Fremont County: Loess Hills, History and Rodeo

In Fremont County, stories from Iowa’s past meet the landscapes of the Loess Hills and long-standing events. The range of experiences includes historic homes and museum exhibits, as well as hiking trails, golf and a designated scenic route. When planning your trip, it helps to first decide which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

History and Culture in Fremont County

Built in 1853, the Todd House is considered one of four surviving Underground Railroad stations in Iowa. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and included in the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom as the Tabor Anti-Slavery District. The house’s history thus connects a specific place with an important chapter in American history.

The Fremont County History & Iowa's Championship Rodeo Museum brings together the history of the county and that of rodeo. Exhibit topics include prehistory, Indigenous history, businesses in Fremont County and military history. The museum also tells stories about Lewis and Clark’s visit to the county, the Orphan Train, the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. Visitors interested in local history will find a range of topics brought together in one museum.

Historic buildings also offer insight into different periods and uses. The Ferrel House is an Italianate-style home built in 1871 and restored by the Fremont County Historical Society. Sunnyside Country School was built in 1893 and relocated to the Society’s museum complex for preservation and display. The Gathering Place was also built in 1893 and served as the home of the First Baptist Church of Sidney for 70 years. Today, the building serves as Fremont County’s education and performing arts center; the Historical Society holds educational programs and performances there.

Rodeo, Events and the Time of Year

The Sidney Iowa Championship Rodeo began in 1923. Sidney American Legion Post 128 made it an annual event; in 2015, the rodeo was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. The Farmers & Merchants Picnic is also still held annually in Tabor. The program includes food, entertainment, games, parades, a flea market and a fair. Tabor also hosts a farmers market in summer. Dates for the seasonal market may vary, so confirm them before your trip.

The Loess Hills and Outdoor Activities

Waubonsie State Park is part of the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and offers views of the Loess Hills and the Nebraska plains. When planning a hike, it is important to distinguish between the two trail options: Eight miles of trails are open exclusively to hikers. Another eight miles of multi-use trails are designated for challenging hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Permitted uses therefore vary by trail.

The Blackburn State Park Unit encompasses 72 acres of prairie and the wooded ridges and valleys of the Loess Hills. Hiking trails in Blackburn State Park pass through wooded areas. The park also has a 20-acre restored prairie where native flowers bloom, especially in late spring. When planning, you can take both the season and your preferred activity into account.

For a drive through the region, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway offers a 220-mile paved main route as well as 185 miles of excursion loops. The byway follows U.S. 275 through Tabor in Fremont County and then continues along County Roads J18, J24 and L44. Information about the main route and loops can help you understand the route options as you plan your trip.

Other Interests to Consider When Planning Your Trip

Golf can also be assessed using specific course details: Fremont County Golf Course has nine holes, measures 3,205 yards from the back tees and has a par of 36. If you would rather spend your time on history, a drive along the byway or outdoor activities, Fremont County’s different themes offer a basis for deciding what to focus on during your trip.

Explore more destinations: Percival, Jefferson County, Buena Vista County, Linn, Calhoun County, Pottawattamie, Scott, Pocahontas County

For the main travel overview: Iowa.