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Take a scenic drive in western Iowa to explore these hidden gems on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.
There are numerous attractions all seven counties in the Loess Hills. The hidden gems on this list offer a variety of recreational opportunities and scenic views. Owego Wetland Complex is a haven for migratory birds, while Blackburn State Park protects family land passed down through the generations. Explore native prairie ridges, cool wooded hollows, expansive views and more! Plan your road trip on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway using the Explore the Byway page. |
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Owego Wetland Complex
Photo: Seth Brooks
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The Owego Wetland Complex is named for the abandoned town of Owego, which exists only on old maps. Since the first acquisition in 1998, the Owego complex has grown to 1,330 acres—with outstanding wildlife habitat and public recreation.
In the short time it’s existed, Owego has already become a tremendous attraction for wildlife, especially migratory waterfowl. By recreating wetlands that mimic how this land might have looked 100-200 years ago, more and more birds are drawn to this historic flyway. Over 200 bird species have been recorded during their seasonal migrations at this site to date, including Short-eared Owls, Trumpeter Swans, Blackpoll Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Wilson’s Phalaropes, American Bitterns, Red Phalaropes, Swainson’s Hawks and Western Kingbirds. This wildlife area is great for upland game and waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing. Text from Woodbury County Conservation |
Old Town Conservation Area
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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Old Town Conservation Area features a restored native prairie and bur oak savannah on 341 acres. A network of hiking trails of about 8 miles, scenic vistas, and abundant populations of deer and turkey provide a variety of public recreation opportunities. It is also an excellent location for bird watching for migrant species such as dickcissels and warblers.
Hunters are reminded it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 200 yards of an occupied building or feedlot-watch for signs. Old Town Conservation Area is located about 3 miles southeast of Missouri Valley off Lima Trail. Text from Harrison County Conservation |
Blackburn State Park
Photo: Golden Hills RC&D
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Blackburn State Park, which is managed by Waubonsie State Park, is located in Fremont County, IA, at 1291 Cemetery Road, approximately 3 miles northeast of the town of Thurman and a few miles north of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.
The 72-acre park formed in 2019 from the donation of over 150 acres by William R. (Bill) and Sara Blackburn. Bill grew up in Southwest Iowa and the donated land is near where his ancestors settled in the 1840s. The state park includes a reservable large pavilion/picnic shelter and overlook platform that can accommodate family and community gatherings. The shelter may be reserved by contacting the Waubonsie State Park representatives, below. Hiking trails wind through the timber, with a waterless restroom nearby. |
Heendah Hills
Photo: Seth Brooks
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Heendah Hills is an archaeological, ecological, and scenic area of the Loess Hills north of Sioux City, Iowa owned and managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Its acquisition by IDNR was designed to protect and sustain its outstanding natural and cultural features.
Originally named “Spirit Knoll” (a term coined by the previous owner of the property during the development of a proposed subdivision), the name “Heendah Hills” was approved by the State Preserves Advisory Board and pays homage to the American Indian identity of the preserve. “Heendah” is the phonetic pronunciation of “hinda”, meaning Great Horned Owl, in the Ioway/Baxoje language. Text from Loess Hills Audubon Society |
West Oak Forest
Photo: Seth Brooks
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At 308 acres, West Oak Forest consists of forest, numerous hilltop prairie remnants, seven acres of restored prairie, and well over three miles of hiking trails.
This park is rich in cultural history as well, with many archaeologically significant sites, including many from the Glenwood Culture and older. Being nestled in the west side of Iowa’s beautiful Loess Hills, the park provides a spectacular view overlooking the Missouri River floodplain. West Oak Forest is inhabited by many threatened and endangered species of the Loess Hills. The topography of the property is very steep with corrugated hills and the highest point being 1,100 feet above sea level. Heavily forested with upland hardwoods including bur oak, red oak, ironwood, basswood, scattered black walnut and shagbark hickory. Text from Mills County Conservation |
Whiting Woods
Photo: Amy Cramer (All Trails)
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Whiting Woods is an 80-acre tract of dense native timber located four miles southwest of Mapleton. Whiting Woods is an excellent place to view wildlife and provides great hunting opportunities.
Approximately 10 acres have been developed for camping, picnicking, hiking and nature studies. A 1.6 mile trail takes you around the whole timber, with four benches for stopping and relaxing along the way or birdwatching, as Whiting Woods is in the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area. An open shelter house, three camping pads with 30 amp hook-ups, drinking water, and vault type toilet facilities are available. Upright/ground grills and picnic tables are also available. Text from Monona County Conservation |
Vincent Bluff State Preserve
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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The “Vincent” name reflects the family name of the last owners. This 35-acre preserve contains prairie remnants located in a valley surrounded by loess ridges. Located within the City limits of Council Bluffs, the preserve can be viewed from Interstates 29 and 80 and Highways 375 and 275. A high bluff in the preserve provides vistas of the Omaha and Council Bluffs metropolitan area.
Vincent Bluffs preserve was originally a small subsistence farm whose main usage was grazing by cattle and horses. Fences and buildings have been removed and few signs of the original usage remain. The restored natural landscape is now of tallgrass prairie bordered by bur oak woodland. Text from Iowa DNR |
