Loess Hills Field Guide
Some call it one of Iowa’s last wilderness areas. Some call it one of the state’s most underrated regions. We’re fine with calling it both. Tucked away in the heart of western Iowa you’ll find breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns (most with a population of 250 or less), miles of back roads, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure.
We're sharing our favorites from the area - including local businesses and experiences you won't want to miss — plus the places that will probably make your Instagram feed.
Check it out below and then get to planning your next weekend road trip or creative retreat to Iowa’s Loess Hills. Have fun!
* * *
Tag us in your photos to let us know where YOUR favorite places are on this road trip!
@ruralrevivalco
#ruralrevival
#ruralroadtrip
MOORHEAD
In the heart of Loess Hills country, you’ll find this historic town has a lot to offer. From scenic routes to recreation to history, Moorhead does not disappoint.
While you’re in town, take a drive down Oak Street for a little small-town charm. For maps and local information, as well as unique gifts made by local artians, check out the Loess Hills Visitor Center & Gift Shop. Need a snack? Hit up the Moorhead Mini Mart.
Then head out of town and drive by “The Brick” and Moorhead Stock Farms, the pioneer home of the founding Moorhead family. Keep going to find Ingemann Danish Lutheran Church in the picturesque hills west of Moorhead. Then make your way to Preparation Canyon State Park for incredible views, trails, and more. Don’t miss the scenic overlook! It’s a favorite for everyone who visits the Loess Hills region.
Looking for a place to stay? The Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins & Campground are great for overnight getaways, small retreats, reunions, and hunting camps. With seven different cottages and cabins at the campground, each one offers a cozy stay in the hills.
PLACES TO PIN:
Ingemann Danish Lutheran Church
32044 County Road E54, Moorhead, IA 51558
Preparation Canyon State Park
340th Street, Moorhead, IA 51558
Loess Hills Hideaway Cabins & Campground
33774 Plum Avenue, Moorhead, IA 51558
Loess Hills Visitor Center & Gift Shop
119 Oak Street, Moorhead, Iowa 51558
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Preparation Canyon Scenic Overlook
Ingemann Danish Lutheran Church
Main Street Moorhead
Loess Hills Sign - Preparation Canyon State Park
Preparation Canyon Dirt Roads
CASTANA
Castana is a quaint town built on a hill where all the streets are dirt (yes, you read that right) and offer incredible views. The area surrounding Castana is loaded with attractions and recreation areas.
ARCHWAY PARK
At this honoring tribute you’ll find an archway that originated from the town’s old bank building leading to a wall of veterans' names.
TIMBER RIDGE RANCH
Timber Ridge is a membership-based area with activities that include dirt bike trails, ATV and UTV trails, as well as areas to ride Jeeps, 4 x 4’s, and dune buggies. The place is in high demand with a waiting list for new members. It’s also been listed as as one of the best places in the United States to run an ATV by Field & Stream.
KENNEBEC CEMETERY
Positioned on a hill just a mile and a half west of town, this cemetery offers stunning views of the town of Castana and the surrounding areas.
DIVIDE HILL ROADHOUSE
Located on the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, Divide Hill Roadhouse is the perfect destination for your weekend drive or motorcycle cruise and is known for its mouthwatering burgers and prime rib.
PLACES TO PIN:
Timber Ridge Ranch
33453 153 Street, Castana, IA 51010
Divide Hill Roadhouse
15298 Highway L20, Castana, Iowa 51010
Kennebec Cemetery
196th Street, Castana, Iowa 51010
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Archway Park - peek through the trees for some outstanding views
Kennebec Cemetery
Main Street Castana
Castana Water Tower
SOLDIER
Named for the Soldier River that passes through the nearby valley, Soldier is right in the middle of the Loess Hills. It’s a hot spot for bikers and home to Western Iowa's #1 Biker Friendly Bar - Midway Tavern. Outside of town you’ll find Soldier Lutheran Church, a country church with twin steeples and a serene setting, and two truss bridges that are worth finding your way to.
PLACES TO PIN:
Midway Tavern
206 1st Street, Soldier, Iowa 51572
Soldier Lutheran Church
37472 280th Street, Soldier, IA 51572
Soldier River Truss Bridge (closed to traffic)
245th Street, Soldier, IA 51572
Willow Creek Truss Bridge
285th Street, Soldier, IA 51572
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Soldier Water Tower
Main Street Soldier
Soldier Elevator
Soldier Lutheran Country Church
Soldier River Truss Bridge
Willow Creek Truss Bridge
HONEY CREEK
HITCHCOCK NATURE CENTER
Here you’ll find a sprawling Loess Hills prairie refuge offering 10 miles of trails, plus a cabin and backwoods camping. The scenic overlook at Badger Ridge is a favorite photo spot!
AEROPLANE INN
Right along the Old Lincoln Highway there is a little bar and grill perfect for any customer. Aeroplane Inn is family owned and managed. It is the perfect small town bar for grabbing a cold one or a bite to eat, serving a full menu nightly Tuesday-Saturday.
OBSERVATION TOWER
Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the Loess Hills and Missouri River valley over into Nebraska.
MT. CRESCENT SKI AREA
Find year-round fun where you can sled, ski, and snowboard in the winter and enjoy ziplining, the skatepark, and lifts in the summer.
PLACES TO PIN:
Hitchcock Nature Center
27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542
Aeroplane Inn
28935 Old Lincoln Hwy, Honey Creek, IA 51542
Observation Tower
16614 I-680, Honey Creek, IA 51542
Mt. Crescent Ski Area
17026 Snowhill Lane, Honey Creek, IA 51542
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Badger Ridge at Hitchcock Nature Center
General Repair & Welding Sign
Honey Creek Arch
Aeroplane Inn
Observation Tower
WOODBINE
You’ll find tons of small town charm in this eastern gateway to the Loess Hills. From art and history to great food and a vibrant Main Street atmosphere, this is a must-stop location. Plus, you’ll love the brick streets that include one of the longest sections of original Lincoln Highway brick road. This town has a long history of road trips!
PLACES TO PIN:
Good Fellows Restaurant
501 Walker St, Woodbine, IA 51579
Woodbine Drug + Soda Fountain
423 Walker St, Woodbine, IA 51579
Willow Lake Recreation Area
2725 Easton Trail, Woodbine, IA 51579
Boyer River Truss Bridge
155th Street, Woodbine, IA 51579
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Woodbine Elevator + Mural
Retro Food Land Store
Woodbine Sign at Zell Millard Historic Preservation Park
Main Street Heavy Metal Art and Alley Art
Woodbine Municipal Utilities & City Hall
Historic Main Street
Boyer River Truss Bridge
Woodbine Drug Soda Fountain
HOLLY SPRINGS
Unknowingly built on a flood plain, most of this town has moved on to other places after several devastating floods. But what’s left of the town is worth exploring!
PLACES TO PIN:
St. John’s Evangelical Church + German City Settlement
2843 Hancock Circle, Hornick, IA 51026
Holly Springs Gymnasium & Auditorium Building
2991 Moville Blacktop, Hornick, IA 51026
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Holly Springs Gymnasium & Auditorium Building
Holly Springs Church turned workshop
St. John’s Evangelical Church + German City Settlement
SMITHLAND
Surrounded by the Loess Hills and the Little Sioux River valley, this quaint town and surrounding area is great for history and exploring.
While you’re in town, check out Hickory Street for some great photo ops of the remaining historic buildings. You’ll also find The Smithland Log Cabin Museum — a replica of the first schoolhouse built here and a great place to learn about the area’s fascinating history.
Fill up at the retro Smithland Country Store, then hit the back roads to find the Wolf Creek Truss Bridge (now closed to traffic).
The area’s Southwood Conservation Area features some of the Loess Hills' open grassland and timbered areas. You’ll also find two stocked ponds, a fishing dock, hiking and equestrian trails, a campground, a walking archery range, public hunting, a modern shower house, picnic areas and a playground. Two one-bedroom cabins are available to rent year round, and there’s a footbridge that makes a fun addition to the trails.
PLACES TO PIN:
Smithland Country Store
209 Main Street East, Smithland, IA 51056
Southwood Conservation Area
3402 330th Street, Smithland, IA 51056
Wolf Creek Truss Bridge
CR K67 (Hancock Avenue)
Smithland Log Cabin Museum
221 Hickory Street, Smithland, IA 51056
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Smithland Country Store
Wolf Creek Truss Bridge
Downtown Smithland Historic Buildings
Southwood Conservation Area Footbridge
Smithland Log Cabin Museum
HORNICK
If you’re coming from Sioux City, you’ll find lots of charm in this small town as you make your way towards the Loess Hills. Don’t miss some of our Instagram favorites from Hornick below!
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Clark’s Storefront
Vintage Repair Shop
Hornick Water Tower
Hornick Train Depot
Hornick Library
+ Other Historic Buildings
RODNEY
Tucked away in the Little Sioux River valley, Rodney is Monona County’s smallest town (pop. 60). You’ll love the charm of the small town and will want to hit up the Rodney Pits Recreation Area, where three abandoned gravel pits were developed for recreation and fishing, and Peters Park for a place to camp. It’s also a great picnic spot and a beautiful drive to get there.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Rodney Pits Recreation Area
Post Office
Little Sioux River Truss Bridge
OTO
Oto is unique because it has a “hill side” and a “valley side.” On the valley side you’ll find an old elevator, the historic Oto City Jail, and M&M’s Bar and Grill - a great place to grab a bite to eat, a drink, and even enjoy some occasional live music. On the hill side, you’ll find the United Church of Christ and St. Mary’s Church, and the old school building which still has some charm. No matter which way you come into Oto, it’s a beautiful drive in every direction!
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS
Oto City Jail
Oto Gas Station
Oto Elevator
Oto School
M&M’s Bar and Grill
ANTHON
Whether you want to grab a mouthwatering Iowa steak straight from the farm at Fireside, take a float down the Little Sioux River, or explore some back roads, there’s a little something for everyone in this quintessential small town.
PLACES TO PIN:
Fireside
121 E Main St, Anthon, IA 51004
Little Sioux River Kayaking & Tubing
208 East Main, Anthon, IA 51004
Little Sioux River Truss Bridge
Mason Avenue
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Main Street Historic Buildings
Little Sioux River Truss Bridge
Freedom Rock
MAPLETON
One of the esatern gateway towns to the Loess Hills, Mapleton has one of the larger historic downtowns in the area and is a great place to stock up on groceries and supplies if you’re spending a few days in the area. Plus you’ll find great photo ops all around town!
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Main Street Historic Buildings
Retro Bomgaars sign
Beef & Brew Sign
TURIN
One of the many one-horse towns in the Loess Hills area, Turin is most known for its historic Turin Bank building on the corner that looks like it’s straight out of a western movie. Also check out the RT Reese Homestead and Cabin one mile north of town and the incredible views from nearby Belvidere Cemetery. The Turin Man Archaeology Site is also an interesting stop, where the remains of a 5,000-year-old man are the oldest remains to be found in Iowa.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS
Turin Bank
Belvidere Cemetery (the views are incredible)
RT Reese Homestead and Cabin
DUNLAP
The first place originally settled in Crawford County, Dunlap is full of historic buildings dating back to the Victorian era. Main Street is a prime example. Be sure to stop by the Dairy Sweet and treat yourself to some ice cream!
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS
Main Street Historic Buildings
Z.T. Dunham Pioneer Stock Farm Barn
Boyer River Truss Bridge - over Boyer River on 128th Trail
111th Street Truss Bridge - over Willow River on 111th Street
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Saved by Grace Church
ONAWA
A western gateway to the Loess Hills, Onawa is perhaps most known as having one of the widest Main Streets in America. That same street also happens to be lined with some beautiful historic buildings, and you can find others throughout town like the Murphy House, Onawa Public Library, Iowa Theater, and Monona County Courthouse. Outside of town you’ll find Sylvan Runkel State Preserve, a 330-acre preserve containing an outstanding example of the Loess Hills landscape, with extensive native prairie covering steep hills.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS
Murphy House
Historic Main Street and other historic buildings including the
Murphy House, Onawa Public Library, and Monona County Courthouse
Iowa Theater
Freedom Rock
Carrier Coffee Co
PISGAH
In the heart of the Loess Hills along the Soldier River you’ll find Pisgah, home of the world famous Old Home Fill-er Up An' Keep On A-Truckin' Cafe. You’ll also find some great Instagram opportunities, including an old gas station, hotel, church, school, and more. Nearby is the Loess Hills State Forest, a great place for exploring back roads.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS
Old Home Fill-er Up An' Keep On A-Truckin' Cafe
Old gas station
Old hotel
Old church
Old school
Homemade Ice Cream Sign
American Legion Building
Loess Hills State Forest
MONDAMIN
One of the Mondamin area’s main attractions is Small’s Fruit Farm, where visitors can pick their own strawberries, apples, or pumpkins when in season, or purchase them already picked in their sale barn. While you’re there, treat yourself to a slice of pie or take one with you for the road.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Mondamin Hybrids Grain Bin
Small’s Fruit Farm
LITTLE SIOUX
Originally an early railroad town located on the Missouri River bottom at the edge of the Loess Hills bluffs, you’ll find some pieces of Little Sioux’s historic past still in tact. Check out the historic buildings listed below, and don’t miss the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook! It’s a favorite with Loess Hills visitors...and on Instagram.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Murray Hill Scenic Overlook
Hustler Garage
Murray Hall
American Legion
Old Post Office Building
Little Sioux River Truss Bridge on 120th Street
138th Trail & Fulton Avenue Dirt Road Split
MAGNOLIA
In Magnolia you’ll find North 40 Bar, where a former gym is now the community watering hole and gathering space. Definitely a one-of-a-kind place worth checking out. Outside of town, there are two cemeteries with incredible views — Magnolia Cemetery and Calhoun Cemetery. Also check out the Neely Trail Truss Bridge over Willow Creek on Neely Trail.
LOGAN
Logan has many great historic buildings both on Main Street and throughout town, plus the 8th Street Truss Bridge over the Boyer River on 8th Street. Grab a bite to eat at the Cornerstone Cafe, where you’ll find fresh food and a pretty great whipped coffee. Then head out of town for some hill climbing on your dirt bike, watch a Union Pacific train making its way through the Boyer River valley, or check out the Medford Avenue Truss Bridge over Willow River on Medford Avenue.
MISSOURI VALLEY
This historic Victorian-era town is a great place to explore and to stock up before you head into the hills. You’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants, gas stations, and the amazing Rialto Theater. South of town you’ll find the Old Town Conservation Area, built around the town’s original site, is a great place for hiking. North of town you’ll discover the Loess Hills Lavender Farm and Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area. If you’re coming from the Omaha area, Missouri Valley is a great place to start your journey into the Loess Hills.
PLACES TO PIN:
Rialto Theater
405 E. Erie Street, Missouri Valley, IA 51555
Loess Hills Lavender Farm
2278 Loess Hills Trail, Missouri Valley, IA 51555
Old Town Conservation Area
2317 Mesa Place, Missouri Valley, IA 51555
Harrison County Historical Village
2931 Monroe Avenue, Missouri Valley, IA 51555
Sawmill Hollow Wildlife Area
Seven miles north of town on Loess Hills Trail
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS:
Rialto Theater
Loess Hills Lavender Farm
Harrison County Historical Village & Welcome Center sign
Old Town Conservation Area
FOOD sign
Historic Main Street
OTHER INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS
Grant Center Historic Site
Twisted Tail in Beebeetown, Iowa (also has amazing food!)
Unincorporated town of Ticonic sign
Climbing Hill, Iowa, where the town motto is “It is what it is.”
Survey marker
Primitive Baptist Church, Loveland, Iowa