Byway Marks Milestone
Iin 2005 the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway commemorated its 5th anniversary of receiving federal designation as a "National Scenic Byway."
In June 2000, two Iowa roadways were designated as National Scenic Byways by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway and the Iowa Great River Road received the national designation because of their scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archeological and
recreational qualities. These two routes were the first two routes in Iowa to receive national designation, and
were previously designated as scenic byways in Iowa’s Scenic Byway Program.
The National Scenic Byway Program is managed by the Federal Highway Administration within the
U.S. Department of Transportation. The program was designed to recognize and enhance the best of
America’s transportation corridors. Designated byways are exceptional roads that exemplify regional
characteristics of the nation’s culture, history and landscape.
Flanking the state's western border, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway passes through a unique land formation that's up to fifteen miles wide and about 200 miles long, stretching from near Sioux City, Iowa in the north to St. Joseph, Missouri in the south.
The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway travels through the rugged landscape of windblown silt deposits along the Missouri River Valley. The steep, sharply ridged topography supports many rare plants and animals, many of which can only be found in the Loess Hills.
Celebrate the history of Lewis & Clark and check out how that historic journey parallels the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway in our Lewis & Clark section.
While you're here, take some time and enjoy our photo gallery and virtual tour of the sights that help make the Loess Hills National Scenic Byways one of our nation's greatest.