Gentle journeys through scenic byways and quiet country roads. Each drive is a chance to pause, remember, and enjoy the beauty of Iowa and beyond.
Click any video below to watch a short preview. (The full 60–90 minute full length drives can be viewed with the link under the example video)
Welcome to Sunday Drive
Originally designed for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, the Sunday Drive series features professionally crafted meditative videos. Every drive is customized in both video and audio to gently acknowledge the unique challenges faced by those with memory loss and cognitive change.
Beyond dementia care, these soothing, music-based journeys have also proven therapeutic for individuals with autism, brain injury, or those who are homebound or living in assisted care facilities. Each 60-90-minute experience follows a single theme, using tranquil visuals and sound to encourage memory recall, relaxation, and restful sleep.
*The following 20-minute introductory video is a compilation of highlights from our full-length programs, each of which runs 60–90 minutes and offers a calming visual journey.*
Explore the full drives below for longer moments of peace.
– The Sunday Drives –
Sunday Drive is set to cinematic background music and meant to relax the viewer… encouraging sleep. The videos intentionally contain no narrative, text, or plot. The images are enhanced to help overcome the vision loss particularly associated with dementia. The purpose is to mimic a classic memory drive or stroll through familiar surroundings.
Sunday Drive can assist in reestablishing neural connections, temporarily, during circadian sleep cycles — especially during NREM sleep. The programs in the library are particularly successful when watched with a group in a theater-style setting, encouraging conversation, interaction, and creating an overall positive communal experience.
Sunday Drive 12: A Tour of Italy
In the spring of 2018, I had the privilege of documenting a touring group’s journey through Italy. Ten challenging, unforgettable days. This Sunday Drive takes you along for the ride.
Glide through the narrow canals of Venice. Gaze up at the leaning tower of Pisa. Wander Florence—where art, science, and music were born. Wind along the breathtaking cliffs of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Walk the ancient ruins of Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius looming above.
Then, on to Rome. The Vatican galleries. St. Peter’s Basilica. The magnificent Colosseum and the infamous Forum.
We’ve slowed the pace significantly, so you can simply sit back and enjoy every moment of this beautiful Tour of Italy.
Enjoy the drive.
Full Drive Trailers (2-3 minutes each)
Sunday Drive 11: Canoeing on a Lazy River
The Maquoketa River meanders through the rolling hills and farmland of Eastern Iowa. The Meskwaki named it Maquaw-Autaw — “Bear River.”
As we float downstream, the water gurgles beneath us. Birds chirp overhead. The rich green and red foliage of fall surrounds us—the colors that make this season so magical…..Nothing could be more relaxing.
Sunday Drive 10: The Arboretum
Ever been to an arboretum in the fall?
Quiet paths. Chattering waterfalls. Lush canopies of red and gold. Succulent greens fading into cool yellows.
There’s a shiver in the air now, whispering of cooler days ahead. And yet, tiny winged foragers still grace the bright petals of mums and belated roses—racing to complete their life’s work.
The frosty, fresh smell of sumac and hostas. It pulls you back. Childhood frolics through a garden forest.
Come take a walk. Before the color fades.
Sunday Drive 9, Biking on the Nature Trail
A whole day biking on the Sac & Fox Nature Trail, crossing bridges, peddling along Indian Creek, and enjoying the fall colors. Slow and easy with calming music all the way.
Sunday Drive 8: The Flower Gardens
Flowers, flowers, flowers. All kinds.
We arrive at The City Gardens. Walk through The Arbor Garden. Stroll along The Walled Gardens. Take a break in The Sitting Gardens.
Home favorites grace The Old Time Gardens. And as we walk A Garden Path, we witness the elegance of The Butterfly Gardens.
Relax. Imagine the smells from all the beautiful flowers. Unwind with delightful music.
Sunday Drive 7: Classic Cars and a Small Town Parade
Two drives today.
First, a trip to Classic Cars, LLC—a museum and restoration company in Okoboji, Iowa. We’ll drive through the beautifully recreated streets of 1950s downtown Spencer. Look at all the restored classic cars.
Then, we travel through the summer countryside.
We end the day watching floats, old tractors, a marching band, and all the small-town charm of a parade in Alburnett, Iowa.
How much fun!
Sunday Drive 6: A Sunday Boat Ride
Let’s go for a boat ride on the lakes around Okoboji, Iowa.
Our drive to the lake takes us past the original settler’s log cabin. Winsome music on the radio. Then we arrive at the dock, where our pontoon boat awaits.
Through the Okoboji Harbor we go. Hundreds of charming small homes. Glamorous mansions. Fishing boats, sport boats, and cruisers line the banks as we float under bridges leading to Garr, Minnewashata, and East Okoboji Lakes.
Then back to the dock. Stretch our legs. Watch the lovely orange sun set over our lake of memories.
Sunday Drive 5: The Museum of Art
Today we’ll walk through Green Square Park to visit the Grant Wood gallery and more at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
The vibrant, modern entrance and foyer lead us to the Grant Wood Gallery. Entrancing music accompanies us.
We walk through “Restless Spirit” and “The Art of Labor” on the first floor. Then upstairs to see the Mauricio Lasansky collection, the “Ladies of the Club,” Art in Roman Life, and the Diego Lasansky galleries.
We’ll visit the 1905 Italian Renaissance-style North Carnegie Library.
Then complete our journey taking in the spring countryside.
Sunday Drive 4: Sweden
The country of Sweden is like one big national park.
Mountains. Forests. Oceans. Lakes. Farmlands and cities abound, with a smiling culture of old and new.
We’ll visit the villages of Torsås, Gullabo, Stenbeck, and Bidalite. Then on to the cities of Gothenburg, Helsingborg, Malmö, Kalmar, and of course, Stockholm.
While listening to our favorite music, we’ll watch as farmlands and forests yield to the North Sea and Lake Vänern.
Medieval castle ruins. Museums. Early settlements. Marvelous sites to appreciate.
Sunday Drive 3: The Madison County Bridges
We’ve all heard about the “Bridges of Madison County.” Can you name them all?
Cedar Bridge. Holliwell Bridge. Cutler-Donahoe Bridge. Roseman Bridge & Pummel Park. Imes Bridge. Hogback Bridge.
Let’s put on some music and visit them. Maybe we’ll find a one-room schoolhouse on one of the country roads.
On our way home, we’ll drive by the Iowa State Capitol building and take in the beauty of fall colors on some residential streets and parks.
Sunday Drive 2: The Yellow River Forest
On our second Sunday Drive, we’ll turn up the tunes and take a drive on some farmland roads.
Through Pleasant Creek Park. The campgrounds. Around the lake.
Then we’ll go to the Yellow River Forest and drive through their fall campsites along the Yellow River and up into the forest hills.
The Mississippi River isn’t far away. So after we stop over at a friend’s farm, we’ll drive along the hills and look down to the river.
Just a relaxing fall drive.
Sunday Drive 1: Eastern Iowa Parks
It’s our first Sunday Drive. We’re just going to drive around and see the local sites.
We’ll start in our hometown of Alburnett and head over to the always delightful Amana Colonies. Drive by Lily Lake, High Amana, and Homestead.
Lots of tractors and harvesting going on as we approach Hannen Park and Lake—where I hear the fish are biting.
Palisades Park on the Cedar River is always magnificent. The fall colors in nearby Mt. Vernon are enhanced by the yellows of the surrounding harvest roads.
We’ll end up traveling through Strawberry Point on our way to Backbone State Park. There’s always good hiking and camping there, but we’ll just slowly drive through and see what’s happening.
About Sunday Drive
Sunday Drive was created for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia — and for those who care for them.
Why no narration?
Voices can be disorienting or overstimulating for someone in a confused state. By removing all narrative, text, and plot, the viewer is free to simply be — without having to follow a story or decode language.
Who else benefits?
The same qualities that calm a person with dementia also help individuals with autism, brain injury, or anyone who is homebound or residing in assisted living. The slow pace, familiar scenery, and gentle music create a low-anxiety environment.
A note on vision loss
Many people with dementia experience reduced contrast sensitivity and color perception. Sunday Drive images are subtly enhanced to make landscapes and roads more visible — without looking artificial or distracting.
About the creator
Sunday Drive was created by Ms. Anderson, who saw a need for calm, accessible visual journeys for her loved ones and others facing cognitive challenges. What began as a personal project has grown into a library of drives shared with caregivers and facilities.
Not a treatment. A companion.
Sunday Drive does not replace medical care. But in the quiet moments between challenges, it offers something simple: a pause. A memory of the road. A shared experience in a theater room or a private moment before sleep.
Disclaimer: Sunday Drive is not a medical treatment or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The Science
Therapeutic Benefits of Sunday Drive
Sunday Drive is designed to support relaxation, memory, and restful sleep through calming visuals and gentle music.
Circadian Rhythms and NREM Sleep
For individuals living with dementia, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle can become disrupted. Calming, predictable visual and auditory stimuli — like those in Sunday Drive — may help regulate these rhythms, particularly during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is essential for memory consolidation and restoration.
Vision Enhancement
Many people with dementia experience a decline in contrast sensitivity and color perception, making it difficult to distinguish objects or navigate familiar spaces. Sunday Drive images are carefully enhanced to improve visibility without appearing artificial or distracting.
Music and Memory
While Sunday Drive does not use familiar songs that may trigger emotional responses, its gentle background music creates a soothing atmosphere that encourages the brain to rest, reducing agitation and promoting a sense of safety.
A Shared Experience
When viewed in a group or theater setting, Sunday Drive becomes a communal activity — encouraging conversation, interaction, and positive social engagement. This shared experience can reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being.
Please note: Sunday Drive is not a medical treatment and should not replace professional care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice regarding memory care, sleep, or cognitive health.
How-to-Use
How to Use Sunday Drive in a Care Setting
Sunday Drive is designed to be simple and flexible. Here are some suggestions for getting the most out of it:
For Individuals
– Find a quiet, comfortable space with minimal distractions.
– Use a tablet, laptop, or television screen large enough to see the details.
– Adjust the volume to a gentle, calming level.
– Allow the viewer to watch for as long or as short as they like — there is no required duration.
For Group or Theater Settings
– Use a projector or large screen for a shared experience.
– Encourage conversation before and after the drive — ask about memories the landscapes might bring up.
– Dim the lights to reduce glare and create a more immersive atmosphere.
– Offer comfortable seating with a clear view of the screen.
For Caregivers
– Sunday Drive can be used during quiet times, before sleep, or as a calming activity after stressful moments.
– It can also serve as a respite for caregivers — a few minutes of peace while the individual watches.
– There is no right or wrong way to use it. Each person will respond differently.
Tips for Success
– Try different drives to see which landscapes or music the individual responds to best.
– Use it consistently — routine can be comforting.
– Observe the viewer’s response and adjust accordingly.
Sunday Drive is a companion, not a cure. It offers a gentle pause in a busy day.
Feedback
We Value Your Feedback
Your experience with Sunday Drive matters to us. Whether you are a family member, a caregiver, or a facility staff member, your insights help us improve.
Please share your thoughts with us:
– Did Sunday Drive provide a calming experience?
– Did you notice any changes in mood, sleep, or engagement?
– Were there any challenges with using the videos?
– Would you like to see more drives with different themes?
You can also report any technical issues, such as video interruptions or ad disruptions.
Contact Us: wayneganderson@gmail.com
We take all feedback seriously and use it to make Sunday Drive better for everyone.
Support
Support Sunday Drive
Sunday Drive is and will always remain free to watch on YouTube.
Physical DVDs are available for the cost of production and shipping. Please contact us directly at wayneganderson@gmail.com to inquire.
If you would like to support the creation of new Sunday Drive programs, voluntary contributions are welcome but never expected. Every contribution helps cover the cost of music licensing and production expenses.
Thank you for being part of this journey.