Fall Scenic Drives on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

Broken Kettle Grasslands (© 2016 Kenneth West)

The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway offers over 200 miles on paved roads, plus over 150 miles of excursion loops on paved and gravel roads. Driving the entire byway and its loops will take more than one day. However, if you want a scenic fall drive to view the spectacular fall colors, we've compiled a list of six routes that take in various sites along the byways. Stop in the communities along the way for local flavor, from restaurants to shops. Fall is a wonderful time to explore the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway!

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Waubonsie, Riverton, Sidney, and Thurman

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Itinerary

• Waubonsie State Park
• Chautauqua Pavilion, Riverton
• Riverton Wildlife Overlook
• Fremont County Courthouse, Sidney
• Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo
• Thurman

Additional Stops

• Mincer Orchard & Farms
• Possum Hollow Wildlife Management Area
• Blackburn Unit of Waubonsie State Park

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Tabor, Glenwood, and Pony Creek Lake

Itinerary

• Todd House, Tabor
• Hastie Hollow (Pathfield Road)
• Glenwood Archaeological State Preserve
• Pony Creek Lake
• Green Hill WMA
• Folsom Point Preserve

Additional Stops

• Hunter School
  
• Pinky's Glenn
• Keg Creek Brewery
• Mile Hill Lake
• West Oak Forest

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Hitchcock Loop

Itinerary

• Crescent
• Loveland Scenic Overlook Tower
• Hitchcock Nature Center

Additional Stops

• Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon in Beebeetown
• Old Town Conservation Area
  

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Loess Hills State Forest

Itinerary

• Spooner Hill, Mondamin Unit of the Loess Hills State Forest
• Magnolia
• Pisgah
• Dave's Old Home Cafe, Pisgah
• Preparation Canyon State Park
• Loess Hills Scenic Overlook
• Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
• Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area
• Orson
• North trailhead of Mondamin Unit of Loess Hills State Forest

Additional Stops

• Sawmill Hollow Organic Farm
• Loess Hills Lavender Farm

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Monona County

Itinerary

• Turin
• Castana
• Smithland
• Oak Ridge Conservation Area
• Fowler Forest Preserve
• Southwood Conservation Area
• Sugarloaf Nob Hill
• Loess Hills Prairie Seminar Campground

Additional Stops

• ​Whiting Woods
  

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