Overview
Three Iowa Scenic Byways, Lincoln Highway Heritage, Western Skies and Loess Hills all travel by the Harrison County Historical Village and Iowa Welcome Center.
The Loess Hills in Harrison County, Iowa, are a unique and striking landform that stretches along the western edge of the state, bordering the Missouri River Valley. These hills are composed of windblown silt, known as loess, which was deposited during the last Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago. What makes the Loess Hills particularly special is the depth and steepness of the loess deposits—reaching up to 200 feet thick—making them one of the most dramatic examples of this type of terrain in the world, second only to those in China.
In Harrison County, the Loess Hills feature rugged bluffs, narrow ridges, and deep hollows, creating a scenic and ecologically diverse landscape. The area supports rare prairie ecosystems, native grasses, and wildflowers, along with a wide variety of wildlife such as deer, foxes, and many species of birds and butterflies. Popular sites in the county include the Loess Hills State Forest, Brents Trail, Willow Lake Nature Center and campground and scenic byways like the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, photography, and bird watching. The hills are not just a geological wonder but also hold cultural and historical significance, with ties to Native American history and early pioneer settlements.
The Loess Hills in Harrison County offer both a natural retreat and a living classroom, showcasing the powerful forces of wind, time, and resilience of native ecosystems.
🌄 Murray Hill Scenic Overlook Location & Management: Perched atop a prominent loess ridge about 2 miles northeast of Little Sioux (County Road F20), Murray Hill is managed by the Harrison County Conservation Board
Trail & Hike: It’s a short but steep climb from the parking area to the summit—enough to confirm that Iowa isn’t flat! .
Scenic Views & Flora: Once on top, visitors are treated to expansive vistas of the Missouri River Valley with typical Loess Hills prairie vegetation, including yucca and native wildflowers. Interpretive signs help explain the geological and ecological importance.
The loess crest at Murray Hill can reach over 350 ft above the floodplain—dims in scale compared to the rest of the Loess Hills, but still quite dramatic.
Brent’s Trail Overview & Length: Named in honor of state forester Brent Olson, it’s an 8‑mile point‑to‑point trail (with a 3‑mile optional southern extension), starting at Murray Hill and stretching into the heart of Loess Hills State Forest before reaching Gleason–Hubel Wildlife Area Terrain & Difficulty: Rated challenging—with significant elevation changes (≈1,800 ft of gain over 8 miles) and steep ascents/descents. Hikers average around 3–4 hours for the standard route . It’s even recognized as one of Iowa’s steepest hikes
Highlights Along the Way:
Murray Hill: Sweeping views and interpretive markers.
Goodman Property: Remnant prairie with ancient glacial till.
Fountainbleu Cemetery: Historic burial ground of early fur trader Larpenteur.
Classic Loess Road Cuts: Exposed yellow silt walls along old roads like 124th Trail and Fulton Ave.
Scenic Overlooks: Panoramas of the Missouri and Little Sioux valleys, including a ridge-top bench on the southern stretch.
Gleason–Hubel Wildlife Area: Wooded ridges and prairie patches, popular for wildlife viewing
No services along the trail—water and toilets are only at trailheads
Murray Hill is the perfect spot for a short, steep hike to spectacular panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley and the Loess Hills prairie landscape.
Brent’s Trail offers a robust hiking experience, linking Murray Hill to the Gleason–Hubel Wildlife Area with steep climbs, geological features, historic sites, and remote scenic highlights. It’s a must-do for experienced hikers in western Iowa.
The Lincoln Highway in Harrison County, Iowa,
The Lincoln Highway in Harrison County, Iowa, represents a historic and scenic stretch of America's first transcontinental highway. Established in 1913, the Lincoln Highway was the nation’s first coast-to-coast automobile route, running from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco.
In Harrison County, it winds through the heart of the Loess Hills region, blending transportation history with natural beauty. As the highway enters the county, travelers can experience a mix of small-town charm, rural landscapes, and stunning hilltop views. Towns such as Missouri Valley, Woodbine, and Logan serve as key stops along the route, each with historic architecture, classic brick main streets, and interpretive markers that tell the story of the highway's development and its role in connecting the country.
One of the most iconic segments in Harrison County is in Woodbine, where the Lincoln Highway still follows a brick-paved section through downtown—a rare and well-preserved example of early 20th-century road construction. This stretch is lined with historic buildings and is part of a designated Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway. Travelers will find interpretive sites, scenic overlooks, and historical plaques along the route, offering insight into the era of early automobile travel. The road weaves through rolling farmland and into the edges of the Loess Hills, providing a picturesque backdrop that changes with the seasons.
Western Skies Biway:
The Western Skies Scenic Byway in Harrison County Iowa is a breathtaking 140–142 mile route that parallels I‑80 (and links with I‑29), offering travelers a charming journey through four rural counties: Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Guthrie.
The Western Skies Scenic Byway offers a delightful blend of historic architecture, ethnic heritage, agriculture, and nature, all set beneath expansive Midwestern skies. Whether you're into driving, biking, hiking, wildlife watching, or cultural exploration, this route promises a memorable taste of rural Iowa at its most scenic.
