Explore the Local Legends of the Western Skies Scenic Byway

Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or a change of pace, the Western Skies Scenic Byway offers both while showcasing Iowa’s agricultural past and cultural heritage.  

This 140-mile byway parallels I-80, offering travelers several easy opportunities to venture off the beaten path and experience what Iowa is truly about. Travelers can start their byway journey just off of Exit 75 on I-29 near Missouri Valley.

Taking Highway 30 east from Missouri Valley, travelers have the option to turn east onto State Highway 44 or to continue north into Woodbine where the byway forms a loop at County Road F32. Both routes lead travelers to Harlan, where they continue east on Highway 44 into the heart of the Danish countryside: Kimballton and Elk Horn. A spur of the Byway runs south from Kimballton on Highway 173 through Elk Horn and on to Interstate 80.

Back on Highway 44, follow the rolling ridge top through Hamlin and Guthrie Center, and into Panora. Turning south on to P28, the byway ends at Stuart, located along Interstate 80 at exit 93.

Learn about the Local Legends of the Western Skies Scenic Byway using the Iowa Scenic Byways Passport!

The Iowa Scenic Byway Passport is new this year with an emphasis on Local Legends and fun new prizes, including limited edition Local Legend collectable cards. Now you can enjoy the beauty of Iowa’s scenic byways while learning about the history, people and places along the byways. Who knows, you might even become a Legend yourself!

​It’s free to sign up and the more locations along the byways you visit, the more points you earn. Earn enough points and you can use them to secure a packet of 14 limited edition Local Legend Trading Cards.

Make sure you also stop at the five Local Legends locations on the Western Skies Scenic Byway. Check in at each site to earn points. Those points can be redeemed for a set of 14 collectible cards featuring Local Legends from all 14 of Iowa's scenic byways.

The Local Legends and their check-in locations on the Western Skies Scenic Byway are listed below.

---