The Loess Hills Scenic Byway traverses internationally distinctive landforms as it follows the Missouri River Valley in Western Iowa, taking you through some of the most interesting country in the Midwest. Thousands of years ago, active glaciers covered much of the northern United States. When these glaciers melted, they left fine silt particles that formed a yellow soil called loess (pronounced "luss"). Strong windstorms deposited layers of loess several hundred feet thick on both sides of the Missouri River Valley, molding the soft soil into sheer ridges and rippled hills. Only two places in the world have such extensive loess layers- the Yellow River Valley of China and the Loess Hills of western Iowa.
If you'd like to see the Loess Hills the way the pioneers and native people might have seen them, visit Five Ridge Prairie, where several trails head deep into undeveloped country. Hike past fields of wildflowers and through burr oak forests to the top of the two-hundred-foot ridge, where you can see miles of green-gold prairie stretch out before you. You can tackle the slopes on your mountain bike for a faster trip, or if you want to spend more time on the prairie, Preparation Canyon and other state parks feature several hike-in campsites.
Many other travelers have lived off the land in the Loess Hills, following the valley westward towards a brighter future. At the Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs, you can learn the history of the trails that cross the Loess Hills. Relive the first westward exploration along the Lewis and Clark Trail, or experience the desire for freedom and prosperity that drove more permanent pioneers along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Stop by the Harrison County Historical Village to learn to see some of the sites and structures that were a part of their lives.
Drive the Loess Hills Scenic Byway and experience Iowa trail life.
Natural Wonders of the Loess Hills