The Loess (, , or ) Hills are generally located between east of the Missouri River channel. The Loess Hills rise above the flat plains forming a narrow band running north-south along the Missouri River. These hills are the first rise in land beyond the floodplain, forming something of a front range for Iowa, and parts of Missouri and Nebraska adjacent to the Missouri River. The Loess land formations of Iowa extend north into South Dakota and is a feature of three state Parks in South Eastern South Dakota. Union Grove State Park, Newton Hills State Park and Blood Run State Park.