Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip with the family or a weekend of fun, the Iowa Scenic Byways have a ton of socially distant, family- friendly activities for any budget. It’s a great way to get out and explore new sites with the family plus the people with Travel Iowa have created an awesome online checklist (complete with prizes and freebies as you go!) We spent 2 full days exploring the Glacial Trail Iowa Scenic Byway and can’t wait to check out the other byways.

Note: We were hosted on this trip by Travel Iowa and did not have to pay for our experiences. That being said everything expressed and shared is my opinion.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a tiny percentage if you buy something using them. I only recommend places and products that I know and trust that I think can help you.

Iowa Scenic Byways

Iowa Scenic Byways Passport

Before you head out on your Iowa road trip adventures you’ll want to get the the Iowa Scenic Byways Passport on your phone to easily check off places as you go. Head here– you will need to sign up. It’s free, don’t let the checkout scare you off. And don’t worry, they won’t spam you.

You’ll then get an email to “view your pass”. Open that link on your phone. If you’re like me and love a good shortcut you can then save that link as an “app” on your phone home screen (you will need a smart phone for this to work).

Once you’re on your way open the link and click on the specific byway you’ve chosen to explore so that it opens to all the different stops and check-ins when you visit! Don’t forget to grab your freebies and use those coupons!

Each month in 2021, one byway traveler will win a Byway Prize Package valued at approximately $200 which will include gift certificates for hotels, restaurants, attractions and more! Each check-in to a location on the passport earns you one entry into the monthly sweepstakes drawing.

If you are looking for safe ways to travel by car and experience all that small town Iowa has to offer you can sign up for the passport here.

Glacial Trail Iowa Scenic Byway Sights

Cherokee Iowa

Cherokee Depot

The first of two stops in the town of Cherokee was the Cherokee Depot. It’s an easy, quick stop that would be perfect for a picnic under the majestic old building’s overhang. There are also a few train cars you can get up close to, which is always fun for curious kids.

Address: 119 South 4th Street, Cherokee

Sanford Museum & Planetarium

Sanford Museum and Planetarium has exhibits and activities on a variety of subjects from Archaeology to Astronomy, to Natural History and Paleontology. Two floors of fun things to see for kids and adults alike. Our favorite exhibit was the dinosaur bones in the basement with an interactive opportunity for the boys to “discover” and unearth bones from a sand box.

This stop also includes a free planet sticker, the only free thing on this specific byway tour, so make sure to grab one!

Sanford Museum Details:
117 E. Willow Street, Cherokee, IA
Entrance is free.
Open 9 to 5 on weekdays and 12 to 5 on weekends.

Cherokee is also really the only place on the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway with fast food, coffee shops and chain hotels so make sure you’ve grabbed what you need while in the area!

Barnes Access

Barnes Area is a 9-acre area with water access to the Little Sioux River. It consists of a narrow strip of some wooded area and flood plain and is a great place to park and have a mini picnic just outside of Cherokee.

Canoe access is​ available adjacent to the parking area.

Address: 4733 Barnes Road, Cherokee

Linn Grove Dam Park & Bait Shop

This is one of the sites that is nice to check off, but unless you are an avid fisherman there really isn’t too much to see or do. If you catch it at the right time of day from the bridge to Linn Grove you will get a beautiful visual looking back at the dam, but everything itself is closed off for exploration (due to disrepair from the looks of it).

Sits next to the Little Sioux River making it one of the best fishing holes in Iowa. Four primitive campsites are located close to the river for great access to the water.

Address: 201 Main Street, Linn Grove

Bertram Reservation

240-acre wildlife area with oak savannah prairie that has hiking trails as well as bridle trails.

Horseback riding trails are only open from May 16 – September 30.

Prairie Heritage Center

This is an incredible stop for all ages. A chance to take in a visual history of the area and a great way to understand the glaciers of the area and how the hills and valleys were formed. Make sure you save plenty of time for this stop as you’ll want to watch the live bison, see the sculptures, climb the viewing tower to look out the binoculars, read the interactive displays and maybe get in some hiking.

By far my favorite stop along the trail. Such a beautiful location and fun for kids too!

Address: 4931 Yellow Ave., Peterson

Dog Creek Park

A small swing set and grill available on one side of the pond with campground options with boating fun available on the other. Two camping areas; all sites have water and electricity.

Address: 4901 Warbler, Sutherland

Peterson Iowa

Peterson has 3 stops in town so plan at least a 1/2 day for exploring! There are also a several stops within a 5 mile radius of Peterson.

Fort Peterson

Fort Peterson is one of several historic buildings sprinkled in town. The old fort building is on a split road in the heart of the residential part of town, surrounded by lots of beautiful old trees.

Address: Park Street & E. 3rd Street

Kirchner Park

In the 1860s, members of the Kirchner family were the first settlers in the Peterson area. Their original home was the first frame house built in Clay County, and remained in the family until 1971.

If you’re traveling with young kids plan on spending some time exploring this area as the playground is good for littles of all ages and there is a lot of green space to explore and roam about even when the museum is closed.

Address: Hwy. 10 & W. 4th Street, Peterson

Wanata Park

Just on the edge of Peterson and the Little Sioux River sits Wanata State Park is 144-acres and looks absolutely stunning. The road was closed so I didn’t get to explore but there are loads of trails to hike along the flood plains or hills of the Little Sioux River. The boat ramp allows access to the river for canoes, kayakers and even paddle boarding.

Address: 125th Ave., Peterson

Bertram Reservation

240-acre wildlife area with oak savannah prairie that has hiking trails as well as bridle trails.

Horseback riding trails are only open from May 16 – September 30.

Buena Vista BV Conservation Park

Located within the Waterman Creek Bird Conservation Area, this area offers an arboretum, prairie grass plantings and woodland areas to explore. There is also a small playground with some unique pieces on it.

Address: 377 440th St, Peterson, IA

Martins Access

Martin Area has a great little playground, nice, clean (running water) bathrooms with showers, a massive picnic shelter, 4 cabins, plus several campsites. It also has a lot of area to explore with 300 acres of river valley, rolling hills, and woodlands!

Not going to lie, we spent nearly 2 hours here just relaxing in the grass and on the playground. It’s a pretty chill spot.

Address: 4578 Martin Access Road, Larrabee

Check out other Iowa scenic byways stops like Desoto National Wildlife Refuge

Where to Stay on the Glacial Trail Iowa Scenic Byways tour:

This is a very rural area so choices are fairly limited. There are two chain hotels in Cherokee but if you like more unique options there is a great VRBO one-bedroom loft over a winery tasting room that I highly recommend (affiliate links).

InnSpiration Winery
5079 180th Avenue, Linn Grove, IA 51033

Note: InnSpiration is currently listed for sale so availability may change (or if you want to buy a winery let me know :-))

Another option is Generations B&B, in Sutherland Iowa where you can rent a room for the night with a delightful breakfast to wake up to. 712-363-3178.