AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

Iowa
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
Byway Billboard for Akron, Iowa · Public Domain. Photo by Dennis Adams of FHWA · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway weaves through the rugged landscape of windblown silt deposits along the Missouri River Valley. This unique American treasure possesses natural features found only in one other place in the world: the Yellow River Valley of China. Accordingly, the landscape supports many rare plants and animals.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
A roadside billboard welcomes folks to the Loess Hills Scenic Byway in Iowa, from Interstate 29.
Byway Billboard for Akron, Iowa
Public Domain. Photo by Dennis Adams of FHWA · Photo credits
A billboard welcomes folks to the Loess Hills Scenic Byway in Iowa, from Interstate 29.
Byway Billboard for Akron, Iowa
Public Domain. Photo by Dennis Adams of FHWA · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.