Glacial Trail Scenic Byway

Mission & Vision

Vision: Surging glacial meltwaters carved deep into soft glacial drift to form the middle Little Sioux River valley. Today, steep, unplowed prairie-cloaked hills flank this meandering river and forested and farmed valley. Glacial Trail Scenic Byway showcases this unique landscape. Nature, scenery, archaeology, and history intersect in the Glacial Trail Byway corridor, creating a compelling experience for byway travelers. This 36-mile corridor encompasses a landscape like no other in the region.

Mission: The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway committee and stakeholders will interpret the area’s cultural and natural heritage; build awareness; and market the intrinsic natural, scenic, archaeological, and historic qualities of the byway to local, state, and national visitors.

About the Byway

Discover Iowa's agricultural roots, Native American history, and glacier-carved landscape on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. The Byway is a 36-mile loop drive that takes some surprising turns through O'Brien, Clay, Buena Vista and Cherokee counties and the rural towns of Peterson and Linn Grove.

Traveling through the corners of these four counties, the byway boasts more than its share of parks and wildlife areas. Some are rich with cultural history and natural resources. Visitors will find park structures built during the Civilian Conservation Corps era and log cabins from pioneer days.

Explore the great outdoors while floating down the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail (boat rentals are available locally) and even spend the night in a fully furnished grain bin.

While passing through, stop at the Prairie Heritage Center outside of Peterson, and Innspiration Vines and Wines on the way to the quaint downtown of Linn Grove.

The Prairie Heritage Center near Peterson provides information about the geology and natural history of the area. Learn about glacial remnants, including kames and kettles, glacial till, hanging valleys and catsteps, all in one place. View a restored prairie and learn how prairies were vital to Iowa's rich agricultural heritage.

History buffs will also find evidence of the area's rich Native American heritage in the archaeological sites near the Byway and in the museums of the quaint country towns of Peterson and Linn Grove. Artifacts from the Mill Creek culture date back to around 1000 AD.

The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway is off the beaten path, but the Byway's natural beauty, rich history and recreational offerings make the trip well worth it.

Click here to download a Glacial Trail Scenic Byway Map.

For more information about events and attractions along the byway visit our page on Travel Iowa's website or follow us on Facebook.

Information about road work on Iowa's state highways can be found at 511ia.org. Information about road work on some of Iowa's county roads can is available at Iowa County Roads 511 map.