 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.  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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Stone State Park (photo by Lance Brisbois)
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. 
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 
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.
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
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.
Bacon Creek Park
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
Cone Park & Sertoma Park
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.
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
South Ravine Park
Southwood Conservation Area
Fowler Forest Preserve
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 
Oak Ridge Conservation Area
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
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
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 
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).
National Ag Day kicks off National Ag Week, celebrated in 2023 from the 21st to the 27th of March. The week celebrates and acknowledges the agricultural industry and the role it plays in stabilizing the economy.
Agriculture plays a vital role in western Iowa. Not only is agriculture the engine of western Iowa's economy, it has shaped its landforms, and organized our communities. Western Iowa would not be what it is today without agriculture. Ag's footprint on western Iowa is seen all along its scenic byways: grain silos and semi-trucks full of grain, terraced fields and center pivot irrigation, and even the Loess Hills that were never ploughed because of their steep grade. There are numerous ways that you can show your support for agriculture in western Iowa, not only on National Ag Day or National Ag Week, but throughout the entire year. Agritourism is increasing in popular and is a great way to support your local agricultural industry. 
The National Agricultural Law Center defines agritourism as, "the crossroads of tourism and agriculture. Stated more technically, agritourism can be defined as a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining and/or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch, or business owner."
There are many forms of agritourism: pumpkin picking patches; corn mazes, U-Pick operations, petting and feeding zoos, hay rides, cut-your-own Christmas tree farms;, dude ranches, demonstration farms, agricultural museums, living history farms, on-farm farmers’ markets, winery tours and wine tasting, rural bed & breakfasts, garden tours, and more. While we could compile a lengthy list of all the agritourism attractions and activities on western Iowa's scenic byways, below is a truncated list of some notable agritourism destinations. If you have any questions about local agriculture and agritourism in western Iowa, send us an email (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.
Audubon Century Farm Tour
Get out and see real farms that are a century old. The Audubon Century Farm Tour is a self-driving tour of eight of Audubon County's century farms. A brochure, with a map included, is available at the county tourism office (800 Market St, Audubon, IA 50025). Private tours are available upon request.
Ross Grain Elevator
Shelby County Historical Museum
Wisecup Farm Museum
Local Orchards, Fruit Farms, Family Farms, etc.
The list above is just a sampling of the agritourism attractions and activities in western Iowa. For a more detailed list of farmers markets and local producers and farms, check out our Local Food Guide.
Western Skies Scenic Byway between Harlan and Woodbine (photo © 2016 Kenneth West)
Dinesen Prairie State Preserve
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 
Elk Horn Creek Recreation Area
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 
Manteno Park
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 
Nishna Bend Recreation Area
The 80-acre Nishna Bend Recreation Area contains over 30 acres of wetland created from past gravel mining operations and is located southeast of Corley. Its acquisition was partially funded with grants from Duck Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. The ponds left from past mining operations contain bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and bullhead to delight any angler. The other features include camping, a camping cabin, hiking trails, river access, an arboretum, a planting of tall grass, shortgrass prairie with many species of wildflowers, and a nature learning center.
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 
Oak Ridge Habitat Area
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
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 
Rosenow Timber
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).
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 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
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.
Hitchcock Nature CenterHitchcock 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.  Hitchcock Nature Center
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.
Vincent Bluff State Preserve 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.
 Vincent Bluff State Preserve
Lewis & Clark Monument Park 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  Lewis and Clark Monument Park Trail Map (source: THOR)
 Lewis and Clark Monument Loop (All Trails) Fairmount Park 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  Fairmount Park Lake Manawa State Park 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  Lake Manawa State 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 Trail 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.
  Trailheads near Council Bluffs Arrowhead Park and Botna Bend ParkPottawattamie 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.
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).
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.
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
Prairie Heritage Center Bison at the Prairie Heritage Center (photo by O'Brien County Conservation)
 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
Hannibal Waterman Wildlife AreaThe 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 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.  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  Waterman Prairie Complex (blue boundaries)
 source: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway Interpretive Master Plan Dog Creek Park 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  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  5 miles of trails at Mill Creek Park
Tjossem Park  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 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).
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 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.  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.  Bella Terre Vineyard & Reception Hall  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.  The Fountains Ballroom
 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.  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.  Whiskey Springs
 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 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 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 |
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