Stone State Park
Stone State Park protects a precious remnant of Iowa’s Loess Hills – an unusual geological formation found only in western Iowa, Missouri, and a region of China. This 1,069-acre urban wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Sioux City offers over 10 miles of multi-use trails through rolling prairie ridges and wooded valleys, with 6 miles specifically open for horseback riding.
The Loess Hills formed from wind-blown soil (loess) deposited after glaciers retreated thousands of years ago. Today, they support rare prairie ecosystems and offer expansive views across western Iowa and into Nebraska and South Dakota.
Park Highlights
Loess Hills
Found only in Iowa/Missouri and China, these wind-deposited hills support rare prairie ecosystems and unique topography.
Equestrian Trails
6 miles of trails open for horseback riding through prairie ridges and wooded valleys.
Urban Wildlife Sanctuary
A haven for wildlife on the edge of Sioux City. Deer, turkey, and diverse bird species thrive here.
Scenic Views
Ridge-top trails offer panoramic views across the Missouri River valley into Nebraska and South Dakota.
About the Loess Hills
Loess (pronounced “luss”) is fine, wind-blown soil deposited thousands of years ago as glaciers melted. The Loess Hills of western Iowa are among the most dramatic examples on Earth – rivaled only by similar formations in China.
- 📏 Formation: Wind deposited glacial silt 14,000-30,000 years ago
- 📐 Height: Hills rise up to 300 feet above the Missouri River bottomlands
- 🌿 Ecosystem: Dry ridge-top prairies support species more common to western plains
Trail System
| Trail Activity | Mileage | Terrain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking (all trails) | 10.4 mi | Varied | Wooded valleys to prairie ridges |
| 🐴 Equestrian | 6.0 mi | Multi-use | Horses welcome on designated trails |
| 🚴 Mountain Biking | ~6 mi | Multi-use | Shared with equestrian |
| ⛷️ Cross-Country Skiing | varies | Winter | Groomed when snow permits |
| 🛷 Snowmobiling | designated | Winter | Check conditions |
🌄 Best Views
The ridge-top prairie trails offer the best panoramic views. On clear days, you can see into Nebraska and South Dakota from the highest points.
Camping
| Site Type | Count | Hookups |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Sites | ~30 | Electric |
| Non-Electric | ~15 | None |
Amenities: Modern restrooms, showers. All sites reservable.
Wildlife
As an urban wildlife sanctuary, Stone State Park provides habitat for numerous species:
- 🦌 White-tailed deer (common)
- 🦃 Wild turkey (spring mornings)
- 🦅 Hawks and eagles (migration seasons)
- 🐦 Diverse songbirds (prairie and woodland species)
FAQ
Can I bring my horse?
Yes! 6 miles of trails are open for equestrian use. Trailer parking available. Call park office for current trail conditions.
What makes Loess Hills unique?
This wind-deposited landform is found only in western Iowa/Missouri and China. The steep hills support prairie ecosystems unusual for Iowa.
🏔️ Explore Iowa’s Rare Loess Hills
Stone State Park protects one of America’s rarest landforms – dramatic hills of wind-blown soil supporting prairie ecosystems found nowhere else.
📍 Address: 5001 Talbot Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103
📞 Phone: (712) 255-4698
🌐 Reservations: iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com
