If you'd like to see these little flowers with blue, purple, and sometimes nearly white petals, head to Harrison, Monona, Woodbury, and Plymouth counties on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. Brent's Trail and the Pisgah unit of the Loess Hills State Forest are great places to find pasque flowers. Their range also includes Shelby County on the Western Skies Scenic Byway and all counties on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway (O'Brien, Cherokee, Buena Vista, Clay).
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3 Bee Farms started with beekeeping in 1993, selling honey at farmers markets. Over time, they have expanded to a wide variety of vegetables and more. They currently have about 10 acres of crop production, which include Asparagus to Zucchini and everything in between. In addition to fresh produce, they sell live plants such as succulents, bedding plants, and flower & vegetable starts. They also have jams, jellies, and dressings made with some of their products. They may be known best for their hydroponic tomatoes. Their largest crops in terms of acres are pumpkins and gourds, including many unique varieties of colors and textures. They have more than 10 varieties of apples in the orchard. Kohlrabi and golden beets are some of their more popular crops, as well as onions, rhubarb, asparagus, and zuchinni. They even have a small herb garden. You can find a full listing of all 3 Bee products at https://www.3beefarms.com/products
In the fall, the farm is popular for family-friendly activities like a corn maze, pumpkin patch, outdoor games, and food. Their honey-glazed snack mix is especially popular, and they have apple pies in the fall. These activities are from the Tuesday after Labor Day through Halloween. Each year they try to add new activities and amenities. Customers come from across southwest Iowa, Nebraska, and beyond. You can find 3 Bee Farms products at several farmers markets in southwest Iowa: Monday in Creston, Tuesday in Anita and Treynor, Wednesday in Avoca, and Thursday & Saturday in Council Bluffs. The greenhouse is open 10-5 Monday-Saturday and 1-5 Sunday in April and May. Details can be found at https://www.3beefarms.com/events
The trail is named after longtime state forester Brent Olson. It's a partnership between Harrison County Conservation Board and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Other partners and supporters include Friends of the Loess Hills State Forest and Preparation Canyon State Park, Loess Hills Missouri River Region, Golden Hills RC&D, and Loess Hills Alliance. Murray Hill Scenic Overlook and Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area are on the Fountainbleu byway loop. There are services in Pisgah.
Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area is an excellent bird watching location for migrating woodland species. It is part of the Loess Hills Bird Conservation Area designated by the Iowa DNR. The wildlife area is located on the Fountainbleu byway loop one mile southeast of Little Sioux on Larpenteur Memorial Road.
Brent's Trail traverses the length of the unit, while there are several miles of additional trails that can be accessed via different parking areas and trailheads. There are no restrooms or reliable sources of water in the Little Sioux unit. There are services in Pisgah. The unit is bordered by the Fountainbleu byway loop.
There are several parking areas to provide access to the various parcels that make up the Pisgah Unit. Some recommended trailheads include the following (refer to the map): 118th Ln; Easton Trl west of 110th St; and the three farthest east on 145th St.
The south trailhead leads to a trail that climbs the dramatic razor ridge that rises above the intersection of IA-183 and IA-127. Hiking the southern loop totals approximately 4.5 miles. The north trailhead also climbs steeply up to the ridge that runs parallel with IA-183. You can make a 3.5-mile loop back to the north trailhead. If you hike both the north and south loops, the total mileage will be around 10 miles.
Located seven miles north of Missouri Valley off Loess Hills Trail (L20), the wildlife area is not directly on the byway but is a short drive from the main route. Access to Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area is on a Level B dirt road.
The Old Town Conservation Area is located off Lima Trail about 3 miles southeast of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and Missouri Valley. There are two parking areas that provide access to the trails.
There are 6 miles of hiking trails with Smart Trail interpretive signs using QR (quick response) codes allow users to learn about the Loess Hills and Iowa's natural resources. The Willow Lake Recreation Area is also an excellent location for bird watching, especially migrating songbirds and waterfowl. Willow Lake Recreation Area is not located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway but is a short drive from the main route near Logan or the Orchard Ridge loop from Pisgah. It is located 6 miles northwest of Woodbine on F20L (Easton Trail).
Schaben Park is not located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway but is a short drive from the main route or the Orchard Ridge loop. It is located 2 miles off Highway 30, between Woodbine and Dunlap on 141st Lane (gravel road).
The official Iowa Welcome Center provides tourism information and assistance to travelers. The Iowa Products Store offers food, beverage, clothing, crafts, and a wide variety of souvenirs. Stretch your legs on the 1-mile trail and learn about the Loess Hills. The 0.41-mile Concrete Trail is accessible to wheelchairs. There are many stairs along the 0.34-mile Limestone Trail Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks ([email protected]).
Dog owners should be courteous and responsible when visiting off-leash dog parks. Most parks require all dogs to be licensed and current on vaccinations. As a result, puppies younger than four months are not allowed in dog parks, as they have not yet received their full dose of shots. Dog waste bags are provided at some parks, but always bring your own just in case bags aren't provided or the supply has been used by other dog owners. Be kind and pick up after your pet.
Below is a list of off-leash dog parks in western Iowa. If we missed any parks, please contact us ([email protected]) and we will update the list. It's prudent to contact the park's manager, usually the city parks and recreation department, to inquire about specific rules and regulations.
The parking lots and sidewalks were updated in 2022. Come admire the entryway with chainsaw carved dog likenesses carved by known artist Jeff Coss of Bear Grove Chainsaw Carvings! More carvings coming in 2023!
Martin's Access
Martin Area consists of 300 acres of beautiful river valley habitat in northeastern Cherokee County, just off the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. The trails wind through woodlands and prairies, crossing small streams, and bringing hikers and riders near to the banks of the Little Sioux River. Enjoy beautiful views and the quiet of birdsong and the wind in the trees. Silver Sioux Recreation Area
With 3 miles of trails, you can easily get enthralled within the beauty of the woodland and prairies. You will see wildlife, wildflowers, mushrooms, and more! Travel over our 2 swinging bridges and peek over the edge at the creek running below you! River Road Conservation Area
Redtail Ridge Habitat Area
Approximately 1 mile of trails are mowed and maintained at Red Tail Ridge. The trails are popular among birdwatchers, hikers and cross-country skiers. The northern portion of the area is a former gravel pit containing small, shallow wetlands and grasslands that provide excellent pheasant hunting. The remainder of the area is flood plain timber, containing many silver maples, cottonwoods and walnut trees, and upland timber, mostly oak-hickory forest with hackberry and elm. Several small prairie and savanna remnants are found near the ridge top on the eastern boundary. Trail access is only available off of the C44 parking area. Parking is available off of C44 and 585th St. Larson Lake
Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks ([email protected]).
When cities are being designed, one of the primary things they ensure to make space for is city parks. From small parks the size of just a couple of blocks to large ones that cover acres of land, city planners know the importance of providing green areas for people to go. National Take a Walk in the Park Day celebrates these small excursions and the differences they can make to our mental, physical, and emotional health. Walking is one of the best exercises to strengthen your heart. Daily walks help keep joints healthy, our muscles limber, and our hearts beating steadily. Getting out into nature has also been proven to have a number of therapeutic effects on those who take the time to do it. Stress levels go down, body and mind is refreshed, creativity gets inspired, and walking has even been shown to boast productivity at work. When should you take a walk? Any time of day is great for a walk, but research has shown that walking in the morning has numerous benefits that improve your metabolism for the entire day. Where should you take a walk? Keep it simple and find the nearest park in your town or city. Taking a walk at a local park is an excellent way to clear one’s mind from the stresses of the day, re-energize, and at the same time, improve health. You don't need to go on a three-mile hike, either. If you have got your favorite park or one close to your home, number one is easy to accomplish. Finding a friend to walk with you is a great way to keep you motivated to stick to a regular walking routine. Additionally, join a walking group to meet new people, stay motivated, and encourage others to join you. If your local community does not have a walking group, create your own! Social media is a great way to connect with locals and build your walking group. Search Google, Facebook, and other platforms to see if there is a walking group in your neighborhood, town, or county. If there isn't a group in your community, just get out and enjoy a walk to benefit your physical, emotional, and mental health. Who knows, maybe you'll meet a new friend!
The award kicks off a historic year for the Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo. In 2023, the Sidney Rodeo is gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary and their continued dedication to tourism in southwest Iowa makes it deserving of this award. The Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo has been cultivating tourism in southwest Iowa since well before tourism was recognized as an official industry in the state. In 1923, the Tackett brothers returned from Wyoming and decided to entertain visitors attending the Old Soldiers Reunion in Sidney. To show them some real western action, a circle was formed with Model T cars and makeshift fencing and Henry and Earl Tackett were up and away on the fastest bad horses they could find. They received the sum of $50 and more bruises than they could count. The Sidney American Legion Post 128 quickly assumed sponsorship of this exciting sport and made it an annual event open to the public with a small grandstand and no admission charge. They went each year to South Dakota to buy bucking broncs, and bulls were bought from Texas and Mexico. Several quarter horses were owned by the Legion and kept in Sidney all year. Within five years attendance grew so much that a small admission was added, a larger grandstand built, professional cowboys began to compete, and some trick riders and animal acts were added. Early rodeos included the appearance of Indian tribesmen in full native dress, sometimes from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. In 1931, lights were added to the arena to allow for the addition of night shows. After 1952, the livestock was brought in by professional contractors, who furnished top-grade stock to work at each performance. Today, the Sidney facility boasts plenty of parking, new pens and gates, hospital facilities, concessions, covered concrete grandstands, a flea market, carnival, parade, and musical entertainment after the weekend performances. Sidney’s population of 1,070 regularly hosts 15,000 to 20,000 visitors during the five days of Sidney Iowa Rodeo. Attendance counts have been up to 38,000, which ranks in the top 12% of the nearly 650 rodeos approved by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Events are added throughout rodeo week to captivate the attention of vistitors and engage residents. The Rodeo Queen Contest, Rodeo Parade, and Rodeo Days activities on the square Specialty acts delight audiences between bucking and bull riding competition and the girls barrel racing event.
In 1996, the Sidney Rodeo was declared an official Iowa Sesquicentennial event with the Friday afternoon performance being dedicated to that celebration of 150 years of statehood. The “Iowa Voyager” trailer, containing historical Iowa memorabilia, was on display in Sidney during Rodeo week. On its 75th anniversary year, the Sidney Iowa Rodeo was selected as the 1997 PRCA National Finals, Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year. The Sidney Rodeo was honored to be a part of the 2015 induction class for the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, when it was referred to as being "among the oldest and most prestigious PRCA events on the schedule." The Sidney Rodeo is located in Fremont County, the southwest cornerstone of Iowa, and anchor of the southern end of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.
The Carolyn Benne Nature Trail details the natural history of the area on an interpretive walk through the park and features one of the best scenic views in the park. The popular Tunnel Trail gets its name from a tunnel that runs underneath the park road. Buffalo Run Trail leads to Dakota Point Overlook, aptly named with views of South Dakota to the west. Another viewpoint, Elk Point, has excellent views of the southern half of the park.
The trails in the southern half are more rugged and wild as they do not cross park roads or enter campgrounds. Perhaps the best trail in the park, Mt. Lucia, leads to a viewpoint at the southern end of Stone State Park. You can connect with trails leading to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center at the overlook. The trails in the southern half are your best bet for a slice of woodland wander that is easily accessible due to its proximity to Sioux City and Interstate 29.
Hike a trail and let prairie grasses tickle your chin. Explore bur oak forests with 150-year old giants. Climb the ridges and imagine what Lewis and Clark might have seen. The 2.5 miles of trails explore prairie ridges and woodlands. A section of Whitetail Ridge Trail is accessible for people with mobility difficulties. Hikers park in lower lot (below gate) after 4:00pm. Trails are open year-round from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Sioux City Prairie is one of the nation’s largest native prairie tracts found in an urban setting. An area uniquely and delicately balanced between the city and the wild, it allows visitors an escape from city life by immersing themselves in a tallgrass prairie.
Sioux City Prairie is a TNC-owned 150-acre tallgrass prairie preserve. The prairie and wooded valleys of this well-drained, high-relief landscape support a variety of plants and animals typically found further west in the Great Plains. The preserve also supports a diverse population of birds and it provides critical habitat for many species of prairie butterflies.
Enjoy a 2-mile trail loop that extends through Cone Park and Sertoma Park. For more trails in Sioux City visit the Parks and Recreation Trail Page, or call Parks and Recreation at (712) 279-6126. Off shoot trails offer non-paved hiking trails.
Trails of the area take the visitor through a variety of habitats. A self-guided nature trail brochure is available at the trail head. Numerous bluebird boxes have been erected in the area and visitors may catch a glimpse of the brilliant blue birds.
Park facilities are open May 1 through October 31.
Located one-half mile west of Smithland on Hwy 141 near the Southwood Conservation Area, this 160 acre area is a perfect spot for a picnic or a walk through the woods. Park facilities are open and pressurized water systems are available May 1 through October 31.
Encompassing more than 2,082 acres of public land in the hills adjacent to the Little Sioux River Valley, Oak Ridge is divided into four units with six public parking accesses between Oto and Smithland. This natural, undeveloped area is available for hiking and public hunting.
This 210-acre area is located four miles southeast of Anthon. It is an undeveloped public wildlife area for hiking and hunting. Wildlife and wildflowers are abundant.
Shagbark Hills was acquired in 1976 for wildlife habitat. The area contains a native stand of shagbark hickory trees unique to the area. The undeveloped 379-acre area is located one-half mile south of Correctionville and is open for hiking and public hunting.
Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks ([email protected]).
National Ag Day kicks off National Ag Week, celebrated in 2023 from the 21st to the 27th of March. The week celebrates and acknowledges the agricultural industry and the role it plays in stabilizing the economy.
Agriculture plays a vital role in western Iowa. Not only is agriculture the engine of western Iowa's economy, it has shaped its landforms, and organized our communities. Western Iowa would not be what it is today without agriculture. Ag's footprint on western Iowa is seen all along its scenic byways: grain silos and semi-trucks full of grain, terraced fields and center pivot irrigation, and even the Loess Hills that were never ploughed because of their steep grade. There are numerous ways that you can show your support for agriculture in western Iowa, not only on National Ag Day or National Ag Week, but throughout the entire year. Agritourism is increasing in popular and is a great way to support your local agricultural industry.
The National Agricultural Law Center defines agritourism as, "the crossroads of tourism and agriculture. Stated more technically, agritourism can be defined as a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining and/or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch, or business owner."
There are many forms of agritourism: pumpkin picking patches; corn mazes, U-Pick operations, petting and feeding zoos, hay rides, cut-your-own Christmas tree farms;, dude ranches, demonstration farms, agricultural museums, living history farms, on-farm farmers’ markets, winery tours and wine tasting, rural bed & breakfasts, garden tours, and more. While we could compile a lengthy list of all the agritourism attractions and activities on western Iowa's scenic byways, below is a truncated list of some notable agritourism destinations. If you have any questions about local agriculture and agritourism in western Iowa, send us an email ([email protected]). Local Foods
Iowans are surrounded by fertile farmland, yet most of the food consumed in the state travels an average of 1,500 miles before landing on a dinner plate. Golden Hills strives to improve the southwest Iowa foodshed by building and maintaining alliances between regional producers and consumers. These alliances are further supported by raising awareness among southwest Iowans about the food that is available in this region.
Golden Hills convenes the Southwest Iowa Food and Farm Initiative (SWIFFI), a multi-county coalition of individuals and organizations within the local food system. Golden Hills provides training, assists in navigating regulations, helps with grant writing, and offers other forms of support. The assistance provided by Golden Hills helps make local food more accessible to those living in southwest Iowa. The benefits of an active and local foodshed are felt by all involved. Revitalization of rural communities by boosting local economic development and improving the health of its citizens are just a few examples of the benefits of an active local foods system. Golden Hills organizes farmer meet-ups to meet local food producers for networking and socializing. Check the SWIFFI website for upcoming meet-ups and other programs. Farmers Markets & Festivals
Golden Hills maintains a Local Food Guide that is available in both English and Spanish. The guide highlights farmers markets, food hubs and local food delivery, and local farms and value-added farm products. Purchasing produce from farmers markets is an excellent way to support local agriculture, as is signing up for CSAs and supporting your local food hubs and food delivery services.
Audubon Century Farm Tour
Get out and see real farms that are a century old. The Audubon Century Farm Tour is a self-driving tour of eight of Audubon County's century farms. A brochure, with a map included, is available at the county tourism office (800 Market St, Audubon, IA 50025). Private tours are available upon request.
Ross Grain Elevator
Shelby County Historical MuseumWisecup Farm Museum
Local Orchards, Fruit Farms, Family Farms, etc.
The list above is just a sampling of the agritourism attractions and activities in western Iowa. For a more detailed list of farmers markets and local producers and farms, check out our Local Food Guide.
Derald W. Dinesen Prairie is a 20-acre remnant of native tallgrass prairie. It is located six miles northeast of Harlan in northeastern Shelby County. Derald Dinesen purchased the area in 1943, realizing that the Iowa prairie was nearly a thing of the past. It was dedicated in 1977 as a biological state preserve. He told reporters at the dedication, “I guess the reason I set aside the land was based on instinct. The instinct to leave something behind for posterity of what you believe in. I just wanted to see and have others see the beauty of the land as it existed years ago when the Indians roamed [the land].”
The Elkhorn Creek Recreation Area is a multiple use area, and is the ideal setting for a family on an outing, or for a person looking for solitude. With it's groomed trails and unique wildlife, the adventures are never ending. The upper picnic area contains what is believed to be the original site of the pioneer village of Elk Horn. Many building foundation blocks remain to mark the site. Petersen Preserve is roughly 32 acres and also part of the park; it has many grass walking trails.
Set in the hills of Grove township is Manteno Park, Shelby County Conservation Board's most popular area. Located northwest of Earling, it contains a 12-acre lake and includes hiking trails. Manteno is known for its shaded picnic areas and calm atmosphere. A 40-acre tract of timber adjacent to the park was purchased in 1994 and made into a nature area.
The 80-acre Nishna Bend Recreation Area contains over 30 acres of wetland created from past gravel mining operations and is located southeast of Corley. Its acquisition was partially funded with grants from Duck Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. The ponds left from past mining operations contain bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and bullhead to delight any angler. The other features include camping, a camping cabin, hiking trails, river access, an arboretum, a planting of tall grass, shortgrass prairie with many species of wildflowers, and a nature learning center.
Approximately 7 miles of trails weave throughout the park. All the trails are open for hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. An interpretive trail starts in the northwest corner of the park and winds along the shoreline. The trails are great places to observe a variety of plants and wildlife. There are several areas of restored prairie along the trails.
Rosenow Timber
Manager: Shelby CCB Location: 41.810704, -95.498675 Acres: 120 Trails: No Camping: No Amenities: None Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June. Hunting: Yes
Rosenow Timber is owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and managed by the Shelby County Conservation Board. This 120 acres of virgin timber is a public hunting area that abounds with deer, turkey, squirrels, and many woodland plants.
Six Bee Tree Timber
Manager: Shelby CCB Location: 41.855796, -95.459858 Acres: 40 Trails: Mowed trails Camping: No Amenities: None Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June. Hunting: Yes Six Bee Tree Timber is 40 acres of timber located directly across the road to the east of Manteno Park. This is a public hunting area that is archery only allowed with a mowed trail loop going through it.
Upper Nish Habitat Area
Manager: Shelby CCB Location: 41.801018, -95.189460 Acres: 18 Trails: Mowed trails Camping: No Amenities: None Dogs: Yes, just no interfering with nesting birds in May-June. Hunting: Yes Upper Nish is approximately 3 miles of old railroad right of way that starts just 1/2 mile northeast of Irwin and is open to public hiking and hunting.
Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks ([email protected]).
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Address712 South Highway Street
P.O. Box 189 Oakland, IA 51560 |
ContactPhone: 712-482-3029
General inquiries: [email protected] Visit our Staff Page for email addresses and office hours. |