Drive The Loess Hills Fall Foliage Road Trip In Iowa

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Featured Addresses

Waubonsie State Park, 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, USA

Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542, USA

Preparation Canyon Rd, Moorhead, IA 51558, USA

Sioux City, IA 51109, USA

Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve, Westfield, IA 51062, USA

The Road Trip Through The Loess Hills In Iowa Will Take You Through Sheer Autumnal Perfection

Kim Magaraci

Author

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