The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway features a 220-mile paved route, with 185 miles of optional excursion loops that range from interstate highways to gravel roads, that provide hundreds of opportunities along the byway to get out and experience the Loess Hills.

Loess Hills east of Mondamin, Iowa. The Loess Hills are a formation of wind-deposited loess soil in the westernmost parts of Iowa and Missouri, and the easternmost parts of Nebraska and Kansas, along the Missouri River.

Spanning 15 miles at their widest and nearly 200 miles long from Sioux City, Iowa, to St. Joseph, Missouri, you’d have to travel to China to see any taller loess formations. The views include panoramas of the fertile Missouri River valley farmland, forested hills and vast grasslands.

Today, there are endless ways to experience the Loess Hills by car, foot or bike, inviting nature enthusiasts, outdoor recreation junkies and sightseers alike to appreciate Iowa’s natural landscape.

Jun 12, 2021 · From atop the overlook, you'll enjoy what is perhaps the most scenic outdoor spot in Iowa, and a must-visit for nature lovers. The Loess Hills are a true Iowa treasure -- a place of humble, quiet beauty. Rising up to 200 feet above the …

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the Loess Hills. The interactive Google Map below was developed by Golden Hills RC&D and has information about public hiking trails in the Loess Hills. Blue markers indicate that tent camping is allowed, …

May 13, 2024 · One of the most rare ecological landforms in the world is found along western Iowa – the Loess Hills. For some of you, simply viewing the bucolic scenes of the rolling hills will be enough reason to visit.

May 16, 2022 · The Loess Hills are wind-deposited soil formations created at the end of the last Ice Age. They’re found along the Missouri River all along western Iowa, as well as parts of Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Eastern Kansas.

Before heading out, it's wise to look up any road construction and detours that may be in place along the route. Visit Iowa 511 for information about state highways, and the Iowa County Engineers Association's 511 website for information about county highways. (requires internet or cellular connection)

The Loess Hills landform is a true Iowa treasure, one that is great to explore with the whole family. Spanning more than 1,080 square miles along the eastern edge of the Missouri River flood plain, this unique area offers one of Iowa's most extraordinary landscapes of prairie and forest covered steep bluffs, narrow ridges and rolling hills and ...