Loess Hills Scenic Byway
Places to Visit

  • Lake Manawa State Park (IA)

    Camp near the beach of Lake Manawa. Kids will enjoy the Dream Playground.

  • Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (IA)

    Lewis and Clark's famous expedition led them along the Missouri River, just west of the byway.

    Directions: The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail runs just west of the Byway, along the Missouri River.

  • Lewis and Clark State Park (IA)

    The Lewis and Clark State Park is the site of an 1804 Lewis and Clark encampment. Today the park offers picnicking, hiking, camping, and lake activities.

    Directions: At Onawa go west two miles on State Highway 175. You will pass Interstate 29. Go north on State Route 324 into the park.

  • Loess Hills State Forest (IA)

    Located on the Preparation Loop is this forest preserve with several segments in Monona and Harrison Counties.

  • Loess Hills Wildlife Area (IA)

    At 3,500+ acres, this is the largest protected area in the Loess Hills.

  • Mile Hill Lake (IA)

    This county park is a quiet place to cast a line into the 10-acre lake's quiet waters or to reflect on the beautiful scenery.

  • Missouri National Recreation River (IA)

    The river offers plenty of recreational opportunities for Byway travelers.

  • Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (IA)

    The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail crosses the Byway at Council Bluffs. Early members of the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormons) followed the trail west to the Rocky Mountains, to Salt Lake City, Utah, to flee religious persecution.

  • Pony Creek Park (IA)

    Pony Creek Park features woodlands, native prairie, a lake and interpretive panels. Visitors can picnic, fish in a 10-acre lake and camp at this park. Mile Hill Lake features a view of the Loess topography from an observation deck overlooking the Loess Hills.

    Directions: This park is on the Pony Creek Loop of the nyway. From the byway main route (L35 or Locust Street) and Highway 34 intersection, travel west to Deacon Road which is on the Pony Creek Loop of the Byway. Allow 15 minutes travel time.

  • Preparation Canyon State Park (IA)

    A group of Mormons rested here in 1853, preparing for the journey to Utah but they left the Church and settled here to follow a charismatic man who they discovered was a swindler.