There’s still plenty of time to catch the best fall foliage in Iowa! We had a bit of a late start to the season, but the next two weeks should be close to peak leaf peeping. If you’re looking for some of the best scenery, check out the Loess Hills Fall Foliage Road Trip below.
Embark on a Loess Hills Fall Foliage road trip to see the best of Western Iowa this season.
Google Maps Click HERE for an interactive map.
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway will take you to some of the most beautiful destinations in Iowa any time of year, but in the fall, it is particularly breathtaking.
Facebook / Loess Hills Scenic Byway
Start off down south, in Waubonsie State Park. You can either pull over and enjoy an overlook, or go for a brief hike for panoramic views of the hills.
Facebook / Loess Hills Scenic Byway
Next, visit the Hitchcock Nature Center. With trails to wander and a birds nest observation tower, it’s hard to beat the fall foliage views from this preserve in Honey Creek.
Facebook / Hitchcock Nature Center
As you wind your way north, the breathtaking Missouri Valley will capture your heart. These gorgeous country roads show off the true life in our overlooked “flyover” state.
Flickr / isnapshot
The Loess Hills State Forest and Preparation Canyon should be your next stop. Again, you can really stretch your legs in either park, but it’s easy to find overlooks that don’t require much hiking.
Facebook / Friends Of The Loess Hills State Forest And Preparation Canyon State Park
Heendah Hills State Preserve is your second-to-last stop. This often overlooked nature center is the perfect place for a picnic dinner as you take in the gorgeous views.
Facebook / Loess Hills Scenic Byway
Finally, end your tip at the Broken Grassland Preserve. Over 100 American Bison call this their home, and you can learn all about them and the Grassland conservation efforts on your visit.
Facebook / The Nature Conservancy in Iowa
After a long day of driving around and soaking in the sights, you’ll be close to Le Mars, Iowa. Not only is this tiny town the Ice Cream Capital of the World, but it’s also where you’ll find Archie’s Waeside – An Iowa Steakhouse That’s One Of The Best On Earth.
Google Maps
Click HERE for an interactive map.
Facebook / Loess Hills Scenic Byway
Facebook / Hitchcock Nature Center
Flickr / isnapshot
Facebook / Friends Of The Loess Hills State Forest And Preparation Canyon State Park
Facebook / The Nature Conservancy in Iowa
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Address: Waubonsie State Park, 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, USAAddress: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542, USAAddress: Preparation Canyon Rd, Moorhead, IA 51558, USAAddress: Sioux City, IA 51109, USAAddress: Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve, Westfield, IA 51062, USA
