Glacial Trail Scenic Byway

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Glacial Trail Scenic Byway The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway tells a special story of our community’s history and highlights its beauty and recreational opportunities.

The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway is a 36 mile loop that travels through two communities, Peterson and Linn Grove, and through four counties (Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, and O’Brien) in Northwest Iowa. Specifically, the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway runs through the Little Sioux River Valley and the glacial formed hills that provide a picturesque landscape through Northwest Iowa. The rolling hills present viewpoints and vistas to the traveler whether on foot, bicycle, car, truck, or RV. The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway is a 36-mile loop that takes some surprising turns. There are a number of attractions along the byway from the Prairie Heritage Center to camping and canoeing. Check-out the Attractions Album on our page for attractions along the byway and visit these websites for events along the byway.
• http://www.prairieheritagecenter.org/events.htm
• http://bvcountyconservation.com
• http://www.mycountyparks.com/county/OBrien.aspx
• http://www.co.clay.ia.us/offices/conservation/index.htm
• http://www.cherokeecountyparks.com/

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We are here to listen and connect with you – but, please use your best judgment when posting in this public forum. Golden Hills RC&D reserves the right to remove posts at any time, for any reason, but ones that are offensive, threatening, and/or violent in nature or that contain profanity will always be removed immediately. Golden Hills reserves the right to delete or mark as spam, any and all comments as necessary. Anyone that posts content that is promotional or commercial in nature and/or not relevant to visitors will also be removed and reported. Golden Hills also has the right to block access to anyone from posting to their Facebook Fan Pages. If you are looking for more information about Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development, please visit:
www.goldenhillsrcd.org

10/24/2026

If you are out and about on the Trail Scenic Byway one of these beautiful fall days, make sure to stop at O'Brien County Conservation Board/ Prairie Heritage Center and check out the new Byway sign. Don't stop at just the sign - make sure to head inside to learn more about local prairies and history, too!

This amazing website lets you see 360-degree views of the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail, an amazing resource if you are planning...
10/22/2026

This amazing website lets you see 360-degree views of the Inkpaduta Canoe Trail, an amazing resource if you are planning to paddle this water trail or just interested in the unique and beautiful landscape of the Little Sioux River. Terrain360 catalogs all 200 miles of the Inkpaduta Canoe trail---simply amazing! Link in comments.

🛶 Explore Glacial Trail Scenic Byway by Land and Water! 🌿Did you know Glacial Trail Scenic Byway follows a scenic stretc...
10/15/2026

🛶 Explore Glacial Trail Scenic Byway by Land and Water! 🌿

Did you know Glacial Trail Scenic Byway follows a scenic stretch of the Little Sioux River, home to the developing The Inkpaduta Canoe Trail? This 200+ mile water trail spans seven northwest Iowa counties, connecting paddlers with beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreation, and the region’s rich natural and cultural history.

From scenic drives to river adventures, there’s more than one way to explore northwest Iowa!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.inkpadutacanoetrail.org/

10/08/2026

Learn the impact of glaciers on Iowa's landscape and the famous figures who traveled U.S. Route 6. Whether you're hiking the prairie or living life on the road, the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway and White Pole Road have an adventure for you.

Learn the impact of glaciers on Iowa's landscape and the famous fig...

🍂 Fall Colors & Scenic Drives on Glacial Trail Scenic Byway! 🚗Take a fall road trip through northwest Iowa and enjoy the...
10/01/2026

🍂 Fall Colors & Scenic Drives on Glacial Trail Scenic Byway! 🚗

Take a fall road trip through northwest Iowa and enjoy the changing leaves, rolling landscapes, and small-town charm along Glacial Trail Scenic Byway! 🍁

Make a stop at the O'Brien County Conservation Board/ Prairie Heritage Center to explore their renovated exhibits and pick up information to help plan your next adventure.

Pack your camera, hit the road, and enjoy the beauty of fall! 🍂

09/17/2026

Western Skies Scenic Byways offer travelers, both local and out-of-state, wonderful opportunities to visit rural Iowa and view beautiful fall colors at state and county parks and along the scenic byway.

The next two weeks will be peak fall color viewing in most of western Iowa. The Glacial Trail and Western Skies Scenic Byways offer travelers, both local and out-of-state, wonderful opportunities to...

09/10/2026

While summer blooms may be fading and gone, visiting an Iowa prairie in fall is just as vibrant and spectacular, as native grasses turn copper and golden. James Enright has compiled this excellent guide to prairies along Glacial Trail Scenic Byway.

James Enright wrote this photo essay after many visits to 36-mile Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, which loops the Little Sioux River valley.

09/03/2026

While you can drive the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway in less than one hour, there is a multitude of places to stop on or near the byway. Here is a list of six bucket list things to do on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway.

712 South Highway Street P.O. Box 189 ​Oakland, IA 51560

Help shape the Little Sioux River Water Trail Plan! Take a short survey about how you use the river for recreation, what...
08/27/2026

Help shape the Little Sioux River Water Trail Plan! Take a short survey about how you use the river for recreation, what may limit your use, and what should be protected, improved, or prioritized. Link in comments!

Address

712 South Highway Street, P. O. Box 189
Oakland, IA
51560

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