Loess Hills View From The New Scenic Overlook

A huge observation deck has been built on the Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon Unit off Highway 183 between Pisgah and Moorhead. Drive past the entrance to the 340 acre Preparation State Park, on 314th Street and on to the 3200 acre unit of the forest.

Known locally as "The Spot", the deck offers a wondrous panoramic view of the majestic hills and valleys considered a geographic wonder. The deck is wheelchair accessible, with a long, wide ramp winding up to it. There are also several benches on the deck to sit and take in the awesome view.

The Loess Hills Scenic ByWay is a mosaic of designated roads through the Loess Hills region of western Iowa. Among those counties included are Plymouth, Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Mills, and Fremont. The main route is 220 miles of paved highway or county road in a general north to south direction paralleling Interstate 29.

When traveling on the Scenic ByWay, the traveler has the option of selecting 15 excursion routes for additional experiences. Maps of the Scenic ByWays, which are posted with the blue signs, are available at the Loess Hills Visitor Center & Gift Shop at Moorhead.

Even in the dead of winter the Loess Hills offer spectacular shows of color. This is along the Wilderness Loop, not far from Sylvan Runkel Preserve.