Discover Woodbury: Loess Hills, River History, and Nature

On the outskirts of Sioux City is Stone State Park, an urban wildlife preserve in the heart of the Loess Hills. The Carolyn Benne Nature Trail introduces visitors to the area’s natural history along a self-guided walking trail. This makes the landscape and its natural history distinct focal points for travel planning alongside Woodbury’s museums and historic buildings.

Loess Hills, River Bottomlands, and Hiking Trails

The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway also provides access to part of the landscape: in Woodbury County, it includes the Stone Park Loop, the Smokey Hollow Loop, and the Stagecoach Trail Loop. The byway enters Woodbury County via Highway 12 and joins I-29 at Exit 151. Check road conditions before driving.

Brown’s Lake offers a different kind of landscape. The lake is a natural oxbow of the Missouri River, formed when the river meandered freely through the river valley. Kayaks, paddle boats, and paddleboards are available for rent at Brown’s Lake Bigelow Park for a fee. The service is seasonal; confirm availability before your trip.

At Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, exhibits and nature programs are complemented by butterfly and wildflower gardens. Several miles of trails wind through prairie grassland and bur oak forests. Visitors who want to experience nature beyond exhibits can enjoy the programs as well as trails through the habitats described here.

Trails and Experiences Along the Little Sioux River

The Union Bridge Trail connects Little Sioux Park to Correctionville via a 10-foot-wide concrete path. The trail passes through scenic areas and crosses the Little Sioux River over a distinctive bridge. For planning purposes, it is a good idea to check county notices about flood or storm damage to the trails.

Little Sioux Park also includes a historic one-room schoolhouse. Along with the trail and river crossing, the park thus offers two different points of interest for a visit: a route through the landscape and a testament to local school history.

Museums and Missouri River History

On the Sioux City riverfront, the Sergeant Floyd River Museum is next to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The museum explores the history of transportation on the Missouri River through rare photographs, artifacts, and dioramas. At the Interpretive Center, permanent exhibits featuring animatronics, computer stations, murals, and other interactive elements provide additional context. Schools and other groups can take guided tours there.

The Sioux City Public Museum displays artifacts of Indigenous peoples, including objects related to the Mill Creek culture. Another museum exhibit features more than 100 specimens: rocks, minerals, meteorites, petrified wood, and fossils. If this exhibit is an important reason for your visit, check before your trip to see whether it is currently on display. The museum welcomes visitors of all abilities to its exhibits and educational programs.

Architecture and Building History

The Woodbury County Courthouse was built between 1916 and 1918 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996. The public interiors are adorned with richly ornamented terra cotta. The building’s construction date, designation, and design offer different historical perspectives: its origins in the early 20th century, its later recognition as a landmark, and the details of its interior.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Anthon, Sergeant Bluff, Sioux City, Marion County, Calhoun County, Cass County, Buena Vista County, Wapello.

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