Day trip takes you on the Glacial Trail Byway

O'Brien County Tourism continues to encourage the public to enjoy our great county while maintaining safe social distancing with their new day trip itineraries. The Glacial Trail Byway Day Trip is the first in this series.

The Glacial Trail Scenic Byway is a pleasant 36-mile loop through O'Brien and Clay counties. To begin the journey, follow Highway 10 east from Sutherland to county road M12. Turn onto M12 or stay on Highway 10. The loop will bring you back to where you started. Watch for the brown Glacial Trail Scenic Byway signs with the buffalo.

This day trip gives plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Dog Creek is known for fishing, camping, swimming and picnicking. The historic towns of Linn Grove and Peterson are along this byway as is the site of O'Brien, the first town in O'Brien County. Be sure to stop at the Prairie Heritage Center where the buffalo roam, and at the old Waterman Cemetery located nearby. Save enough time to explore the center itself and learn about area prairie history, wildlife and native vegetation.

Wilson Avenue, just west of where the Little Sioux River crosses Highway 10 southeast of Sutherland, provides additional sightseeing prospects. Turning south, you will find the Dutch Fred immigrant grave, which you can observe from a distance or take a hike out to the grave marker. Turning north on Wilson Avenue takes you past Austin Hill Prairie. If you venture farther along Wilson and then east on Waterman Blvd., you will discover the Hill scenic picnic area. After a quick turn-around, you will soon be back to Highway 10 and the Austin Hill Prairie.

More information can be found at http://www.obriencounty.com by clicking on the Day Trip link on the homepage slider. O'Brien County Tourism would like you to post your favorite day trip photos to their Instagram account: Tour O'Brien County, #tourobriencounty and Facebook Page: Tour O'Brien County.