Come explore the Loess Hills Scenic Byway’s natural wonders that have been in the making for thousands of years. The area of Iowa is home to an enormous hoard of fossils, as well as glacier-created silt deposit hills that are unique to the world, save for the Yellow Hills in China.
The loess silt was deposited over 15,000 years ago when the glaciers that covered the area receded. The silt remains secure when dry and is well-drained, though it can become saturated. Take a walk along the hills' interesting topography and you’ll see little formations called “cat steps”—shapes that form when the silt collapses during saturation.
Interested in seeing some supreme scenery along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway? Go about six miles from the northern terminus of the byway in Akron and check out the Broken Kettle Grasslands, the largest remaining prairie in Iowa with diverse plants, such as the downy painted cup, ten-petaled mentzelia, and the scarlet globe mallow. Watch for animals, like the plains spadefoot toad and the buffalo, and birds, such as the Bobolink. Keep your eyes peeled for extraordinary butterflies too, like the Dusted Skipper. Check out the Waubonsie State Park, with more than 40 campsites and miles of beautiful vegetation, at the southern terminus of the byway. Also stop and see the 344-acre Preparation Canyon State Park, 60 miles south of the Broken Kettle Grasslands, a spectacular site with a fascinating history. This was once the site of the town of Preparation, where a group of Mormons followed Charles B. Thompson, a deceiver who took their money and their land.
To see nature in its prime, stop at the Loess Hills State Forest, only a couple of miles south of the Preparation Canyon State Park. The forest is in a natural state, and the residents and visitors strive to ensure that it continues to be a protected prairie land. If you’re looking for an excellent hiking trail, try one in the Five Ridge Prairie, located at the north end of the byway. This area is undeveloped and preserves the natural scenery of Iowa. Don’t forget about Glenwood Lake Park, about 25 miles north Waubonsie State Park, home to the scenic Glenwood Lake and many archeological finds, such as the renovated Native American Earth Lodge that displays numerous artifacts.
With so many places to see and enjoy, the Loess Hills will astound you with its beauty and all of the distinctive things it has to offer. On no other scenic byway will you find the fascinating loess topography. If you’re looking for breathtaking adventures with pristine scenery and wonderful sounds and smells of nature, then pack up the car and take an unforgettable journey on the Loess Hills Scenic Byway.
Loess Hills Scenic Byway Overview