Fall Scenic Drives on Glacial Trail and Western Skies Scenic Byways

Abandoned bridge on Glacial Trail Scenic Byway

The next two weeks will be peak fall color viewing in most of western Iowa. The Glacial Trail and Western Skies Scenic Byways offer travelers, both local and out-of-state, wonderful opportunities to visit rural Iowa. While you can certainly travel the entirety of each byway in one day, below we have selected two specific routes to optimize your fall scenic drive. Each itinerary suggest stops along the way, from scenic viewpoints to state parks. Take our recommendations, but also venture off the beaten path to see truly remarkable and beautiful slices of rural western Iowa.

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According to the Iowa DNR's Fall Color Report, estimated peak color viewing in northwest Iowa will be October 14th. As of October 2nd, Sumac, dogwoods, virginia creeper, and poison ivy are showing red. Hard maples are showing more orange and some red.  Where green ash is still living in the northwest, they are showing yellow to orange. Hackberry, cottonwood and  walnut are showing more yellow.

A loop around the Little Sioux River Valley makes a beautiful fall scenic drive on Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. Head south on 125th Ave in Peterson towards Wanata Park. Cross the Little Sioux River and then turn east onto S River Road. Stop at Buena Vista County Park and Glacial Hills Preserve, then continue east on S River Road.

Little Sioux River

The bridge over the river in Linn Grove is not yet officially open, so continue east on County Road C13 towards Sioux Rapids. Turn north on US-71 and go through the town of Sioux Rapids. After lunch at the Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill, continue north on US-71. After crossing the Little Sioux once again, turn west onto N River Rd. If you enjoy wine, stop at InnSpiration Wine and Vines just north of Linn Grove. Continue west on N River Rd/CR-51, cross CR-M36, and after passing the Lois Tiffany Prairie, turn north onto CR-14. When you reach IA-10, make a stop at Bertram Reservation for a nice hike to walk off your lunch. Then continue west on IA-10 to Peterson to see the Fort Peterson Blockhouse and Kirchner Park.

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Little Sioux River Valley

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The Iowa DNR estimates that peak fall color viewing in west central Iowa will be from October 8th to the 14th. As of September 25th, some shrubs and trees are just starting to turn on the drier slopes. Lots of fall prairie flowers in bloom.

Begin your fall scenic drive on Western Skies Scenic Byway at the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn. You can pick up informational brochures and gifts while seeing an authentic windmill from Denmark built in 1848, transported to Elk Horn in 1976 and rebuilt.

​From Elk Horn, head north on IA-173 towards Kimballton. Turn east onto IA-44, the main spine of Western Skies Scenic Byway. Once you reach Hamlin, cross US-71 to continue west (you can also take a short detour north to visit to lovely town of Audubon).

Turn north onto CR-46/Chestnut Rd to head towards Whiterock Conservancy. The leaves will be popping at this wonderful nature preserve. You can hike many trails or just stop at for a serene picnic at River Campground along the Middle Raccoon River.

Whiterock Conservancy

​The next stop is Springbrook State Park. You can take IA-141 to Bayard and then IA-25 south to the state park. If you are feeling more adventurous, take the country roads but be mindful of farmers harvesting their fields. Springbrook State Park is a quiet retreat in Guthrie County, encompassing 930 acres of rolling hills and mature timber, perfect for fall viewing.

Springbrook State Park

Continue on to Panora to rejoin the Western Skies Scenic Byway. Head south on CR-P28 and stop at Nations Bridge Park. Download the self-guided nature trail brochure, which will help you identify the trees and their beautiful changing leaves.

After your stroll, head to Stuart to drive White Pole Road Scenic Byway, a 26-mile scenic and historic byway that runs parallel to Interstate 80 from mile markers 76 and 100 and connects the communities of Adair, Casey, Menlo, Stuart and Dexter, Iowa.

After reaching Adair, continue west on CR-F65 to visit one of the most unique intersections in the state of Iowa. The Tree in the Road is a cottonwood that has become a landmark in Audubon County. The story is when the county lines were being established the surveyor placed a green cottonwood stick into the ground at the exact point where the lines crossed and grew into the present tree.Some shrubs and trees are just starting to turn on the drier slopes. Lots of fall prairie flowers in bloom.

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