Guthrie can be explored through a variety of themes: nature preserves showcase woodland and prairie landscapes, scenic byways take you along historic routes and scenic viewpoints, and museums, monuments, and artworks tell the story of the county. You can choose which of these highlights to focus on as you plan your trip.
Natural areas with different highlights
Guthrie County's nature preserves and recreation areas cover more than 1,010 acres. Sutcliffe Woodland is a 55-acre oak-hickory area and wildlife preserve. A self-guided nature trail with 31 stations leads through the area; there are also opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and pond fishing.
Springbrook State Park covers 930 acres and is characterized by rolling hills and mature trees. In contrast, Sheeder Prairie State Preserve is a 25-acre prairie with prairie grasses. It was designated a biological state preserve in 1968. More than 200 plant species grow there, including 30 grasses. Of 69 bird species, 25 regularly nest in the preserve. The nature experiences range from woodland and a nature trail to the prairie’s plant and bird species; the areas also differ considerably in size.
Water and scenic byways
Lake Panorama is north of Panora and has three beaches with designated swimming areas. Other listed amenities include boat docks, restrooms, playgrounds, grills, picnic tables, and shelters. The lake is therefore described as offering both swimming areas and facilities for boating and picnicking.
The Western Skies Scenic Byway is 140 miles long, passes through the four counties of Guthrie, Audubon, Shelby, and Harrison, and begins in Stuart in southern Guthrie County. The M&M Divide is on this byway, about 7 miles west of Guthrie Center and at an elevation of 1,440 feet. From there, expansive views extend over terraced slopes and deep valleys. The details about the route and the viewpoint give a sense of the byway’s scale and the landscape along its route.
For comparison, the White Pole Road Scenic Byway is a historic, 26-mile route along the old U.S. Highway 6 between Adair and Dexter. More than 500 white-painted telephone poles line the route. While the Western Skies Scenic Byway passes through four counties, the White Pole Road is described as a route between two towns.
Nineteen interpretive signs along the Newton Stagecoach Trail are maintained by the Guthrie County Historical Village. Guided tours are offered occasionally. The signs and the occasional guided tours are two different ways to explore the trail.
History, art, and local places
The Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum is located on a 4-acre site in Panora. The complex includes 12 buildings, a Milwaukee caboose, a Pullman observation and café car, as well as exhibits and artifacts. The buildings, rail cars, and exhibits make up distinct parts of the museum experience.
The Standing Soldier Monument stands on the grounds of the Guthrie County Courthouse: a 20-foot-tall white bronze monument engraved with the names of more than 700 veterans. In Guthrie Center, the sculpture Listen to the Wind is part of the 15-piece Art on the Byway series; it is illuminated at night.
The Guthrie County Freedom Rock was painted in 2014 by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II and depicts stories of Guthrie County veterans. It is located west of Guthrie Center. The Chad Elliott Mural depicts the Middle Raccoon River flowing through rolling hills south of Coon Rapids. A mural created by Chad Elliott on the Guthrie Center fire station measures 8 by 24 feet, addresses the past and future, and recognizes the importance of agriculture in Guthrie County. It can be seen along the Western Skies Scenic Byway.
Dalmanutha was founded in 1855 and was an important trading post along the Western Coach Stage Line. The Porter Hotel was a well-known stop on the Underground Railroad; today, nothing remains of the town except the cemetery. More than 30 barn quilts have been preserved in the county as part of the Guthrie County Barn Quilt Project.
Farmers markets in Guthrie County give local gardeners, bakers, craftspeople, and nonprofit organizations the opportunity to sell their goods. Along with nature, art, and historic sites, local producers and vendors are also part of the county’s character described here.
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For the main travel overview: Iowa.
