A large tree in the center is how rural Iowa manages roundabouts.

      Google Maps

      Sometimes, engineers take years to design an intersection, while in other instances, the process is much simpler. The intersection of 350th Street and 710th Street near Brayton, Iowa, exemplifies the latter: it features a large Cottonwood tree that acts as a roundabout.

      Which came first, the tree or the road? That’s a good question. The tree’s origins are somewhat unclear. Travel Iowa provides a plausible theory: in the 19th century, a surveyor who was mapping out county lines in the area planted a Cottonwood sprout to demarcate the boundary of Audubon County. The sprout thrived, growing into the impressive tree we see today. It now stands around 100 feet tall and is believed to be over 170 years old.

      Perhaps this account is accurate, or maybe someone from a nearby town planted it and tended to it secretly to annoy a rival farmer. Nonetheless, I tend to believe the tree’s age; it's enormous, and if it had been planted in the 1950s, it likely wouldn’t have survived multiple collisions. What is undeniable is that the tree is there. It's essentially a roundabout, and I can’t help but wonder how many vehicles have passed by it over the years.

      The tree has gained a bit of fame. It even has its own Facebook page and is designated as a historical landmark on Google Maps, boasting an impressive rating of 4.7 stars out of five, based on 154 reviews. Some of the negative comments mention the graffiti on the tree’s trunk and the dirt road leading to it. While I can empathize with the frustration regarding the graffiti—painting inappropriate images or even a Chevrolet bowtie on a tree is puzzling—the dirt road aspect is less surprising. What else could one expect in rural Iowa, a bustling subway?

      If you're in the area, be sure to check out the Tree in the Middle of the Road—and, please, leave your spray paint at home.

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