Visit Western Skies
Scenic Byway
Image: Rolling landscape along Western Skies Scenic Byway. Photo by Ken West
Explore by County
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.
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.
Before heading out, it's wise to look up any road construction and detours that may be in place along the route. Visit Iowa 511 for information about state highways, and the Iowa County Engineers Association's 511 website for information about county highways.
Click a county below to learn about local attractions, businesses, parks, and more. Counties are listed from west to east.
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.
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.
Before heading out, it's wise to look up any road construction and detours that may be in place along the route. Visit Iowa 511 for information about state highways, and the Iowa County Engineers Association's 511 website for information about county highways.
Click a county below to learn about local attractions, businesses, parks, and more. Counties are listed from west to east.
Western Skies Birding Trail
Learn about places to go birding in the four Western Skies counties and which species of bird you might find.
Events on the Byway
If you have an event to add to the calendar, email seth.brooks@goldenhillsrcd.org
Blog Posts about the Byway
From Golden Hills RC&D:
From Ro Giencke:
From Biker Chick News:
- Hiking the Byways: Shelby County on Western Skies Scenic Byway
- Cabins on the Byways
- Weddings on the Byways
- Breakfast on the Byways
- Hiking the Byways: Harrison County on the Western Skies Scenic Byway
- Indoor Winter Activities on Western Iowa's Scenic Byways
- Outdoor Winter Activities on Western Iowa's Scenic Byways
- Unique places to stay on Western Skies & Glacial Trail Scenic Byways
- Holiday & Winter Events along Western Skies Scenic Byway
- Visit the Western Skies Scenic Byway Birding Trail
- Holiday lights on Western Skies Scenic Byway
- Western Skies Scenic Byway prize package featured in new Scenic Byways Passport promotion
- Reading the rural landscape along Western Skies Scenic Byway
- Avoid the crowds at parks & trails along Western Skies Scenic Byway
- Birding Options abound on Western Skies
- Stargazing Western Skies
- What's Blooming on the Byway?
- Wind & water shaped the land along Western Skies Scenic Byway
- Enjoy the fall colors on western Iowa's scenic byways
From Ro Giencke:
From Biker Chick News:
Botany on the Byway
Golden Hills staff have started a series of "Botany on the Byway" Facebook posts about flowers and plants you might encounter while traveling Western Skies:
Bike the Byway
Click the image below to learn about trails and recommended bicycling routes along Western Skies.
