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The Loess Hills of western Iowa dispel the stereotype that the Hawkeye State is flat like some its Midwestern neighbors.
These seven scenic overlooks, one in each of the seven Loess Hills counties, offer expansive views of the globally significant Loess Hills landform. Many of these overlooks, like Murray Hill Scenic Overlook, also offer amazing views of the Missouri River floodplain. For a list of more scenic overlooks, some accessible and others requiring rugged hikes, take a look at our list of 25 scenic overlooks on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. After you are sufficiently awe-inspired, plan your road trip on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway using the Explore the Byway page. |
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Loess Hills Scenic Overlook
Photo: Ken West
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Dubbed "The Spot" by the late Walter Ordway, Jr., the Loess Hills Scenic Overlook is perhaps the most popular scenic viewpoint in the Loess Hills.
The ADA-accessible overlook is located in the Preparation Canyon Unit of the Loess Hills State Forest. There is a small parking area on Oak Avenue, which is a gravel road. Enjoy an early sunrise or an unforgettable sunset, or take a hike along the ridge. The trail connects to other trails in the state forest, allowing hikers to extend their trek. |
Waubonsie Scenic Overlook
Photo: Ken West
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As a site on the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, Waubonsie State Park in southwest Iowa is known for its exceptional vistas of Iowa’s unique Loess Hills.
The scenic overlook is located near the park office. There is a short trail that includes a couple of stairs to reach the overlook. There is a picnic shelter with restrooms located nearby. Hikers can link the scenic overlook trail to other trails in the park, including Sunset Ridge Trail that offers sweeping views of the Missouri River floodplain. |
Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
Photo: Ken West
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Murray Hill Scenic Overlook offers a panoramic view of the Missouri River Valley. Make the steep climb on the trail and you will be rewarded with one of the most picturesque locations in the Loess Hills.
Yucca plants and native flowers dominate the Loess Hills prairie landscape. Interpretive signs are located at the overlook that explain the significance and history of the Loess Hills. There is also a picnic table on the trail. Murray Hill is also a trailhead for Brent's Trail, a rugged hike that has 8-mile and 11-mile options. The scenic overlook is located in the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area designated by the Iowa DNR, so bring your binoculars! |
Aalfs Family Preserve at Broken Kettle Grasslands
Photo: Seth Brooks
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The Aalfs Family Preserve, part of the 3,000-acre Broken Kettle Grasslands, is located on Butcher Road. The overlook offers incredible views of the largest remaining prairie in Iowa.
The overlook is located within the bison enclosure. Hiking is strictly forbidden within the bison enclosure, however, visitors can access the Aalfs Family Preserve via a kissing gate on Butcher Road. The overlook includes two benches, a visitor log book, and an interpretive panel about the role of bison in prairie ecosystems. Before entering Aalfs Family Preserve, ensure that there are no bison in the vicinity. |
Loveland Scenic Overlook Tower on Interstate 880
Photo: Isaac Piper (Google Maps)
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At the Loveland Scenic Overlook Tower, visitors can take in views of the oldest loess deposit in the Loess Hills.
The scenic overlook can only be accessed via the westbound lanes on Interstate 880. The tower is 120 feet tall and offers a panoramic view of the Loess Hills and Missouri River floodplain. There are restrooms at this Iowa DOT rest area (open seasonally from May to October). Also nearby is Old Town Conservation Area, a secluded Harrison County park with hiking trails and public hunting in oak woodland and restored prairie. |
Dakota Point at Stone State Park
Photo: Seth Brooks
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Dakota Point is one of several scenic overlooks at Stone State Park in Sioux City. The viewpoint overlooks Highway 12 and the Big Sioux River. Visitors can take in the sun setting over Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Elk Point overlooks the southern section of the state park, while Mt. Lucia requires hiking the park trails to reach this spectacular viewpoint overlooking Sioux City. The trails at Mt. Lucia connect to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, where you can find another scenic overlook, Kestrel Point, via the trails at this park managed by Woodbury County Conservation. |
Mile Hill Lake Scenic Overlook
Photo: Eric P. Schmoeller (AllTrails)
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Mile Hill Lake 39-acre park in Mills County that consists of a hardwood forest, which is open to public hunting, and a ten-acre fishing lake with boat dock and ramp. The lake is considered a No Wake Zone and is closed to swimming.
When driving into the park, you will find an interpretive panel discussing the prehistoric culture that lived in this region, and the handicap accessible Scenic Overlook, which offers an interpretive panel discussing the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. You will also see a two-acre restored prairie and several flowerbeds which are maintained by Mills County Conservation. There are various hiking trails within the park, including the most recent addition that leads through a marsh area, with a newly installed footbridge. |
One more for the road . . .
West Oak Forest
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Requires hike up steep trail to viewpoint.
Photo: Seth Brooks
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