Northwest Iowa

Southeast South Dakota

The following itinerary has been created for tour groups of 30 or more, however, individuals may wish to follow a similar trail on their own.

Relive the Journey….
Beginning in Omaha:

8:30 a.m. Stop at Fort Calhoun, Tekamah, Nebraska

Coming from Omaha on I-29, your motor coach will arrive at a designated site where you will be greeted by your Loess Hills Tour Guide, who will take you to our host organization for coffee and morning snack. Restrooms.

Depart for your tour of the Loess Hills. Your guide will tell you about the formation of the hills, their unique characteristics, and conservation practices to preserve them. As you travel the Scenic Byways, you will be learning about the floral and fauna and new words, such as "kindchen" an "catsteps". On to the small city of Turin, site of the "Turin Man". Your guide will tell you about this excavation site, where in the 1950s, skeletons were unearthed that are 5,000 to 6,000 years old. 

Travel along Larpenteur Memorial Road where you will see the little Danish Church built in 1884 and nestled in the hills. Perhaps you have seen its picture in the Hallmark calendar. Step inside the church building, still in its original state. Observe the quiet little cemetery and hear the stories of the early immigrants' trials and tragedies. Winding through the hills, you will swing by Preparation Canyon State Park, named after an early Mormon settlement. There are many breathtaking views of the lush farmland, stately burr oak trees, prairie flowers, and grasses. The newly constructed Loess Hills Scenic Overlook gives breathtaking sights and panoramic views of the Missouri River plain. 

12:00 p.m.

Time to sit back and enjoy an old fashioned, home-cooked meal, served by one of our local groups. Our ladies love to cook so enjoy our Loess Hills hospitality! Take time to visit with your hosts, guide, and fellow travelers. Restrooms.

Visit the Loess Hills Hospitality Association Visitors Center and Gift Shop in Moorhead, Iowa, where you can browse and purchase Loess Hills products and local craft items. The Moorhead Cultural Center will be open for your convenience to see the current exhibit. Restrooms. 

"Back to the Hills" as you travel to "apple orchard country". Travel through Pisgah, the home of the "Old Home Cafe" where the television commercial for Old Home Bread was filmed. Remember C. W. McCall and Mavis? Your guide will tell you stories about Larpenteur, an early French fur trader, the town Fountainbleau, his burial ground, and Indian tales of early times. The afternoon tour will include Murray Hill, the highest peak in Harrison County, where you see for miles - a great photo opportunity.

Arrive at Small's Fruit Farm where you will hear about their fifth generation business. Enjoy a mini tour of the orchards and return to the sales barn to browse through their products for sale and sample freshly made apple cider. Visit the Pie Parlor where you may enjoy fresh baked apple pie and coffee on your own, if you wish. Restrooms.

3:00 p.m.

Depart for the remainder of your tour. Cross Decatur Toll Bridge, proceed on scenic byway passing through Omaha and Winnebago Indian Reservations, O'Connor House, arriving at Ponca State Park, Lewis & Clark Scenic Overlook viewing all three states of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Thanks for spending the day in the Loess Hills!

4:20 p.m. 

Stop at Sergeant Floyd Monument or the Air Museum as you enter Sioux City for your overnight stay.

5:45 p.m.

Arrive at hotel in Sioux City for overnight. Possible gaming, theater, Historical 4th, antiques, Art Center, and Museum, and festivals.

Flight 232 Memorial. Commemorating the heroic rescue efforts shown by  the Sioux City community after the crash of United Flight 232 in 1989. The statue depicts Colonel Dennis Nielsen carrying a young child to safety. The memorial is part of the Sioux City's riverfront development near the Anderson Dance Pavilion. 



Visit Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

Trinity Heights. The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace, 30 foot stainless steel statue, stands above landscaping and circular walkways with prayer stations. A life-size wood carving of the Last Supper is housed in a separate building. Another statue, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and outdoor cathedral are the newest additions. Must see this! 

12:00 p.m.

Lunch on Historical Fourth Street. Listed on the National Registrar of Historical Sites, the area features turn of the century architecture, unique and specialty shops, pubs, and restaurants. fellow travelers. Restrooms. Many, many antique shops. 

Bus to LeMars, Iowa, approximately 24 miles north of Sioux City to the LeMars Visitors Center. Welcome Reception. Tour of Ice Cream Capital of the World at Visitors Center, home of Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream, followed by ice cream sundaes at Wells Dairy Victorian Ice Cream Parlor. 

Return to Sioux City for possible Lewis & Clark Re-enactment Presentation, Art Center, Museum, Air Museum, gaming, laser light show! 

Overnight stay in Sioux City or proceed on Scenic Byway to Yankton, South Dakota. 

Customize tours upon request. Please contact Roger Schultz at the Sioux City Convention Center by calling 800-593-2228 or by email at Rschultz@sioux-city.org

www.siouxcitytourismconvention.com

For information on individual tours, contact the Loess Hills Hospitality Association at 800-886-5441 or visit their website at www.loesshillstours.com

To request Complimentary Visitors Packet for Group Tours, click here.