Western Skies Scenic Byway
Image: Farmstead along Western Skies Scenic Byway. Photo by Ken West.
About UsThe Western Skies Scenic Byway, dedicated in 1998, is among the first state-designated scenic byways in Iowa. Western Skies offers travelers several easy opportunities to venture off the beaten path. The Byway is 142 miles long, traveling through Harrison, Shelby, Audubon and Guthrie Counties, including 14 rural towns. It is easily accessible to travelers from both Interstates 80 and 29.
The byway allows visitors to explore and take in a scenic journey along Iowa’s landscapes of rolling hills, working farmsteads, and tranquil small town life. Western Skies Scenic Byway is coordinated by Golden Hills RC&D. |
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Explore the Byway!
Learn about all the amenities and attractions to visit along the Western Skies Scenic Byway corridor.
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2021 Byway Passport information
Mission & Vision
The vision of the Western Skies Scenic Byway is to secure sustainable growth and development of the designated route and corridor while holding firm to the history and culture that continues to be visible today. Through strategic partnerships with local, state, national, and regional organizations, the byway aims to create a unique and experiential attraction attentive to minimize environmental impact. Attention is directed towards development of the arts, small businesses, traveler amenities and cultural and natural resources along the byway with a broad marketing approach. Through a collaborative effort and regional approach, the Western Skies Scenic Byway aims to positively impact economic development in the byway region while respecting the resources located along the route.
The mission of Western Skies Scenic Byway is to offer a memorable and cultural travel experience that stitches together tranquile small towns, farmstead, and scenic countryside, all preserved through a pioneering spirit and stewardship of the land.
Byway History
Western Skies Scenic Byway began in 1998 as a grassroots effort by dedicated citizens in cooperation with Golden Hills RC&D and Western Iowa Tourism Region. Western Skies is among the first state-designated scenic byways in Iowa. The Byway is 142 miles long, traveling through Harrison, Shelby, Audubon and Guthrie counties and 14 rural communities. It is easily accessible to travelers from both Interstate 80 and Interstate 29 in western Iowa. The Byway journeys through Iowa’s rolling hills and working farms, offering travelers a chance to experience life in the rural communities along the way.
Countless thanks go to the County Board of Supervisors' continued financial support. Thanks also go to the County Engineers and County Conservation Boards whose members provide numerous hours of professional expertise and to the landowners and individuals who continue to volunteer their time to the byway.
The Western Skies Scenic Byway guidebook and this website have been sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and Iowa Department of Transportation.
Byway Council
The Byway is governed by a board of representatives from the four Byway counties, including tourism, recreation, conservation, business, and transportation leaders.
Corridor Management Plan & Interpretive Master Plan
The Byway Corridor Management Plan, or CMP, is a guiding document for the future of Western Skies. Development of the Plan included special studies and public input sessions about enhancing and preserving the region’s resources, developing tourism, providing adequate amenities, and economic development. These are the foundation for development of the Corridor Management Plan. This Plan identifies the need for, and means of, undertaking actions to enhance and preserve the unique intrinsic qualities that make the Western Skies Scenic Byway an attraction for visitors from all over the world. This Western Skies Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan provides the Byway Council and Stakeholders with guidance for the development, management and promotion of the byway.
The Corridor Management Plan consists of the following six sections:
• Introducing the Plan
• Understanding the Resources
• Understanding Tourism
• Marketing & Branding
• Corridor Development Actions
• References.
Download the Western Skies CMP here. This is a large pdf file and may take a moment to download.
In addition to the CMP, an Interpretive Master Plan (IMP) was completed in 2015 to help guide interpretive opportunities along Western Skies. Download the IMP here. This is a large pdf file and may take a moment to download.
The IMP recommends new interpretive panels at tourist attractions along the Byway corridor. The photos below are examples of panels that were installed at the Shelby County Historical Museum in Harlan. We are working with other communities to add similar panels with other topics.
The vision of the Western Skies Scenic Byway is to secure sustainable growth and development of the designated route and corridor while holding firm to the history and culture that continues to be visible today. Through strategic partnerships with local, state, national, and regional organizations, the byway aims to create a unique and experiential attraction attentive to minimize environmental impact. Attention is directed towards development of the arts, small businesses, traveler amenities and cultural and natural resources along the byway with a broad marketing approach. Through a collaborative effort and regional approach, the Western Skies Scenic Byway aims to positively impact economic development in the byway region while respecting the resources located along the route.
The mission of Western Skies Scenic Byway is to offer a memorable and cultural travel experience that stitches together tranquile small towns, farmstead, and scenic countryside, all preserved through a pioneering spirit and stewardship of the land.
Byway History
Western Skies Scenic Byway began in 1998 as a grassroots effort by dedicated citizens in cooperation with Golden Hills RC&D and Western Iowa Tourism Region. Western Skies is among the first state-designated scenic byways in Iowa. The Byway is 142 miles long, traveling through Harrison, Shelby, Audubon and Guthrie counties and 14 rural communities. It is easily accessible to travelers from both Interstate 80 and Interstate 29 in western Iowa. The Byway journeys through Iowa’s rolling hills and working farms, offering travelers a chance to experience life in the rural communities along the way.
Countless thanks go to the County Board of Supervisors' continued financial support. Thanks also go to the County Engineers and County Conservation Boards whose members provide numerous hours of professional expertise and to the landowners and individuals who continue to volunteer their time to the byway.
The Western Skies Scenic Byway guidebook and this website have been sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration and Iowa Department of Transportation.
Byway Council
The Byway is governed by a board of representatives from the four Byway counties, including tourism, recreation, conservation, business, and transportation leaders.
Corridor Management Plan & Interpretive Master Plan
The Byway Corridor Management Plan, or CMP, is a guiding document for the future of Western Skies. Development of the Plan included special studies and public input sessions about enhancing and preserving the region’s resources, developing tourism, providing adequate amenities, and economic development. These are the foundation for development of the Corridor Management Plan. This Plan identifies the need for, and means of, undertaking actions to enhance and preserve the unique intrinsic qualities that make the Western Skies Scenic Byway an attraction for visitors from all over the world. This Western Skies Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan provides the Byway Council and Stakeholders with guidance for the development, management and promotion of the byway.
The Corridor Management Plan consists of the following six sections:
• Introducing the Plan
• Understanding the Resources
• Understanding Tourism
• Marketing & Branding
• Corridor Development Actions
• References.
Download the Western Skies CMP here. This is a large pdf file and may take a moment to download.
In addition to the CMP, an Interpretive Master Plan (IMP) was completed in 2015 to help guide interpretive opportunities along Western Skies. Download the IMP here. This is a large pdf file and may take a moment to download.
The IMP recommends new interpretive panels at tourist attractions along the Byway corridor. The photos below are examples of panels that were installed at the Shelby County Historical Museum in Harlan. We are working with other communities to add similar panels with other topics.
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Contact
The Western Skies Scenic Byway is coordinated by Becca Castle at Golden Hills RC&D. Becca's email is rebecca.castle@goldenhillsrcd.org and phone is 712-482-3029. Golden Hills is a nonprofit organization dedicated collaboratively developing and leading community, conservation, and cultural initiatives to improve our quality of life in rural western Iowa.
The Western Skies Scenic Byway is coordinated by Becca Castle at Golden Hills RC&D. Becca's email is rebecca.castle@goldenhillsrcd.org and phone is 712-482-3029. Golden Hills is a nonprofit organization dedicated collaboratively developing and leading community, conservation, and cultural initiatives to improve our quality of life in rural western Iowa.