Western Skies Scenic Byway Guthrie County
Image: Raccoon River at Whiterock Conservancy in autumn. Photo by Lance Brisbois
Overview
Guthrie County is the easternmost county on Western Skies, home to many great recreational areas and attractions. The Byway follows Highway 44 across the county, passing directly through Guthrie Center and Panora. At Panora, Western Skies turns south on County Highway P28, winding through the hills and valleys and ending at Interstate 80 in Stuart. Western Skies crosses the White Pole Road Scenic Byway in Stuart.
Communities
Communities located directly on the Byway in Guthrie County:
Attractions
This is just a sampling of the recreational and cultural sites to visit in Guthrie County. Visit our page on Travel Iowa's website to learn about more attractions and amenities. Guthrie County Tourism's website is also a great resource to check out.
Green indicates outdoor recreational opportunities and orange are cultural, historic, and arts attractions.
Green indicates outdoor recreational opportunities and orange are cultural, historic, and arts attractions.
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Historic All Saints Center
Historic All Saints church in Stuart was destroyed by arson and restored as a community cultural center and event venue. It also houses the Learning Museum of Religious Tolerance, an interactive video kiosk about the world's religions. Website: http://www.saintscenter.com/ |
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Guthrie County Historical Village
This beautiful 4-acre complex features 12 build-ings, a Milwaukee caboose, numerous exhibits, and thousands of artifacts from 1850 to the early 20th century. Guthrie County Historical Village is located on the southwest side of Panora, just a few blocks from historic Lenon Mill Park. It is a county-wide project that began with the acquisition of the Panora Depot in 1968. They provide many fun and educational events and tours throughout the year. Website: https://thegchv.com/ |
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Springbrook State Park
The state acquired the park in 1926 and most of the buildings were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. Nearly 12 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling lead through 930 acres of prairie and woodland abound with wildlife. There is a sandy beach and boat ramp (electric motors only) on the 17 acre spring-fed lake as well as a boat ramp on the Middle Raccoon River. For day use, there are two large open picnic shelters available for reservation. The 120-pad campground has both electric and primitive sites, a dump station, modern showers and restrooms. Near the campground is a camp store, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball pit, and concessions. Website: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/parkdetails/parkid/610116 |
Photo by Ken West at sweetlightgallery.com
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Raccoon River Valley Trail
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is 89 total miles of concrete or asphalt on a former railroad right-of-way. Bicyclists, joggers, walkers, skaters, campers, cross-country skiiers, birdwatchers, hunters, fishermen, naturalists, and snowmobilers are welcome to use at least portions of the trail. Website: https://raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/ |
Photo from https://raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/
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Whiterock Conservancy
Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500 acre non-profit land trust that balances sustainable agriculture, natural resource protection and public recreation. The landscape is a mix of savannas, rolling pastures, native and restored prairies, wetlands, riverside bluffs, fishing ponds, crop ground, and unique historic, geologic, and archaeological sites. Whiterock features 16 miles of bike optimized single track trails, 15 miles of shared use trails, and is constructing 6 miles of equestrian trails. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent for paddling the Middle Raccoon River. Primitive or electric campsites are available as well as cottages or single rooms. Website: https://www.whiterockconservancy.org/ |
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