BIRDS, BISON, BREWS, & VIEWS.
Why not you?Follow the birds to the Siouxland, where prairie, wetlands, woodlands, and the rugged Loess Hills come together along the Missouri River.
Explore four distinctive birding destinations. Watch bison roam the prairie. Hike to scenic overlooks. Grab a local brew. Discover Sioux City attractions. Then settle in for the night and do it all again tomorrow. Whether you're an experienced birder chasing your next life bird, a nature lover looking for a weekend outdoors, or simply searching for a different kind of getaway, the Siouxland gives you plenty of reasons to bring your binoculars—and stay awhile. Explore the itinerary and make the trip your own. |
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Four Places to Bird Siouxland
From native prairie in the northern Loess Hills to wetlands along the Missouri River, Siouxland offers a surprising variety of habitats within a relatively short drive.
Make all four destinations part of your trip or choose the places that interest you most.
Make all four destinations part of your trip or choose the places that interest you most.
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Broken Kettle Grasslands | Birds & Bison
Head north of Sioux City into the Loess Hills and explore one of Iowa's most remarkable prairie landscapes. At Broken Kettle Grasslands, native prairie stretches across steep ridges and valleys, providing habitat for grassland birds, migrating raptors, and other wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy—and don't forget to look for the preserve's herd of American bison. Come for the birds. Stay for the bison and the views. |
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Stone State Park | Birds & Views
You don't have to travel far from Sioux City to trade city streets for wooded valleys and sweeping Loess Hills views. Stone State Park combines forest, prairie, and rugged terrain, creating opportunities to find birds across several different habitats. Explore the trails, stop at scenic overlooks, and experience one of the natural landscapes that makes western Iowa unlike anywhere else in the state. Bring your hiking shoes along with your binoculars. |
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Bacon Creek Park | Birding in the City
Some of Siouxland's birding opportunities are hiding right in Sioux City. The woods, water, and other habitats at Bacon Creek Park attract resident birds throughout the year and a changing cast of migrants during spring and fall. It's an easy destination to combine with Sioux City's restaurants, breweries, museums, shops, and other attractions. Sometimes a great birding stop is closer than you think. |
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Owego Wetland Complex | Wetlands & Wide-Open Spaces
Follow the Missouri River floodplain south of Sioux City to discover a different side of the Siouxland landscape. At Owego Wetland Complex, wetlands, grasslands, and open country provide habitat for waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and other resident and migratory species throughout the year. Take your time. Scan the wetlands. Watch the sky. You never know what might appear. |
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Make Time for Sioux City
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Birding may be what brings you to Sioux City, but it doesn't have to be the only thing on your itinerary.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, discover Sioux City's railroad history at the Sioux City Railroad Museum, or explore the galleries at the Sioux City Art Center. Add local restaurants, breweries, shops, and other attractions and your birding trip can easily become a full Siouxland getaway. Bird in the morning. Explore the city in the afternoon. Grab dinner and a brew in the evening. Then get some sleep. There are more birds waiting tomorrow. |
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Click any of the images below to download the full itinerary!
