^Looking east from Iowa 4 in the center of Pocahontas, Iowa, May 2022.
Iowa Route 3 runs east-west across the whole width of the state, spanning what is roughly the third row of Iowa counties from the northern border. As there are nine such rows of counties that stretch from east to west across Iowa, this puts Iowa Route 3's position about a third of the way down the state, from the northern Minnesota border. This puts Iowa Route 3 sandwiched between US Route 18 and US Route 20. The western end of Iowa Route 3 is a bridge across the Big Sioux River into South Dakota, where it becomes South Dakota Highway 48. Akron, Iowa, is where that bridge crossing lies. The easternmost stretch of Iowa Route 3 bends southeasterly into Dubuque. Iowa Route 3's eastern end is an interchange in downtown Dubuque with a highway carrying US Routes 61 and 151. Towns served by Iowa Route 3 include Le Mars, Cherokee, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Waverly, and Oelwein.
My photo of Iowa Route 3 shows a route marker at the junction of Iowa Route 3 and Iowa Route 7 east of Cherokee. The sign assembly points out the fact that continuing straight ahead will allow traffic to proceed farther eastward on Iowa Route 3. The aperture, and the drivers observing this sign, are facing east. This photo was taken in September 2019 along the northern Iowa trip.
Here are some additional photos taken along Iowa Route 3:
Here are some additional photos taken along Iowa Route 3:
Iowa 3, having just entered Iowa from South Dakota, is about to turn south for a short concurrency along Iowa 12 in Akron, Iowa.
Iowa 3 approaches Iowa 140 from the west. This junction marker serves eastbound travelers in Remsen.
Iowa 3, continuing eastward, meets the southern end of Iowa 143 in Marcus.
Just east of Cherokee, Iowa 3 meets the northwestern end of Iowa 7. The signage shown serves eastbound motorists.
A set of westbound guide markers at the crossing of Iowa 3 and Iowa 4 in Pocahontas.
Iowa 3 meets the southern end of Iowa 15, east of Pocahontas. Iowa 3's eastbound travelers see these guide markers.
Looking west on Iowa 3 as it meets an interchange with Interstate 35 west of Hampton.
Eastbound signage for Iowa 3 where it crosses US Route 65 in Hampton.