The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway began in 1989 as a grassroots effort by dedicated citizens in cooperation with Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development and the Western Iowa Tourism Region.  The Byway became an Iowa Scenic Byway on July 8, 1998 and on June 15, 2000 received the National Scenic Byway designation.

The Byway is governed by a 13-member board comprised of representatives from the seven Byway counties, State Historical Society, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Transportation, Golden Hills RC&D, Western Iowa Tourism Region, and an at-large member.

Many thanks go to the County Boards of Supervisors for their continued financial support.  Thanks also go to the County Engineers and County Conservation Boards which provided numerous hours of professional expertise and the landowners and individuals who continue to volunteer their time for the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.

The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway guidebook and this website have been sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and Rural Development Through Forestry Program, Western Iowa Tourism Region, Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development, Fremont County Board of Supervisors, Mills County Board of Supervisors, Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors, Harrison County Board of Supervisors, Monona County Board of Supervisors, Woodbury County Board of Supervisors, Plymouth County Board of Supervisors.

The Council