Iowa's Loess Hills have 220 miles of scenic loops and byways. Only one other place in the world (yes the world) can claim the same rights-of-passage and that is in China. This route is only a hint to what you are about to explore. Murray Hill Scenic Overlook being "one of the best in the hills" is a must see. You can pull off on the edge of the road and take in the view which you can see for miles or you can park in the rocked parking area and hike to the very top and FEEL the experience from a 360-degree view. While in the Hills you will think: Is this heaven? No, that's right, it's Iowa! As you leave the hills and ride along side them you will understand their majestic significance. There's a saying those of us that live here say from time to time, "If you are lucky enough to live in The Hills, you're lucky enough"!

Little towns a sprinkled along this circle 8 ... enough for you to always be near gas or food and other needs. There are several scenic loops off the path described here. You can take these although some are partly gravel (and even dirt). I suggest you stop at the Harrison County Welcome Center HWY 30, 3 miles east of Missouri Valley and pick up your Loess Hills guide book!

At Missouri Valley you will find a variety of accommodations for eating and sleeping with 8 restaurants/ lounges and 4 motels near the I-29 and Hwy 30 corridors. Just 2 miles west of Logan is the Museum of Religious Arts a 20,000 sq.ft. building that displays formerly from the Sunken Gardens in Florida, 44 life-size wax figures, portraying the life of Christ among many religious art and artifacts from all over the world. At Pisgah, stop at Dave's Old Home Cafe for either a bite or a cold one. The cafe originally known as the OLD HOME FILLER-UP and KEEP ON TRUCKIN' CAFE, yes the very song C.W. McCall wrote about. While still in Pisgah, check out the Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center to learn about the Loess Hills and why they are so unique. Just northeast of Pisgah (HWY 183) is a favorite stop we take several times of the year. Midway Tavern in Soldier, Steve the owner holds several fundraiser motorcycle poker runs and last Labor day over 1200 motorcycle riders participated. Memorial Day is another huge turnout so mark your calendars and if your schedule is too busy to be there then try a Wednesday Steak night! Just tell him Rhonda from Magnolia sent you!.