Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

A billboard welcomes folks to the Loess Hills Scenic Byway in Iowa, from Interstate 29.

A roadside billboard welcomes folks to the Loess Hills Scenic Byway in Iowa, from Interstate 29.

When saturated Loess soils “slump” as a unit, the “slumps” are called “cat steps.” They are one of the many unique and easily-recognized characteristics of Loess soils.

Two young visitors peer through binoculars from the overlook at the Hitchcock Nature Center.

Several cabins are available for camping.

This young family stops for a breather on the boardwalk at the Hitchcock Nature Center.

The Southern Loess Hills Interpretive/Welcome Center artifact exhibits are premier examples of the late prehistoric archeology of the Loess Hills. The discoveries have revealed intact villages and a rich array of utilitarian and esoteric material goods.

The annual Loess Hills Prairie Seminar is held the first weekend in June, close to the summer solstice, with 200-300 prairie enthusiasts in attendance each year. Here, participants enjoy an educational hike through the hills at one of the seminars.

The sharp contrast of the Missouri River valley and the steep and rugged Loess Hills provide travelers with wondrous views. The Loess Hills landform harbors over 49 grassland species of special concern, many of those are prairie obligates.

This winding ridge-top trail offers panoramic views of the Loess Hills landform, plus up-close contact with the diverse and unique flora and fauna of this semi-arid region.

Visitors sample wine from one of the wineries along the Western Iowa Wine Trail.

The double tracks of a rough dirt road wind through gentle hills near the Hitchcock Nature Center against the setting sun in autumn.

The wide wings of a soaring Turkey Vulture stand out against a pure blue sky.

Golden grass lies over the rolling loess hills at the Hitchcock Nature Center.

The obelisk honoring Sgt. Floyd stands tall against the blue sky, honoring Charles Floyd who died along the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Street lights illuminate a street corner in Sioux City.

Two children and their grandfather interact with exhibits at the Union Pacific Museum at Council Bluffs.

Two hikers follow the beaten trail through the grass.

The pedestrian bridge connects the towns of Council Bluff and Omaha across the Missouri River.

The observation tower and visitor center of the Hitchcock Nature Center stands amidst the bright green trees of the Loess Hills.

The Sawmill Hollow farm is surrounded by the Aronia berries it is famous for.

A bright fountain glows with purple and blue lights in Bayliss Park.

The three tiered wooden observation deck towers over the Hitchcock Nature Center.

A couple views the green landscape below the Hitchcock Overlook.

Visitors are offered an overlook of Council Bluffs at this Lewis and Clark site.

Golden wheat contrasts brilliantly against the emerald green hills.

This imposing white-trimmed brick home, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1869.

These visitors stroll through the snow-covered woods near Hitchcock Nature Center.

This sod-covered earthen structure is a replica of the Indian earth lodges used between 1250-1500 AD.

Burgundy-red apples await the fall apple harvest near Loess Hills Scenic Byway.