Harrison County: Loess Hills, Birdlife and History

Two Scenic Byways run through Harrison County, alongside the Loess Hills landscape, seasonal birdwatching and distinctive historic sites. To plan your trip, you can organize the options by interest and season: routes and viewpoints sit alongside places where you can learn about the area’s history.

Routes and Landscapes of the Loess Hills

The Lincoln Highway National Heritage Byway and the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway run through Harrison County. The Loess Hills State Forest spans Harrison and Monona Counties; its 11,484 acres are divided among four units. The routes and forest offer different landscape features to consider when planning.

Nature, Trails and Seasons

Old Town Conservation Area offers around 10 miles of trails through prairies and woodlands. From there, you can enjoy views of the Boyer and Missouri River valleys and Missouri Valley. At Schaben Park in northeastern Harrison County, trails wind around a small pond through oak woods. The nature experiences differ: Old Town combines trails with wide valley views, while the pond and oak woods define the character of Schaben Park. Check local trail conditions before visiting.

Thousands of waterfowl take refuge in the wetlands and on DeSoto Lake at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in spring and fall. Visitors can fish and use non-wake boats on the lake from April 15 to October 14. The seasons offer different reasons to visit: birdwatching is a focus in spring and fall, while the listed lake activities are available during a set period. Check the current lake-use rules before your trip.

History and Heritage

Harrison County Historical Village dates back to the 19th century. It is a museum complex and also serves as an Iowa Welcome Center; a walking trail is among its visitor amenities. The Village and Welcome Center is located on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, the Iowa Lincoln Highway National Heritage Byway and the Western Skies Scenic Byway. As seasonal operations and signage may change, it is recommended that you check the latest visitor information in advance.

In Woodbine, Lincolnway includes eleven blocks of original brick paving and is the longest surviving section of its kind in Iowa. Lincolnway and the Brick Street Historic District in downtown Woodbine are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Woodbine’s local heritage is represented by both a specific street and a named historic district.

Farms and Seasonal Experiences

Sawmill Hollow is America’s first aronia berry farm. It is located on 150 acres in the Loess Hills beside a spring-fed lake. As farm operations and visitor access may change, check current visiting arrangements before your visit. Small Fruit Farm offers pick-your-own apples, strawberries and pumpkins. Fruit availability varies by season and weather, so plan around the harvest period. The two farms offer different experiences: Sawmill Hollow focuses on aronia, its location in the Loess Hills and the spring-fed lake, while Small Fruit Farm offers seasonal pick-your-own fruit.

Discover more destinations: Missouri Valley, Black Hawk, O'Brien County, Story, Ida County, Lyon County, Shelby, Winnebago County

For the overview of the wider region: Iowa.