Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In Iowa And It's Positively Breathtaking
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dpaulson
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Being a rural state, Iowa doesn’t have an extremely dense population per square mile. However, it’s hard to travel long in the state before running into a major highway or town. A trip to the stunning and sprawling Loess Hills in western Iowa will not only make you feel like you’re miles away from everything, in places you might actually feel like you’re on a different planet.
The Loess Hills scenic area spans most of the western edge of the state, stretching over 200 miles along the Missouri River, and the vistas and unique, untouched natural beauty are truly worth the trip.
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The word Loess, pronounced "luss," is a German word that means "loose," which describes the unique soil found in the area. The Loess Hills are made up of deposits of fine, clay-like, yellowish-gray sediment found at the edges of river basins.
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The deposits are thought to have been made up of material carried by winds during and after glacial periods. This type of soil can only be found in north-central Europe and eastern China outside the Midwestern U.S.
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The Hitchcock Nature Center is an interesting stop for people looking to explore the terrain, and is located in the heart of the Loess Hills. The center is located at 7792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA.
The forest consists of a sprawling 1,268 acres of natural beauty, including the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa. It provides a refuge for plants and animals that you won’t see anywhere else in the state.
The Broken Kettle Grasslands are located in the Loess Hills, and it’s the largest prairie remaining in the state.
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Because the Loess Hills span so many miles, the opportunities for getting lost in nature are really endless.
If you’re looking for a truly remote experience, you might want to pay a visit to the Loess Hills State Forest, a pristine forest area spanning 11,600 acres. The forest consists of four units, and each offers different activities, from picnicking and hiking to backpack campsites and a small lake for fishing. To learn more about the forest and download a map, click here.
If you want to explore without a set plan in mind, just take a drive down the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway and stop when you feel inspired. Click here for a map of the Loess Hills Scenic Byway.
Have you visited this unique and gorgeous natural oasis? What was your experience like? For more awesome nature destinations in Iowa, This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Iowa Like You’ve Never Seen It Before.
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