Last week we posted about camping on the three scenic byways that Golden Hills coordinates in western Iowa. With Memorial Day weekend approaching, and with it the summer outdoor recreation season, now is the time to make plans and reservations for campsites, as well as cabins. There are numerous parks on the byways that have cabins available to rent, with options with modern showers, Wi-Fi, and smart TVs, t0 rustic cabins without running water or electricity. We have compiled a spreadsheet listing the cabins at parks managed by the Iowa DNR and county conservation boards on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hill National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. To view the spreadsheet of cabins on the byways managed by the Iowa DNR and county conservation boards, click here. There are three tabs at the bottom for each separate byway. The information was collected from Iowa DNR and county conservation board websites. It is recommended that you contact the managing agency directly if you have questions or to confirm amenities and availability. Cabins on the Byways spreadsheetThere are also cabins managed by private individuals and organizations; check out previous blog posts about Unique Places to Stay on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and Unique Places to Stay on Western Skies and Glacial Trail Scenic Byways. Glacial Trail Scenic Byway
Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
Western Skies Scenic Byway
There are no camping cabins in Audubon County at parks managed by the Iowa DNR or Audubon County Conservation. For campsites and unique places to stay in Audubon County, check out our blog posts Camping on the Byways and Unique Places to Stay on Western Skies and Glacial Trail Scenic Byways. For a detailed spreadsheet of cabins on the byways managed by the Iowa DNR and county conservation boards, click the link below. Cabins on the Byways spreadsheetThere are also cabins managed by private individuals and organizations; check out our blog posts about Unique Places to Stay on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and
Unique Places to Stay on Western Skies and Glacial Trail Scenic Byways.
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Trails network together so visitors can be creative to enjoy any length of hike they desire. Due to the rugged terrain of the Loess Hills, the trails vary from easy ridgeline walks to difficult climbs. Trail maps can be found at Fox Run Ridge, Badger Ridge, and Hohneke trailheads, or at the Loess Hills Lodge during gallery hours. It's difficult to create an easy loop at Hitchcock because at some point you will have to descend steeply into a valley or climb steeply onto a ridge. If you're looking for an easy family-friendly hike, do an out-and-back hike starting from the Badger Ridge or Fox Run Ridge trailheads in the parking lot below the Loess Hills Lodge. Another option is the ADA-accessible boardwalk that ends at Hawk Ridge.
Vincent Bluff State Preserve is a cooperative venture between the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and the Loess Hills Preservation Society to preserve a unique urban prairie in the Loess Hills. The preserve is located in the heart of Council Bluffs. Today, Vincent Bluff Prairie Preserve stands as the only truly urban prairie preserve in the state of Iowa, and likewise, is a great example of Loess Hills prairie, oak savanna, and eastern deciduous forest ecosystems. A footpath begins at the shelter near the parking lot and climbs steeply to the top of the prairie ridge. The climb is short but strenuous. You can follow the GPX track below to hike a loop, or just wander along the ridge enjoying the views and native flora.
Dedicated in 1936 to honor the Corps of Discovery, Lewis & Clark Monument Park has a small observation deck and two large commemorative stone markers, quarried from the Folsom Quarry in Vermont and created by sculptor Harry E. Stinson and architect George L. Horner. The images and text on the markers explain Lewis and Clark’s meeting with local Oto and Missouri Indians. (The actual site of the meeting took place on the west side of the Missouri about 10 miles north of Omaha near today’s Fort Calhoun, Nebraska.) The monument stands atop a ridge of the Loess Hills, which run along much of the western edge of Iowa. For this reason, mountain bikers enjoy the challenging route through the heavy woods of the park, hikers appreciate the nearby trails, and aerial enthusiasts love the panoramic view of planes landing at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield just across the Missouri. Trails Have Our Respect (THOR) maintains the mountain bike trails.
Fairmount Park (East Graham Ave and Park Entrance) hiking trails wind through the hills. At Fairmount Park, you'll also find a scenic overlook, a playground, a splash pad, a firepit, picnic shelters, and ample parking. Gibraltar Trailhead (9th Ave and High St) has picnic tables and direct access to the Fairmount Park hiking trails making it a great place to meet up with friends.
These trails connect to the trail system that runs throughout Council Bluffs including the Wabash Trace Trail and the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. There are also eight miles of unpaved trails perfectly suited for mountain biking located on either side of the Missouri River access on the south side of the park. The mountain bike trails along the Missouri River just south of Lake Manawa are also hiker-friendly. The area is right along the river, so whenever there is a flood the trails will likely be impassable and damaged. The trails are maintained by the THOR group.
Wabash Trace Nature TrailWhile it's mostly known as a bike trail, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is another opportunity for hikers to explore Pottawattamie County. The northern terminus of the trail is located in Pottawattamie County on the very southern boundary of Council Bluffs. The level grade makes it a nice option for a leisurely out-and-back hike from the Iowa West Foundation Trailhead, especially in fall when the leaves are turning colors.
Arrowhead Park and Botna Bend Park
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]).
Are you ready to start making summer plans? With spring right around the corner, it's a good idea to start thinking about your summer recreation plans. There are a wide range of camping options along western Iowa's scenic byways, from primitive hike-in campsites to full hook-up RV sites. From state parks and recreation areas, county parks, and city parks, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of places to pitch a tent or park their RV. Some of these sites can be reserved ahead of time, for example at Iowa's state parks where you can reserve a site up to three months in advance. The traditional camping season begins on Memorial Day weekend, so the first week of March is when reservable campsites at Iowa state parks can be reserved. We've compiled a spreadsheet below of campsites along the three scenic byways that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway.
The list is not comprehensive; if there is a campground missing from the list, please contact Seth Brooks ([email protected]) to get it added to the list. Additionally, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information listed below. All information was compiled from the websites of the campground's manager (Iowa DNR, county conservation boards, municipalities, etc.). To correct or add information, also please contact Seth Brooks at Golden Hills ([email protected]).
The absence of an amenity, for example showers does not mean there are not showers at the facility; rather, it means that Golden Hills was unable to confirm on the manager's website whether the campground featured that amenity. It's always best to contact the campground's manager to confirm amenities, prices, season dates, and more. Explanation of spreadsheet columns: Electric - campsites with electrical hook-up; may or may not have sewer hook-up Non-electric - campsite without electrical hook-up; available for RV and/or tent camping Tent - tent-only campsites; some may be backcountry hike-in sites $ per night - if there is more than one type of campsite, the range of the lowest to highest price is listed Reserve - if campsites are able to be reserved in advance Cabins - number of cabins available Showers - showers for campers to use Restrooms - modern and/or pit toilets Water - pumps and/or hydrants for drinking water Dump site - dump site for RVs Season - dates campground is open or campground amenities are available; cabins may be open year-round
The purpose of the Prairie Heritage Center is to provide environmental education as it relates to the prairie and the county, to preserve and protect our prairie heritage, and to encourage economic development with regards to recreation and historic exploration. Every season of the year is a great one on the prairie! The Prairie Heritage Center opened its doors to the public on November 28, 2006. Over 100,000 people have visited the center since that time. They have come from all 50 states and over 26 foreign countries. It is a great place to enjoy educational and interactive displays, hike the trails, savor the wildflowers, and engage in bird and wildlife watching. Visit the Prairie Heritage Center and check out all the things to do! text source: O'Brien County Conservation
The section of Waterman Prairie south of Highway 10 offers an accessible prairie experience for byway visitors. A parking lot on Wilson Avenue, 1½ miles south of Highway 10, leads to a trail that meanders through prairie-covered ridges with spectacular vistas of the Little Sioux River valley. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is restoring the prairie to its original plant community.
There is something for every outdoor lover at Mill Creek State Park including camping, swimming, hiking, a playground, electric boating, picnicking, and even cabin rentals. Fishing is also a popular activity, giving anglers a chance to catch largemouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish, crappie and yellow perch. Mill Creek Park is located just 1/2 mile east of Paullina on Iowa Highway 10.
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]).
Did you know that March 1st is National Wedding Planning Day? Created in 2017 by The Knot, a wedding planning media and technology company, National Wedding Planning Day on March 1st celebrates the "official" start of wedding planning season. Planning a wedding can be joyous but also stressful, especially when trying to decide on the perfect location for your special day. There are numerous venues on western Iowa's scenic byways that can host your wedding, from restored barns to outdoor venues with sweeping views of the beautiful Loess Hills. Many of these places are extremely popular and booked well in advance, but if you're lucky you might find an open date this year or next. Take a look at our list below of some gorgeous venues that can host your special day.
Palace Event Center 33153 Highway 92, Treynor, Iowa 51575 Located in Treynor, Iowa, The Palace Event Center hosts special events for couples, families, companies, and schools from Nebraska and Iowa. Our fully-restored 1930s barn is an easy 15-minute drive from Council Bluffs and Omaha. Plenty of parking, room to celebrate, and space to enjoy your event. Let our team take care of you. Bella Terre Vineyard & Reception Hall 23375 Barrus Road, Glenwood, IA 51534 We are prolific creators delivering unparalleled experiences. Our exquisite reception hall is immersed in the rolling Loess Hills. The name Bella Terre is Italian for “beautiful lands” where one beautiful land meets the other; Italy and Iowa. Both are unique in their own way but they come together to enhance the natural beauty of the Iowa countryside. We focus on three things: wine, hospitality and luxury accommodations. This allows us to maintain our extremely high standards of wine quality and value, while always perfecting our guest experiences year after year. Our desire is to create an unforgettable memory for you and your guests in an extraordinary and unique facility. Bella Terre was designed to provide an amazing atmosphere for wedding ceremonies, receptions, special dinners, corporate meetings, and other events and celebrations. Our facility can comfortably accommodate up to 400 guests and is located just 15 minutes from Omaha. The Fountains Ballroom 51496 230th St, Glenwood, IA, 51534 Thoughtfully located in the tranquil countryside of western Iowa to capture the majestic sunsets of the Midwest, The Fountains Ballroom is a unique wedding venue nestled in the picturesque Loess Hills and 15 minutes from downtown Omaha. We offer a variety of different services and create custom built packages including: Event Planning & Coordination, Floral & Design, Photography & DJ Services. We’re not just a venue. Let us handle all of the little details and sit back and watch your wedding dreams unfold.
Bodega Victoriana Winery & Wedding Barn 60397 Kidd Rd, Glenwood, IA 51534 Bodega Victoriana is a century old Victorian farm that offers the couple many different options for a country wedding. The perfect rustic barn wedding venue for eastern Nebraska and western Iowa weddings. Located just 20 minutes from the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro area. The Waterfalls Wedding Venue 907 Hartford Avenue, Farragut, IA 51639 The Waterfalls Wedding Venue is truly a one-of-a-kind wedding venue in Iowa. We transformed from a former public school into a venue that would be perfect for any wedding or special event. Created by talented craftsmen who dreamed of adding that “Wow!” factor to our event space, we’re a venue to rival any other. You’ll love our unique space and welcoming atmosphere designed to bring a little magic to any event. Our indoor settings, and upcoming outdoor setting (Spring 2020), can be custom decorated and designed to meet any need.
Saints Center for Culture and the Arts 20 N. Fremont St., Stuart, Iowa 50250 Weddings, concerts, theater, reunions, conferences, and more! The Saints Center features five unique gathering spaces to choose from for your next event. Historic All Saints was built from 1908-1910 in the Byzantine and Romanesque style with an Italian Baroque interior. It served the Catholic parish in the Stuart area and was once voted the "most beautiful church in Iowa" by the readers of The Des Moines Register. Raccoon Ridge Music Hall 3281 298th Lane, Stuart, IA 50250 Located just a few miles north of Stuart, IA, and just 45 minutes from Des Moines, Raccoon Ridge Music Hall is the area's largest and most modern facility of its kind. Designed from the ground up by Linda and Gary Thompson, Raccoon Ridge Music Hall is your best resource for gatherings of any kind, small to large, in a rural setting with towering oaks and flowing fields.
Schafer Barn on the Hill 1459 White Pole Road, Adair The idea of our newest addition, Schafer Barn on the Hill, was prompted by visiting engaged couples that absolutely fell in love with the Century Barn, but needed a more spacious venue to accommodate more guests. We remodeled an existing barn on another property we owned just about 7 miles from the original Century Barn, adding large bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, rooms for the wedding party to get ready, and even it’s own bar. Then slowly and painstakingly, we added a vast 60’ X 100’ ceremony space, made of full tree-sized logs and beams, along with artistically designed metal fasteners engineered by our talented local welding shop. It is truly a sight to see!
We recently announced our new leadership team: Executive Director Cara Marker-Morgan and Deputy Director Lance Brisbois. This week, meet several new staff who have joined the team within the last few months. You can find info about all our team members here.Jamie Smidt Fowler Local Foods Coordinator Jamie joined Golden Hills in 2022. She grew up in Casper, Wyoming, developing a love of Southwest Iowa while visiting grandparents and friends. She attended the University of Montana, in Missoula, where she obtained a B.A. in Environmental Studies. Her areas of study ranged from native plant restoration and sustainable agriculture to environmental politics and policy. Jamie loves all things plants. Her relationship with the green world began as a youngster in Casper working on her father’s tree and vegetable farm. During her time in Missoula, she managed a bustling, locally-owned greenhouse and later maintained her own gardening business. She continues to follow her passion for plants through her hobbies of growing food, studying plant medicine, which she believes should be accessible to everyone, and serving on the Shenandoah Tree Board. She can often be found sharing her plant knowledge regionally through foraging walks and informational talks. In 2013, Jamie and her husband, Jean-Paul, decided to escape the smokey summers of the West by moving to Shenandoah, a halfway point between their hometowns. They have an elementary aged daughter, Elke, who also loves to spend time outdoors. Seth Brooks Project Coordinator Seth joined Golden Hills RC&D in 2022 as a project coordinator focusing on scenic byways, local foods, and other projects. A native of Fremont, Nebraska, he has a B.A. in Political Science from Creighton University and a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Seth has worked as a political organizer in western Iowa, Colorado, and southeast Asia. From 2013 until 2020, Seth lived in Spain where he worked as an English teacher. Upon returning to the United States, Seth has worked as a program instructor at the North Cascades Institute in Washington and most recently as a conservation technician at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary near Kearney, Nebraska. Additionally, Seth writes hiking guidebooks, with the following titles to be published by Falcon Guides: Hiking Nebraska in 2023. Hiking Iowa in 2024, and Hiking Kansas in 2024. In his free time, Seth enjoys photography, reading, and exploring the Loess Hills with his dog Jasper. Shaun Ahern Project Coordinator Shaun joined Golden Hills in 2022 with work focusing on watershed management projects. A native of Ankeny, IA in the Des Moines metro area, he graduated with a B.S. in Community & Regional Planning and Environmental Studies from Iowa State University. After serving two AmeriCorps terms with Conservation Corps of Iowa 2017-2018 doing habitat restoration and volunteering as a Natural Resources Steward for Polk County Conservation starting in 2019 while working for a Des Moines company doing tree care, he then moved to southwest Iowa. Volunteer opportunities to continue his passion of doing that natural resource conservation work and the close proximity to the Loess Hills were appealing factors to make that move to Council Bluffs in April 2021. Living there, he enjoys doing that volunteer work with a few area conservation organizations primarily at Hitchcock Nature Center for Pottawattamie County Conservation and Vincent Bluff Prairie State Preserve in Council Bluffs. He enjoys exploring the Loess Hills or other nearby natural areas and also cheering on the Ankeny Hawks, Iowa State Cyclones, Chicago Bears, and White Sox. Jackie Johnson Fiscal Manager Jackie is a native of Southwest Iowa, graduating from Riverside in Oakland. She attended Iowa Western Community College and worked at Riverside Community School District for 12 years before joining the Golden Hills team. She currently resides in Harlan with her fiance, Nate, their 4 daughters Carly, Brylei, Layla, and Brecklin, and their two dogs, Marv and Ella. In her free time, Jackie enjoys photography and singing. She has been singing since she was a young girl and is currently in an Acoustic Duo called Riverside Drive that travels all over Southwest Iowa to perform. She has sang the National Anthem for many events locally, but she has also been selected to sing for the University of Nebraska at Omaha sporting events, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, and the College World Series! Jackie also got her first motorcycle in the summer of 2022 and enjoys riding her motorcycle with Nate in the Loess Hills and throughout Southwest Iowa. Board of Directors Updates
Additionally, we have new members and changes within our Board of Directors. Steve Baier from Cass County is our new Board Chair and Kathy Fiscus from West Pottawattamie County is Vice Chair. New board member Susan Miller from East Pottawattamie is now treasurer, and Sheryl Sanders from Fremont County is continuing as Secretary. Brian Rife is the new Harrison County representative. Learn more about all our board members at goldenhillsrcd.org/board
Preparation Canyon State Park, in the heart of the Loess Hills in western Iowa, encompasses 344 acres, including what used to be the town of Preparation. Today, Preparation Canyon is a quiet enclave offering backcountry hiking, picnicking, and beautiful views of the unique Loess Hills. In 1853, Charles B. Thompson broke from the Utah-bound Mormon wagon trail and settled in this area. At one point, Preparation had sixty-seven houses, a school, newspaper, post office, skating rink and blacksmith shop. But by 1900, the town had all but faded away. The land was sold by descendants of the original settlers to the state of Iowa in parcels during the mid-20th century and became the state park. Hike on one of the several trails that wind through the rugged Loess Hills. The backcountry trails follow hills and valleys, leading to a nature study area and the hike-in camping sites. Hikers should be prepared for rough terrain and loose soil with sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate gear. Camp in one of ten hike-in camping sites, which are some of the only hike-in sites in the Iowa state park system. The trailhead to the hike-in sites is located in the southeast corner of the park. The sites each have a table and fire ring, but no bathroom facilities. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis with self-registration in the east parking lot. text source: Iowa DNR
Sylvan Runkel State Preserve is a 330-acre preserve containing an outstanding example of Iowa’s Loess Hills landscape, with extensive native prairie covering steep hills. The tracts comprising the preserve were acquired by the Iowa Conservation Commission in 1973 and 1980 as part of the 3,000-acre Loess Hills Wildlife Area. In 1985, the Loess Hills Wildlife Area (including the preserve area) became part of a 10,420-acre National Natural Landmark. In 1996, the preserve was established for its biological and geological significance, and named in memory of Sylvan Runkel.
A number of Iowa threatened or endangered animals make their home here including the northern grasshopper mouse, plains pocket mouse and spadefoot toad. Wild turkeys and prairie chickens have been reintroduced. White-tail deer, fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, coyote, raccoon and badger are common. Turkey vultures, bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, whip-poor-will and many songbirds also exist in good populations. Controlled burns prevent brush and tree invasion and stimulate growth of prairie plants. The Loess Hills Prairie Seminar is held here every summer (intersection of Oak Avenue and 178th St). Before visiting a public wildlife area, please check out Chapter 51 : Wildlife Management Areas.
Turin Preserve Wildlife Area is a 220-acre area featuring a rugged Loess Hills landscape with an abrupt west-facing ridge. It is located in the southern unit of the 3,000-acre Loess Hills Wildlife Area, 2 miles north of Turin and 7.5 miles east of Onawa in Monona County. The Iowa Conservation Commission purchased the area in 1974. In 1978, the area was dedicated as a biological and geological state preserve and became part of a National Natural Landmark in 1986. Before visiting a public wildlife area, please check out Chapter 51 : Wildlife Management Areas.
This 80-acre tract of dense native timber is located 4 miles southwest of Mapleton and just east of the Loess Hills Scenic Byway on Peach Avenue. 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. An open shelter house, 3 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. Whiting Woods is an excellent place to view wildlife and provides great hunting opportunities. Electric campsites are $20.00 per night, non-electric are $15.00 per night. A 10:30 curfew is enforced for all visitors. We currently do not take reservations for camping at this park as it is first come, first serve. text source: Monona County Conservation Other hiking opportunitiesThe following areas, managed by Monona County Conservation, also allow hiking. Check the linked websites for more information. Masters Prairie Trail This linear park is an abandoned railroad right of way, which consisting of 24 acres that have been smoothed and planted to native short grasses and wildflowers. The two-mile trail begins on the west side of the Maple River and follows Hwy. 141 to the west. It was purchased from the Rail Road in 1990, with money from NIPCO in return for a permanent easement for their power lines. Hunting is not allowed. Gramm Wetland Gramm Wetland has a popular 2-mile walking trail. Beaver Run Wildlife Area Davis Wetland 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]).
Monday was National Muffin Day and yesterday was Pancake Day, so what better way to celebrate than trying a muffin or flapjacks at one of the many breakfast joints on the three scenic byways that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates in western Iowa. Even if muffins and pancakes aren't your jam, swing by one of the places below for a hot cup of coffee that will give you the fuel you need to explore western Iowa's scenic byways. Western Skies Scenic Byway
Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
The SPOT Espresso Bar & Cafe is more than just a coffee shop. At the SPOT, we pride ourselves in providing a clean, community friendly, art centric atmosphere where we will always greet you with a smile. You can stop-in for your morning Joe while preparing for the day ahead or you may choose to ‘drive-thru’ while on the go - we are here for you. In addition to coffee drinks of all kinds, The SPOT offers smoothies, baked goods, breakfast burritos and flatbreads. At lunchtime, our soups and gourmet paninis are the buzz. Our menu is prepared with only the best fresh ingredients daily.
Hardline Coffee Company began as the brainchild of Nisa Salmen in March 2018. Combining an interest in experimenting with new brewing methods and a knack for creating delicious new recipes, Hardline serves up some seriously unique brews and treats. Hardline owner Nisa got her start in the coffee industry in 2010. Since then she has refined her skills as a barista, pastry chef, and restaurant manager at shops across the Midwest. She is passionate about providing ethically-sourced and environmentally conscious products to a growing community with dietary restrictions. She specializes in the shop's vegan and vegetarian menu options. When she's not baking up a storm, Nisa can be found cuddling with her cats, riding her motorcycle, or building things.
The Stone Bru Cafe located at 5822 Sunnybrook Dr. is the culmination of years of experience in the coffee business. From the beautiful design to the award winning coffee, this location is a must see. Perfect for meeting up with friends and family, or a cozy place to work and study.
Glacial Trail Scenic Byway
expanding the whole bean and ground coffee sales. In 2019, Mud on Main moved the roasting operation and coffee shop to a historic building at 207 West Main Street in Cherokee, further expanding the menu to include lunch. The coffee shop stays active well after dark with a stage featuring live music and serving beer, wine and cocktails. They are proud to partner with nonprofit organizations and charities, providing fundraising opportunities through bulk coffee sales.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Golden Hills RC&D and the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway are excited to announce the Waubonsie State Park Artist in Residence awards for the 2023 Program! The Artist in Residence program was created to help reach a broader audience of park-goers, thus increasing the number of visitors and ultimately educating more people about the Loess Hills ecosystem. The artists and visitors will engage with the natural resources of the park through an artistic lens. Many quality applications were received from artists representing a wide array of disciplines. Three artists were selected to fill residencies ranging from one to two weeks long in March and April. Those artists receiving the residency awards for the current season of the Waubonsie State Park Artist in Residence Program include Rodger Geberdling, Marcia Wilson Holliway and Tina Campbell. The artists will use their time at Waubonsie to immerse themselves in the landscape as a source of inspiration and opportunity to intensely focus on their work. The artists represent a variety of mixed media, painting, and photography. Rodger Geberdling is a multidisciplinary artist from Council Bluffs who is active in applied arts, book illustration, art instruction, writing and acting. His painting, drawing, collage, and other multimedia work is currently represented at multiple galleries and exhibitions across the country. Rodger’s mixed media paintings and found/created object constructions range from portraits (real and imagined) to still-lifes and landscapes. He works primarily from imagination as colored by his surroundings, using sketches and memory to make personal impressions of people and places. During his time at Waubonsie, Rodger will focus on landscapes and impressions of structures as seen on daily walks. He sees this residency as a kind of visual, day-to-day journal. Rodger will occupy the first residency period of 2023, during the first half of March. Marcia Wilson Holliway is a multidisciplinary artist from Nebraska City. Marcia shares, “Seeing and feeling texture, pattern, light and color stirs my soul. People, places, and nature are inspirations for my art! When I’m not painting in Plein Air you might find me arranging found objects. As they start relating to one another they become cohesive. Something beautiful comes to life, reminding me this process is happening in my own life as well. As I collaborate with purpose, my Creator, and others, I continue writing my story, creating goodness, beauty, and art. Although my life, poems, art, and journals can be kept private, I am convinced that life is most fulfilled when I share them.” Although the dates and details have not been secured yet, Marcia says that her programming piece will be an invitation to park goers of all ages to participate in a hands-on experience that will encourage celebrating nature, further exploration, and appreciation of their surroundings. Marcia’s residency will take place during the second half of March. Tina Campbell with Fence Row Photography is a landscape photographer from Norwalk, Iowa. She shares, “As a landscape photographer I am not just discovering the beauty but also the healing element of being in nature. Whether on the backroads or hiking trails, or just in my own backyard, nature has provided me a consistent element of connection and peace. It is my hope that my photography might bring that connection to others and inspire more awareness of the beauty in our everyday.” When Tina does her public program, she plans to lead a group on a guided photo walk and explain her gratitude practice approach of not just looking at the big picture, but really focusing on the little things. Tina will participate in a one-week residency at the beginning of April. One of the region’s ecological and recreational treasures, Waubonsie State Park’s 2,000 acres in the Loess Hills of southwest Iowa feature prairies, savannas, and woodlands which are home to diverse flora and fauna, not to mention breathtaking vistas. Park Manager Matt Moles has worked with Golden Hills RC&D Project Coordinator Lance Brisbois and Loess Hills National Scenic Byway Coordinator Rebecca Castle to develop and launch the project. While there have been other artist residency programs offered through the National Parks System and parks in other states, this was the first such program in one of Iowa’s State Parks. The program is loosely modeled after similar regional residency programs. The artists will receive lodging in a studio cabin and a primitive studio space in the park at no cost for the duration of the residency. In return, artists will deliver at least one public program and donate one piece of art to the park at the conclusion of their stay. The programs will be announced as they are scheduled, and may happen either during the residency period or at a later date during the peak season.
Waubonsie State Park is only about an hour’s drive from Omaha or Lincoln, NE; two hours from Kansas City; and 2.5 hours from Des Moines. It is located near the southern end of the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. To learn more about the Artist in Residence program and the artists, visit www.goldenhillsrcd.org/artist-in-residence. If you are an artist and are interested in learning about how to apply, please email [email protected].
There are six places in Harrison County on the Western Skies Scenic Byway that offer hiking opportunities. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is a birder's dream with trails through prairie and woodlands. Harrison County Conservation manages several areas with fully developed trail systems and areas with only off-trail hiking. The trails at Old Town Conservation area, for example, offer a quiet hiking experience only half an hour from Council Bluffs and Omaha.
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Missouri River and borders both Iowa and Nebraska. Within its 8,365 acres lies DeSoto Lake, an oxbow lake that used to be a bend in the Missouri River. The refuge contains bottomland forests, tallgrass prairie, and wetland habitats that are managed to mimic the natural Missouri River floodplain habitat to benefit a diversity of migratory birds that flock to the refuge each year in the spring and fall. The refuge also contains a piece of history within its borders, the Bertrand Steamboat. The Bertrand sunk on the bend of river that is now DeSoto Lake, leaving behind the cargo and historic time pieces amounting to almost 250,000 different artifacts housed within the walls of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge is truly a place where wildlife meets history! The refuge provides hiking opportunities through a diversity of refuge habitat. The Bertrand Excavation Site Trail and the Cottonwood and Grassland Nature Trails are open year round on the Nebraska side of DeSoto Lake. The Green Heron Trail and the Missouri Meander Trail are seasonal trails open April 15 - October 14. For detailed information about each trail, check the refuge's trails website. text source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The Harrison County Historical Village and Iowa Welcome Center is located 3 miles northeast of Missouri Valley on Highway 30 (five miles east of Interstate 29, Exit 75). This museum complex is straight out of the 1800s, with an original log cabin, general store, and school. 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.
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.
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.
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).
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). 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. |