronts visible

Close-up detail of large sculptural cowboy boot featuring geometric pattern in blue, pink, and purple tones with metallic accents

Colorful tile mosaic mural on brick building depicting frontier agricultural scenes including longhorn cattle, cowboy with lasso, and wagon wheel

Mills County, Iowa was up next.

Utilitarian mid-century county offices building with gray concrete or metal panel exterior and minimal architectural ornamentation

By this time, I was trying to beat the clock. The sun was going down, and I wanted to get another courthouse or two.

Rural Missouri highway at dawn with vibrant orange and yellow sunrise gradient stretching across horizon

I made it to Cass County, Nebraska, before it got too dark.

Romanesque Revival red brick courthouse photographed at dusk with illuminated clock tower and decorative terra cotta architectural details

Since it was the Fourth of July and had just gotten dark, the fireworks were starting. I was able to catch a few right after I took pictures of the Cass County Courthouse.

Downtown evening celebration with fireworks exploding above town square, fire truck and illuminated street fixtures visible below

Since fireworks were going off like crazy, I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to sleep for a while in my car with all the noise. I tried to go to the Sarpy County Courthouse but couldn't find the right entrance in the dark. I made it to another rest stop and called it a night there.

Quiet residential street at dusk with silver sedan parked along curb, street lights glowing in deepening twilight

The following day, I got up early and drove back to the Sarpy County, Nebraska Courthouse.

Interstate highway at sunrise with dramatic orange sky gradient, divided lanes disappearing toward distant horizon

Contemporary Seward County courthouse complex photographed at dusk, combining brown brick and glass curtain wall modern architectural elements

My last Nebraska county was Douglas County in Omaha.

Classic beaux-arts style courthouse with ornate stone facade, featuring columns, decorative cornices, and symmetrical window arrangements across multiple stories, with modern high-rise buildings visible in the background and street construction barriers in the foreground

Pottawattamie County, Iowa, was one of those counties only a few miles across the state line. So I drove from Nebraska into Iowa to get there.

Modern brutalist-style government building with geometric white and gray panel exterior, featuring rows of small rectangular windows and sitting atop a grassy slope

As I mentioned earlier, I had planned to visit 67 counties. However, when I got to county 61, I knew it was time to head home. Victoria had to work for the day, and we didn't want to leave Maya in her crate all day. So I hit the road back to Wisconsin. I made it back a little after 1 PM, and Maya was happy to get out of her crate.

Highway view from car windshield showing multi-lane road with tree-covered hillside and structure visible on hilltop in the distance

In the whole scheme of things, I made pretty good progress. 61 counties over the course of a long weekend is pretty decent, in my opinion!

GPS tracking map displaying a multi-state road trip route through the Midwest, showing 71 hours 25 minutes of travel time covering 2,239.55 miles with blue route line crossing through Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and surrounding states

61 Counties in 6 States

See more blog entries here