Exploring southern Siouxland, Missouri Valley

I like driving about in Siouxland as I look for places to visit that I have not been to before, and the southern part of the area is a place I need to explore some more. Recently I stopped into Missouri Valley and walked about. It is nestled next to the Loess Hills region of Siouxland which draws a number of visitors throughout the year as it is only one two places on the entire planet, the other being in China, that has these particular earth formations called loess soil.

It was an extremely hot day that I picked to visit but sometimes one just has to make the best of it. The downtown area and main drag is actually the Lincoln Highway or Rte. 30 that passes through. The area retains some of its earlier historical feel with covered walks and brick sidewalks. Part of the community sits on a hill and looks out over the Loess Hills area and gives a bit more dramatic presentation. Sunset would be a perfect time to take in those views and maybe fall a better season to explore the area on foot a bit more.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Downtown main drag in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A wooden overhang provides shade on a hot day in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An older mural on a building near a community center and the railroad yard in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An older still functioning library reminiscent of the Carnegie style libraries built throughout much of the small towns in the Midwest in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A view from a hillside neighborhood of the downtown area with the Loess Hills in the background in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An older home with window arch treatments reminiscent of homes built in the late 1860’s in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Some sidewalks harken back to brick walkways on side streets in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An older Victorian style home in Missouri Valley, Iowa Friday, June 16, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)