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News

Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo wins Iowa Tourism Award

3/28/2023

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The Iowa Tourism Office presented 25 awards recognizing excellence in the tourism industry during the 2023 Iowa Tourism Conference in Altoona last week. The Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo was honored with the award for Outstanding Event (rural).

“We continue to see tourism rebound in Iowa,” said Amy Zeigler, state tourism manager for the Iowa Tourism Office. “Events are definitely back, as evidenced by the 25 nominations we received for Outstanding Event. We look forward to continuing the positive momentum in 2023.”
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From left: Amy Ziegler, Iowa Tourism Director; Vince Hilton and David Magel, Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo; Debi Durham, IEDA Director
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.

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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.
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Hiking the Byways: Woodbury County on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

3/24/2023

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Stone State Park (photo by Lance Brisbois)
This week's edition of Hiking the Byways takes us to Woodbury County on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.

Stone State Park is the jewel of hiking in the county, however, there are plenty of diamonds in the rough. Sioux City Prairie is one of the nation's largest urban prairies. In the southern part of the county, Southwood Conservation Area and the adjacent Fowler Forest Preserve offer an escape away from the city, while Oak Ridge Conservation Area welcomes adventurous hikers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience with no official maintained trails but over 2,000 acres of wilderness to explore off-trail.
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Stone State Park

Stone State Park, located just minutes from downtown Sioux City, has over 15 miles of trails to explore. The trails in the northern half of the park meander through campgrounds and cross park roads. 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.
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Map of Stone State Park
File Size: 439 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Manager: Iowa DNR
Trails: 15-mile trail system
Trail hours: 4
Other users: Bikers and equestrians (6 total miles of multi-use trails)
Camping: Yes, modern and tent; camping cabins
Amenities: Nature center, interpretive trails, playground, day-use lodge, shelters, modern restrooms, showers
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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Stone North


​GPX Track: Stone North
​Trailhead: Park office near east entrance
Distance: 4.71 miles
Elevation gain: 656 feet
Trail surface: Grass, dirt, and pavement
Difficulty: Moderate 10 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Stone South


​GPX Track: Stone South
​Trailhead: near Wahkaw Shelter
Distance: 4.27 miles
Elevation gain: 591feet
Trail surface: Grass, dirt, and pavement
Difficulty: Moderate 10 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

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.
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Map of Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
File Size: 11357 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Trails: 2.5-mile trail system
Trail hours: 4:00am - 10:30pm
Other users: Foot traffic only
Camping: No
Amenities: Nature center, water fountain, restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
Notes: 
Hikers park in lower lot (below gate) after 4:00pm​
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Fox Run, Badger Run, Walnut Valley, Whitetail Ridge, & Bluestem Loop

​GPX Track: 
Fox Run, Badger Run, Walnut Valley, Whitetail Ridge, & Bluestem Loop
Distance: 1.9 miles
Elevation gain: 337 feet
Trail surface: Grass and dirt
Difficulty: Moderate 9 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Sioux City Prairie

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.


​Manager
: The Nature Conservancy
Trails: 2 miles of trails
Other users: None
GPS: 42.521302, -96.438305
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Not allowed
Hunting: No​
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Bacon Creek Park

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Manager: Sioux City Parks & Recreation
Trails: 3 miles
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 42.494696, -96.338502
Camping: No
Amenities: Picnic area, shelters, restrooms, Off-leash area/dog park
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​
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​GPX Track: Bacon Creek Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 147 feet
Trail surface: Pavement and dirt
Difficulty: Easy 5 according to 
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NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator

Cone Park & Sertoma Park

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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.
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Manager: Sioux City Parks & Recreation
Trails: 2-mile loop
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 42.442543, -96.362727
Camping: No
Amenities: Restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​
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Sertoma Park
​GPX Track: Sertoma Park
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: 127 feet
Trail surface: Pavement
Difficulty: Easy 5 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator

South Ravine Park

Manager: Sioux City Parks & Recreation
Trails: Natural trails
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 42.458404, -96.372830
Camping: No
Amenities: n/a
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​
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First Bride's Grave
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GPX Track: 
First Bride's Grave Trail
Distance: 0.7 mile
Elevation gain: 88 feet
Trail surface: Pavement, grass, dirt
Difficulty: Easy 6 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator

Southwood Conservation Area

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Located one mile southwest of Smithland, this area highlights some of the Loess Hills’ open grassland and timbered areas. Two ponds located in the park are stocked with bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Electric motors may be used in the ponds.

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.


​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Trails: 3 miles
Other users: 
GPS: 42.228946, -95.947836
Camping: Yes
Amenities: WiFi, restrooms, showers, Picnic facilities, playground
Dogs: Yes, on leash; contact Woodbury Conservation for specific regulations
Hunting: Yes, during season
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Fowler Forest Preserve

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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.


​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Trails: 1 mile
Other users: None
GPS: 42.232340, -95.945248
Camping: No
Amenities: Picnic shelter, playground, restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash; contact Woodbury Conservation for specific regulations
Hunting: Not on the wildlife refuge where the trail is located
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Oak Ridge Conservation Area

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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.

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Other users: Hunters
GPS: Six public parking accesses; refer to the maps on the area's website
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash; contact Woodbury Conservation for specific regulations
Hunting: Yes​

Curtin Timber

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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.

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Other users: Hunters
GPS: 42.313114, -95.869766
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash; contact Woodbury Conservation for specific regulations
Hunting: Yes​

Shagbark Hills

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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.

​Manager: Woodbury Conservation
Trails: No official trails but hiking allowed throughout
Other users: Hunters
GPS: 42.455177, -95.786987
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash; contact Woodbury Conservation for specific regulations
Hunting: Yes
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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 (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Agritourism on the Byways

3/21/2023

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March 21st marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day. The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) and the National Ag Day program were started in 1973. The ACA is composed of leaders in the agriculture, food, and fiber communities dedicated to increasing the public awareness of agriculture's vital role in our society.

ACA believes that every American should:
  • Understand how food and fiber products are produced.
  • Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
  • Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
  • Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.
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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.
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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 (info@goldenhillsrcd.org).

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.
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The Woodbine Apple Festival will be held on September 30, 2023. From pies to pastries to slushies to caramel, the last Saturday of every September is dedicated to a festival of everything APPLE! Since 1988, people have traveled the historic Lincoln Highway and the scenic Loess Hills byway to reach Applefest in Woodbine.

Along with apples, the festival hosts one of Iowa’s largest car shows, which has attracted over 350 makes and models from as early as the Model T Ford. There is a craft show, hold an outdoor market, and also support our many local business vendors

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

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Audubon County is home to one of the oldest wooden elevators in Iowa. The Ross Grain Elevator was built in the 1800s. It is historically significant due to its unique architecture. Most importantly, original grain elevators were instrumental in opening outside commodity markets. This benefited both local citizens and the country as a whole—the Ross elevator helped build Audubon County’s economy!

In 2014, the journey to save this 1881 agricultural icon began. Thanks to contributions from the Iowa Barn Foundation, friends, family, community members, and like-minded preservationists across the United States, the Ross Grain Elevator is saved! 

Shelby County Historical Museum

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​The Shelby County Historical Museum​displays Iowa's agricultural, military, and rural history through a variety of interactive exhibits. The museum's exhibits are housed in two buildings and two cabins built in the 1850s.

Wisecup Farm Museum

A family-friendly and fun attraction, The Wisecup Farm Museum will be closed in 2023 due to the untimely and unfortunate passing of Charles Wisecup. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

The museum is a historical household and farm equipment museum. Outside, over 100 pieces of farm equipment, replicas of a 1800s school house, a 1800s cedar church, a log cabin,  a 1900s gas station, and a free putt-putt golf course. Inside the barns you'll find household antiques, tools, rakes, shovels, wooden corn-shellers and a whole lot more!

Hopefully the museum will continue in honor of Charles and his love of farming and desire to honor the past.
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Local Orchards, Fruit Farms, Family Farms, etc.

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Trapple Orchard began in 2011 and is located in Little Sioux, Iowa. ​ They have 450 fruit trees and 20 varieties of fruit and produce, including apples (Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Delicious, Granny Smith and others), pears, cherries, plums, apricots, peaches and berries. U-pick operations began in fall 2019.

Trapple also runs Sonshine Orchards, an organized effort dedicated to help provide information, resources and assistance for those that are interested in beginning a community orchard in their local area.

​Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard
 has expanded to include their own vineyard, wine, pumpkin patch, and a focus on specialty food items that you can’t find anywhere else. Since 1994, Ditmars has been known for their beautifully maintained apple orchard and fun family activities.
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Small's Fruit Farm is a 33-acre orchard clinging to the slopes of the Loess Hills that overlooks the Missouri River Valley, 3 miles east of Mondamin. Their season starts with strawberries in June and ends with apples in the fall, with many more fruits and veggies in between. There is also pick-your-own strawberry and pumpkin patches, when available. Stop by for a sample of their cider or enjoy a piece of pie and ice cream in the pie parlor.
​Loess Hills Lavender Farm provides a peaceful experience centered around the mystical and magical herb, lavender. The farm began in 2005 and was purchased by new owners in 2020 after the original owners retired. They open for the 2023 season on April 29th.
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One Farm fresh produce and herb seasoning salts are sold weekly at the local farmers market in Harrison County. One Farm produce can be found on menus at many restaurants in Omaha and Des Moines such as Baela Rose, The Boiler Room, Ted & Wally's, and The Cheese Shop, thanks to sales and distribution through Farmtable Procurement & Delivery.

In late 2020 (the farm's 10th anniversary growing season), they opened a seasonal pop-up market at 215 East 7th Street in Logan, Iowa. The community response was overwhelming, and so they continue on with a more permanent and expanded local foods store - One Farm Market.
Sawmill Hollow Family Farm hosts farm bus tours, shopping visits, farming excursions, private and special events including culinary tours and weddings. Call 712-648-2432 to schedule a tour or event. Farm visits are by appointment only October - May. Please view our blog or join our mailing list for more information on upcoming events or email us to arrange your own personalized event. Their largest annual event is the North American Aronia Berry Festival. Over 3,000 enthusiasts visit the farm to enjoy live music, farm fun, and healthy lifestyle workshops.
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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.
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Hiking the Byways: Shelby County on Western Skies Scenic Byway

3/17/2023

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Western Skies Scenic Byway between Harlan and Woodbine (photo © 2016 Kenneth West)
This week's Hiking the Byways installment takes us to Shelby County on the Western Skies Scenic Byway, which offers travelers several easy opportunities to venture off the beaten path.

HIghway 44 is the main route of Western Skies Scenic Byway through Shelby County. A loop past Panama and through Westphalia via County Highway F-32 and Highway 59 reconnects with Highway 44 in Harlan. 

​Shelby County Conservation manages eight areas open to hiking, while Prairie Rose State Park is managed by the Iowa DNR. Read about them below.
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Dinesen Prairie State Preserve

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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].”​

There are no maintained trails at Dinesen Prairie, however, hiking is allowed throughout the property.

Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: No maintained trails but hiking is allowed
Other users: None
GPS: 41.70884, -95.28142
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: No
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Elk Horn Creek Recreation Area

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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. 

Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: Yes
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 41.56973, -95.08927
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Picnic facilities, ADA-accessible restrooms, water
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Archery only
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Manteno Park

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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.

Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: Yes
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 41.85683, -95.46155​
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, water, picnic facilities
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: No
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Nishna Bend Recreation Area

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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.

Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: Yes
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 41.56957, -95.33064
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, shower house
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes
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Oak Ridge Habitat Area

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Oak Ridge Habitat Area is approx. 94 acres of timber and prairie.  This is a public hunting area that is managed for wildlife habitat.

Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: Mowed trails
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 41.578361, -95.243513​
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes

Prairie Rose State Park

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Prairie Rose State Park is a 422-acre park nestled in the scenic hills of southwest Iowa. The park is named after the small town, Village of Prairie Rose, which was once located near the park’s current location. The lake is the focal point of the park, and visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities from hiking to boating, along with ice fishing in the winter.

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.

Manager: Iowa DNR
Trails: 7 miles of multi-purpose trails and an interpretive trail
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 41.60532, -95.21860​
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Shelters, modern restrooms, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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Map of Prairie Rose State Park
File Size: 8813 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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GPX: 
Prairie Rose Lake Loop
​Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation gain: 314 feet
Trail surface: Dirt, grass, and pavement
Difficulty: Moderate 8 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator

Rosenow Timber

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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.

Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: No
Other users: None
GPS: 41.810704, -95.498675​
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes

Six Bee Tree Timber

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.

​Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: Mowed trails
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 41.855796, -95.459858​
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes

Upper Nish Habitat Area

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.

Manager: Shelby CCB
Trails: Mowed trails
Other users: Bikers
GPS: 41.801018, -95.189460
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, just no dog training/interfering with nesting birds in May-June.
Hunting: Yes

​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 (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Cabins on the Byways

3/16/2023

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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 spreadsheet

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Camping Cabin at Five Ridge Prairie on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
There 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


​O'Brien County has the most camping cabins on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. There are two traditional cabins at Dog Creek Park, as well as two grain bins that have been converted into cabins! Mill Creek Park has two cabins that can accommodate up to six people and two other cabins that can accommodate up to 12. The larger cabins are open from the beginning of April until the end of December. 
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Grain bin cabins at Dog Creek Park

​Cherokee County
has a variety of cabins available to rent at three different parks. Uncle Tom's Cabin has 1.5 miles of riverside trails to explore. The popular Martin's Access has three small cabins and one larger cabin for families to get away for a weekend. The 
Silver Sioux Lodge at Silver Sioux Recreation Area can accommodate large groups with 8 double beds.
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Uncle Tom's Cabin at River Road Conservation Area

​The only cabin in Buena Vista is at Buena Vista County Conservation Park. It can sleep up to 10 or 12 people. It is open year round, including winter when the tubing hill is open to enjoy a fun winter weekend with family and friends. The ADA-accessible cabin has a full kitchen with cooking and kitchen utensils, making packing easier and lighter.
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Oak Cabin at Buena Vista County Conservation Park
​​Three cabins at Scharnberg Park in Clay County are available to rent year-round. Each cabin has different sleep options, so check the Clay County Conservation Board's website for the cabin that best suits your needs. They also have TV and Wi-Fi, so if you don't want to get off the grid completely, they are great options for a relaxing holiday or weekend.
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Maple Cabin at Scharnberg Park

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

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Cabin at Hillview Recreation Area

​The rustic cabin at Five Ridge Prairie in Plymouth County has the most dramatic setting and scenic views on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and perhaps on all three byways that Golden Hills coordinates in western Iowa. Plymouth CCB also has a cabin available at Hillview Recreation Area near Hinton with two twin beds and two full beds.
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Falcon Cabin at Snyder Bend Park
With thirteen total cabins at four parks, Woodbury County has the most cabins on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. The four cabins at Little Sioux Park are the most affordable but only have two twin-over-full bunk beds. Snyder Bend Park has four cabins available year-round that can accommodate larger groups, while the cabins at Southwood Conservation Area and Stone State Park are also available all year.
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RT Reese Cabin at RT Reese Homestead
Monona County has only one cabin, but it is located on a unique property. The RT Reese Homestead is nestled along the slope of the Loess Hills overlooking the Missouri River floodplain. The Homestead is surrounded by 713 acres of public land. It's a great place for a hiking group to explore the adjacent Turin Preserve Wildlife Area, Loess Hills Wildlife Area, and Sylvan Runkel State Preserve.
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King Cabin at Willow Lake Recreation Area

​Willow Lake Recreation Area in Harrison County has six cabins to explore the six miles of trails, fish or swim the 27-acre lake, and explore the new Willow Lake Nature Center that opens in spring 2023. The nature center will feature interactive exhibits about water, watersheds, wildlife and habitats.
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Cottonwood Cabin at Arrowhead Park

​Arrowhead Park and Hitchcock Nature Center in ​Pottawattamie County have a total of eight cabins to enjoy a summer vacation. Arrowhead has a variety of options, from large cabins with modern amenities to cozier cabins. The cabins at Hitchcock are smaller and reasonbly priced. All cabins are available to rent year-round.
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Cabin at Pony Creek Park
Golden Hills was awarded a grant from the  Iowa West Foundation for the Loess Hills Missouri River Region Cabin Initiative to partner with Harrison, Mills, and Pottawattamie county conservation boards to construct new cabins. Thanks to this partnership, Pony Creek Park in Mills County now has two rental cabins. These cabins are not yet online but can be rented by contacting Mills County Conservation Board.
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Kahiga Cabin at Waubonsie State Park

​Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County has eight cabins to rent. Three of the cabins (Kahiga, Mischanaka, and Shagbark) can only be rented for one week from Friday to Friday beginning on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The other five cabins have minimum two-night stay. Six of the cabins are pet-friendly!

Western Skies Scenic Byway

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​Willow Lake Recreation Area in 
Harrison County has six cabins to explore the six miles of trails, fish or swim the 27-acre lake, and explore the new Willow Lake Nature Center that will open in spring 2023. The nature center will feature interactive exhibits about water, watersheds, wildlife and habitats! 
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Scotch Pine at Willow Lake Recreation Area
Nishna Bend Recreation Area in Shelby County has two quaint cabins, both located on water. The 80-acre recreation area contains over 30 acres of wetland created from past gravel mining operations. The ponds left from past mining operations contain bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and bullhead to delight any angler.
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Cabin 2 at Nishna Bend Recreation Area

​The remote 805 River Cabin in Guthrie County at Whiterock Conservancy was moved into the valley from Coon Rapids years ago. It’s a rustic retreat sitting between a spring-fed pond and the Middle Raccoon River. Another option in Shelby County, the Sherburne House at Springbrook State Park, can sleep 10 to 14 people, offers scenic views of the area near the west side of the park.
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805 River Cabin at Whiterock Conservancy
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 spreadsheet

There 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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Hiking the Byways: Pottawattamie County on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

3/10/2023

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​This week's installment in our Hiking the Byways series takes us to Pottawattamie County on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. 

Hitchcock Nature Center is one of the top outdoor recreation attractions on the entire byway, however, there are several hidden gems in Pottawattamie, including Vincent Bluff State Preserve, one of the only urban prairie preserves in the state of Iowa. Hiking options range from the steep ridges of Hitchcock to the forested urban parks in Council Bluffs to the popular cycling path Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which is lovely in autumn when the fall colors are at their peak. Keep reading and start making plans for your next hike in Pottawattamie County.
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Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center has a 10-mile trail system that provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for hiking, trail running, birdwatching, snowshoeing, and backcountry camping. 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.

Below are several GPX tracks that provide examples of different hikes at Hitchcock. Download them to your mobile device to follow while on the trails. Trail highlights include Badger Ridge, Wildwoods, Westridge, and Oak Avenue.

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.
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Hitchcock Nature Center
Map of Hitchcock Nature Center
File Size: 3380 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Manager: Pottawattamie Conservation
Trails: 10-mile trail system
Other users: None
GPS: 41.41337, -95.85760
Camping: 10 backcountry hike-in sites that can be reserved online
Amenities: Restrooms in the lodge available from 6am to 10pm
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: Pottawattamie Conservation’s Natural Areas Management program manages an annual deer hunt at Hitchcock Nature Center to maintain a healthy deer herd population in the area. This is a strictly managed hunt that varies from year to year and allows a limited number of hunters that must undergo training from park staff. Hitchcock Nature Center does not close during its strictly managed deer hunting season. The public is encouraged to stay informed of Hitchcock’s deer hunting season dates and make their own decision about coming out to visit us during that time. Hikers who do join us during hunting season are encouraged to wear bright-colored clothing and stay on trails, and the limited number of hunters are aware that hikers may be present.
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Badger Ridge Butterfly
GPX Track: Badger Ridge Butterfly
​
Trailhead: Badger Ridge Trailhead
Distance: 3.40 miles
Elevation gain: 509 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Moderate 10 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Hohneke Pond
GPX Track: Hohneke Pond
Trailhead: Fox Run Ridge Trailhead​​
Distance: 2.14 miles
Elevation gain: 295 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Moderate 8 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Hitchcock South Circuit
GPX Track: Hitchcock South Circuit
Trailhead: Badger Ridge Trailhead
​Distance: 5.29 miles
Elevation gain: 837 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Moderate 12 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Hitchcock North Circuit
GPX Track: Hitchcock North Circuit
Trailhead: Fox Run Ridge Trailhead
​Distance: 4.33 miles
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Moderate 12 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Hitchcock Perimeter

​GPX Track: Hitchcock Perimeter Loop
Trailhead: Badger Ridge Trailhead
Distance: 6.05 miles
Elevation gain: 1,070 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Moderate 13 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Hitchcock Tour

​GPX Track: Hitchcock Tour
Trailhead: 
Badger Ridge Trailhead
Distance: 9.34 miles
Elevation gain: 1,647 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
​Difficulty: Challenging 16 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator

​Vincent Bluff State Preserve

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Vincent Bluff State Preserve (photo by Lance Brisbois)
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.

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Manager: Loess Hills Preservation Society
Trails: 1 mile
Other users: None
GPS: 41.24022, -95.83478
Camping: No
Amenities: Shelter at the parking lot
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
GPX Track: Vincent Bluff State Preserve
Trailhead: 
41.24022, -95.83478
Distance: 0.95 miles
Elevation gain: 148 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Easy 7 according to 
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Vincent Bluff State Preserve
Map of Vincent Bluff State Preserve
File Size: 5689 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Lewis & Clark Monument Park

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Lewis and Clark Monument Park
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.

text source: National Park Service
​​
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Lewis and Clark Monument Park Trail Map (source: THOR)
Manager: City of Council Bluffs
Trails: 
5 miles of trails
Other users: Mountain bikers

GPS: 41.30345, -95.85849
Camping: No
Amenities: Restrooms
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
​GPX: Lewis & Clark Monument Loop
Distance: 3.70 miles
Elevation gain: 426 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Moderate 8 according to NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator
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Lewis and Clark Monument Loop (All Trails)

​Fairmount Park

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Fairmount Park (photo: Council Bluffs Fairmount Park Neighborhood Association)
​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.
Manager: City of Council Bluffs
Trails: 5 miles of trails
Other users: Mountain bikers
GPS: 41.25397, -95.84459
Camping: No
Amenities: Restrooms, shelters, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: ​​No
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Fairmount Park

Lake Manawa State Park

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Lake Manawa State Park (photo by Chris Lind, Instagram @boipinoy)
Lake Manawa State Park is known for boating and fishing, however, the park also provides ample opportunity for a hike, leisurely walk, or bike ride on a total of seven miles of paved trails. 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.

text source: Iowa DNR

​
Manager: Iowa DNR (
THOR manages the MTB trails)
Trails: 3 miles of paved trails
Other users: Bikes
GPS: 41.19818, -95.84471
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, shelters, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: ​​No
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Lake Manawa State Park
Map of Lake Manawa State Park
File Size: 4733 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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.
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Lake Manawa MTB trails
​GPX: Lake Manawa MTB Trail
Trailhead: 41.18929, -95.86356
​Distance: 6.60 miles
Elevation gain: 49 feet
Trail surface: Dirt and grass
Difficulty: Easy 7 according to 
​
NW Hiker's Hike Difficulty Calculator

Wabash Trace Nature Trail

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While 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.
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PictureTrailheads near Council Bluffs
​GPX : Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Start: Iowa West Foundation Trailhead
Distance: 62.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1.496 feet
Trail surface: Crushed rock

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Trailheads near Council Bluffs

Arrowhead Park and Botna Bend Park

Pottawattamie Conservation also manages Arrowhead Park and Botna Bend Park. While both parks are not on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, there are within reasonable driving distance; Arrowhead, near Neola, is 16 miles from the byway, while Botna Bend is 30 miles away in Hancock. Both have trails, among other amenities, and Botna even has a small herd of bison.
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Arrowhead Park
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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 (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Camping on the Byways

3/8/2023

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Campsite at Hitchcock Nature Center (photo by Golden Hills RC&D)
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.
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The list is not comprehensive; if there is a campground missing from the list, please contact Seth Brooks (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org) 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 (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).

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
Click here to open the spreadsheet in a new tab.
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Hiking the Byways: O'Brien County on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway

3/3/2023

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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.

The byway travels through four counties in northwestern Iowa: Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, and O'Brien. Today, let's explore the hiking opportunities in O'Brien County. The publicly accessible land here is managed by one of two agencies: O'Brien County Conservation and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
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Prairie Heritage Center

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Bison at the Prairie Heritage Center (photo by O'Brien County Conservation)
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photo by Lance Brisbois
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
​Manager: O'Brien County Conservation
Trails: 5 miles
GPS: 42.93459, -95.41830​
Camping: No
Amenities: Visitor center, restrooms, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No
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4.9 miles of trails at Prairie Heritage Center
Red - Cemetery Loop - 1.0 mile
Pink - Trail Connection - 0.2 mile
Blue - Outer Loop - 1.2 mile
Yellow - River Loop - 0.5 mile
Purple - Waterman Wildlife North - 0.75 mile
Green - Waterman Wildlife South - 0.9 mile
White - Observation platform - 0.1 mile
White - Experience Trail - 0.75 mile
Map of Prairie Heritage Center trails
File Size: 1795 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Hannibal Waterman Wildlife Area

The wildlife area, west across the road from the Prairie Heritage Center, is the site of the first settler in O’Brien County in 1856. Trails circle through the property, passing the Hannibal Waterman family cemetery and a historic marker placed by the O’Brien County Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1857, Santee Sioux Chief Inkpaduta and his band stopped at Hannibal Waterman’s cabin, gathering food and supplies and then moving upriver.

Refer to the map above for the trail system.​

Waterman Prairie Wildlife Management Area Complex

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Waterman Prairie (photo by Lance Brisbois)
Extending north along Waterman Creek from the junction with the Little Sioux River, and south of Highway 10 along on the west side of the river, the Waterman Prairie Wildlife Area Complex preserves 1,800 acres of oak savannas and pristine prairies. The O’Brien County Conservation Board, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and The Nature Conservancy manage the area.

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.​
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Hanging Valley (photo by Lance Brisbois)
A trail begins off Wilson Ave (south of Highway 10) and passes the Hanging Valley, a distinctive geologic feature resulting from the rapid outflow of Glacial Lake Spencer during the Pleistocene era. This is a higher valley of the Little Sioux River abandoned about 13,000 years ago when rushing meltwater changed the course of the river and cut down to the present valley floor.

A grave marker for Dutch Fred near the trail identifies the bluff-top burial site of Frederick Feldman on the 80-acre homestead he established in 1868.​

​Manager: Iowa DNR
Size: 2,020 acres
Trails: No official trails but hiking is allowed throughout. There is a trail that leads to a bluff overlooking the Hanging Valley and near Old Dutch Fred's gravesite.
GPS: Multiple parking areas; refer to the map below
Camping: Primitive
Amenities: None
Dogs: Yes, on leash, however, no dogs are allowed during the nesting season from March 15 to July 15.​​
Hunting: Yes
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Waterman Prairie Complex (blue boundaries)
Iowa DNR map from 2007 of Waterman Prairie WMA
File Size: 467 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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source: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway Interpretive Master Plan

Dog Creek Park

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Dog Creek Park (photo by Lance Brisbois)
Dog Creek's breathtaking view of the lake and valley is something to see.  It’s located along the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway.

Dog Creek Park is located 2 miles SE of Sutherland, Iowa on Iowa Highway 10 and 1/2 mile south on Warbler Avenue (Cty Rd M12) and placed along the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway.

text source: O'Brien County Conservation

​Manager: O'Brien County Conservation
Size: 110 acres
GPS: 42.93668, -95.47269​
Camping: Yes, 
Amenities: Modern toilets, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​

Mill Creek Park

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Mill Creek Park features groomed cross-country ski trails in winter.
Mill Creek Park is one of the highlights of O'Brien County.  The park offers a variety of activities for the whole family throughout the year! 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.

text source: O'Brien County Conservation

​Manager: O'Brien County Conservation
Size: 139 acres
Trails: 5 miles
GPS: 42.98499, -95.66740​
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Modern toilets, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​
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5 miles of trails at Mill Creek Park
Map of Mill Creek Park trails
File Size: 190 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Tjossem Park

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Tjossem Park (photo by O'Brien County Conservation)
This remote camp location will let you be one with nature. Tjossem Park is located 1 mile south and 1/2 mile east of Primghar.

text source: O'Brien County Conservation

​Manager: O'Brien County Conservation
Size: 19 acres
Trails: Hiking that connects to Primghar
GPS: 43.06889, -95.61729
Camping: Yes
Amenities: Outdoor shelter areas, pit toilets, water
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Hunting: No​

​McCormack Area

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McCormack Area
21 acres of remnant prairie donated by Francis McCormack in 1987 for public benefit and pleasure. The rolling hills are covered with tall grasses, shrubs and some small trees. The prairie is home to several hundred native plant species and pollinators.

​Manager: O'Brien County Conservation
Size: 21 acres
Trails: No official hiking trails but open to foot traffic
GPS: 42.96143, -95.42734
Camping: No
Amenities: None
Dogs: Contact O'Brien County Conservation for confirmation
Hunting: No

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 (seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org).
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Weddings on the Byways

3/1/2023

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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.
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Bride's Room
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Peirce Mansion
Peirce Mansion
2901 Jackson Street, Sioux City, IA 51104
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John Peirce's elegant home located at 2901 Jackson Street has been a part of Sioux City's history for over 120 years! Completed in 1893, the Victorian-era home is constructed with South Dakota quartzite, making it a unique example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.

Today, the Peirce Mansion is open to the public for quarterly open house events and is available to rent. The mansion provides a one-of-a-kind venue for weddings, receptions, graduations, corporate gatherings, family reunions, private parties or photo shoots.
Oscar Carl Vineyard
1473 Buchanan Ave, Sioux City, IA  51106

V​ines and sunsets make for beautiful views. Hosting your prenuptial dinner under the covered patio just feet from the vineyard is an experience that can’t be duplicated.  Watching the sunset through 100-year-old windows or from the spacious patio overlooking the vineyard and spring-fed pond can be simply breathtaking. Let us make your special event even more special.  Contact us today!
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Oscar Carl Vineyard
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Lofted View Events
Lofted View Events
2086 210th Street, Bronson, Iowa 51007

Lofted View Events is the place where you belong.  We want to help you create a special event, all while surrounded by the rolling Loess Hills, gorgeous sunsets & a country setting that can be made as modern or rustic as your heart desires. ​
Wishing Hills Barn
2218 260th St., Missouri Valley IA 51555

Nestled in the Loess Hills just 30 miles north of the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, Wishing Hills Barn is the perfect location for your wedding and reception.  We offer breathtaking views and country charm that can’t be found anywhere else.  Our newly constructed barn and outdoor ceremony space create an ideal backdrop for your wedding and photographs.  ​

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Wishing Hills Barn
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Palace Barn
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.​
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Bella Terre Vineyard & Reception Hall
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.​
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Bella Terre Vineyard & Reception Hall
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The Fountains Ballroom
​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.
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The Fountains Ballroom
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​Castle Unicorn
​Castle Unicorn
57034 Deacon Rd. Pacific Junction, IA 51561

​We’ve hosted countless numbers of beautiful weddings and special events here at Castle Unicorn. We invite you to look through our online portfolio to see photos and videos from some of our past weddings. With picturesque, one-of-a-kind views you’re guaranteed to create many lasting memories.
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Bodega Victoriana Winery & Wedding Barn
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.
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The Waterfalls Wedding Venue
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.
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Whiskey Springs
Whiskey Springs
2474 Bluff Road, Hamburg, IA 51640

Experience the quiet simplicity of country glam with a renovated 1940s-era barn and restaurant venue.

Set in the epic beauty of the Loess Hills, Whiskey Springs unites quaint, rustic charm and modern conveniences. We are here to write the story of your special event...a story that will be remembered for years and generations. Our staff will help with your every planning detail and arrange and coordinate your event. We work with many vendors and services and know who to call for any need.

Multiple locations for your event are available including the barn, the saloon, or one of the natural or landscaped areas around the barn.
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Cottonwood Barn
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Cottonwood Barn
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Cottonwood Barn
Cottonwood Barn
206 Odense St Kimballton, IA 51543

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The Cottonwood Bar is formerly known as the Kimballton Livestock Auction. It is located in Kimballton, Iowa, next to the Kimballton baseball fields.

The Mortensen family has dedicated lots of energy and time to transform the old auction building into a new venue available for rent to the public. The main rental room holds approximately 80 people, and also has a bar room. Unique to the Cottonwood Barn is a large hydro-swing door that opens up the main room to a large spacious patio.  The patio will seat approximately an additional 50 people.
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Other features of the Cottonwood Barn include; handicap accessible men and women's restrooms, kitchenette area, a game room/lounge that overlooks the main rental room, and central heat and air conditioning.
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Beside the Cottonwood barn is a luscious beautiful yard that holds the cottonwood tree.  A breathtaking place for a wedding.
Taylor Hill Lodge
1614 Highway 71, Audubon, IA 50025

Taylor Hill Lodge is an English barn built in the early 1890s by Grandpa Taylor. The interior of the barn has been remodeled into a comfortable modern lodge while retaining its original design. The full history of the barn can be found on our website. Take your pick among our six available guest rooms with homey finishings and comfortable bathrooms here. We’re proud to have served Audubon and surrounding communities for 20 years!

Halfway between Omaha and Des Moines, Taylor Hill Lodge is approximately three miles north of Audubon, Iowa. Located in the rolling hills of western Iowa, you will be glad to know there are many attractions nearby. 
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Taylor Hill Lodge
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Taylor Hill Lodge
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Saints Center for Culture and the Arts
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
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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.
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Schafer Century Barn
Schafer Century Barn
1628 280th St Adair, Iowa

This is the original barn that started it all for our new adventure into wedding and event hosting. It’s beautiful, rustic wood interior is warm and elegant with our bistro lights and simple lace and burlap bunting. We offer several different packages, and if you’re looking for something in between, all of the options included in the larger package are a la carte priced and can be added to the base package, so you can completely customize your day.
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Schafer Barn on the Hill
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!
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St. John’s Wedding Chapel
St. John’s Wedding Chapel

We are honored to have St. John’s Wedding Chapel in our family of venues. This local country church, which happens to be located halfway between our two barns, once held regular church services for almost 100 years! When the church was sadly forced to close we were thankful to be able to breathe new life into the property. Now this local treasure is the setting for intimate ceremonies when you still want a barn reception, but would like a more traditional ceremony space.
Willow Creek
4066 325th St, Shelby, IA 51570, USA

Willow Creek offers a stunning location to exchange your wedding vows and celebrate significant moments among the rolling hills of southwestern Iowa. We serve the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, but have had clients from California to New York.  An extraordinary setting at a great value, we’ve been helping to make special occasions as special as possible since 2005. We offer picturesque ceremony areas as well as a stunning reception space. And if outdoor wedding space is important to you, we definitely have you covered there as well!  While weddings are what we are known for, we can also help you celebrate many other life events or corporate gatherings.​
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The Grainery Lodge
1969 500th St Cherokee, IA 51012

Host your family reunions at The Grainery and it will bring you and your relatives closer than ever!

​A picture perfect setting for romantic weddings & receptions.
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Meet our new team members!

2/28/2023

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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.


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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