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During typical years snow and blue geese utilize the refuge as a resting and feeding area during the fall migration between the Artic nesting grounds and the Gulf Coast wintering areas. Bald eagles follow the geese into the area, with many wintering here until March. Countless deer, cottontails, raccons, coyotes, opossums, and fox squirrels are seen along refuge roads and in fields. Backwater areas of DeSoto Lake and several wetlands in the refuge serve as habitat for beaver, muskrat and an occasional mink.
A Visitor Center with natural and cultural interperative exhibits, 12 miles of paved and gravel roads along the Missouri River, numerous hiking trails and the Bertrand Excavation Site offer unequaled natural wonders.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, more than 400 steamboats sank or were stranded between St. Louis, Mo. and Ft. Benton, Mt. The 1860-era sternwheeler Bertrand was discovered on the refuge in 1968 and unearthed the following year. Today, refuge visitors may view the site of this discovery, and tour DeSoto Visitor Center that exhibits the many thousands of artifacts recovered from the hull.
Desoto National Wildlife Refuge
1434 - 316th Ln. - Missouri Valley, IA. 51555
Phone 712-642-4121 or go to their website www.fws.gov/midwest/desoto.
Wilson Island State Recreation Area CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Camping available in the Missouri Valley City Park. This beautiful park is located 11 miles southwest of Missouri Valley and adjoins Desoto National Wildlife refuge on its southern border. It offers 135 well-shaded, spacious camping sites (63 electric) with showers, flush toilets, and two large youth camping areas. The park has approximately 5 miles of trails, a picnic area with shelters, playground equipment, and boat ramp access to the Missouri River.
The Missouri Valley Antique Arts and Craft Mall is a 60 dealer mall which boasts a large selection of antique furniture, quilts, toys, stoneware, and the largest assortment of Antique reference books in the midwest.
You are invited on self-guided tour of The Harrison County Historical Village and Welcome Center to explore more than 10,000 items housed in nine buildings. Major displays include an 1853 original Log Cabin, Indian artifacts, Firearms and Civil War artifacts. 
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway is a mosaic of designated roads through the loess hills region of western Iowa. The scenic byway main route begins in Missouri Valley and consists of 220 miles of paved highway or county roads paralleling Interstate 29. When travelling on the byway, the traveler has the option of selecting 13 excursion routes for additional experiences.
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway in Western Iowa has been named one of the nation's "10 most outstanding scenic byways." State officials and area residents developed the byway, a chain of rural and local roads and attractions in the hills. Road signs mark the route.
Wisecup Family Farm Museum featuring a large collection of Minneapolis Moline Tractors and equipment. In the barn there are antique tools, buggys, and a sleigh. Check this web site for the calendar of events showing activities at the farm. Open Memorial Day through the end of September, Tuesday 1PM - 5PM, Saturday 9AM - 5PM, and Sunday 1 PM-5 PM.
Museum of Religious Arts
Sawmill Hollow Organic Farms is located about nine miles north of Missouri Valley, Iowa in the beautiful Loess Hills. It was the first organic aronia berry plantation in the United States. Over the past ten years, the farm has researched and developed an entire product line from the organic aronia berry. The farm has opened a country store to sell their products and plants.
The third weekend in September owners Vaughn and Cindy Pittz host their annual aronia Berry Festival with tours, speakers, educational programs, plant sale, product samples, children’s activities, and music. For more information on tours, product lines or to become a grower call 712-648-2432 or go to their website 
Directions from Omaha/Council Bluffs or Sioux City- Take Interstate 29 to the Modale exit (exit 82), turn East on F-50 go to L-20(Loess Hills Trail) turn left, then turn right onto L-23(Laredo Ave.) continue north up the hill for approximately 2.8 miles, turn left onto Kennedy Ave. Travel approximately ½ mile on the gravel then veer right at the mailbox and follow the crushed black asphalt lane to our farm.
Loess Hills Lavender Farm is a 15 acre farm located at 2278 Loess Hills Trail in the beautiful Loess Hills. In 2009, nine hundred and sixty lavender plants were placed in the ground to start the farm. In 2010, another five hundred will be planted. The farm will provide a tourism outlet for the Loess Hills, while enhancing the natural beauty of the hills. The Loess Hills dirt gives this alternative crop the drainage it needs as well as richness of soil. Lavender products will be available at the farm starting in the summer of 2010. For more information or to arrange a tour call Mary at 712-642-9016.