Preparation Canyon State Park

On my way back to Le Mars, I decided to take a little detour through the Loess Hills. So I left Interstate 29 at the Missouri Valley exit, following the signs that said "Loess Hills - Scenic Road."

That definitely sounded promising.

First town I drove through was Logan, a nice little community right on Highway 30.

I then headed westward on Highway 127 and came through a town called Magnolia. I wouldn't be surprised if that little town is home to the steepest road in the entire state of Iowa. Going up those hills, my poor car made noises that reminded me of an airplane starting.

Whoever says that Iowa is flat has certainly never been to Magnolia (or the western part of Plymouth County)!!!

After my car had earned mountaineer honors, I took a right on Highway 183 and headed north for the initial destination of my little detour: Preparation Canyon State Park in rural Moorhead.

Finally, after a few miles on winding gravel roads, I arrived at a wooden platform that overlooked the surrounding hills. The view was absolutely gorgeous.

After taking my obligatory pictures, I hit the road again and got back on Interstate 29 in Onawa.

I was more than delighted that I had made that little detour.

Once again, I found my belief affirmed that there is so much more to Iowa than many people think.