Desoto National Wildlife Refuge lies on the wide plain formed by prehistoric flooding and shifting of the Missouri River. Each spring and fall since the end of the last ice age, spectacular flights of ducks and geese have marked the changing seasons along this traditional waterfowl flyway. Desoto is part of a network of refuges devoted to preserving and restoring habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife.During typical years, over 400,000 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
RR2 Box234 - Missouri Valley, IA 51555 (712) 642-4121
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
Museum of Religious Arts
Sawmill Hollow Organic Farms is located about nine miles north of Missouri Valley in the beautiful Loess Hills. It was the first organic aronia berry plantation in the United States. The aronia berry is high in antioxidant and anthocyanin levels.Over the past ten years, the farm has researched and developed an entire product line from the organic aronia berry. Cuttings from the original test plot supplies other area growers and gardeners with plants to start their own aronia plantations. Based on plant sales by Sawmill Hollow Organic Farms, it’s estimated within three or four years close to 50 aronia plantations may exist in Iowa covering about 1,500 acres.
The first 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