Discover Guthrie: Prairie, Lakes and History

Prairie, oak-hickory woodland, lakes and historic traces give Guthrie a variety of distinct facets. In Guthrie County, you can combine a day in nature with a drive through the rolling landscape, or choose between nature preserves, water destinations and small cultural communities. What you’d like to experience is also a good starting point for finding a suitable vacation rental.

Prairie, Woodland and Rolling Hills

Together, Guthrie County’s nature preserves and recreation areas cover more than 1,010 acres. Springbrook State Park covers 930 acres and is characterized by rolling hills and mature trees. The 25-acre Sheeder Prairie State Preserve offers a different landscape: prairie grasses define the character of this protected area. It was designated a state biological preserve in 1968.

Its biodiversity offers another reason to take a closer look at the prairie. More than 200 plant species grow in Sheeder Prairie State Preserve, including 30 grasses. Birds are part of the picture too: 69 species are found there, 25 of which nest regularly. Those looking to compare woodland and meadow landscapes will find a very different setting at Sutcliffe Woodland. This 55-acre oak-hickory area is also a wildlife refuge. Its self-guided nature trail has 31 stations; there are also opportunities for hiking, picnicking and pond fishing.

Beaches and Scenic Views

Lake Panorama lies north of Panora and has three beaches with designated swimming areas. Facilities include boat docks, restrooms, playgrounds, grills, picnic tables and shelters. This makes it possible to plan a day by the water differently from a day on a nature trail: here, swimming and the amenities at the beach areas are the main focus.

For expansive views, the Western Skies Scenic Byway passes through the four counties of Guthrie, Audubon, Shelby and Harrison. The 140-mile route begins in Stuart in southern Guthrie County. A notable viewpoint along the byway is M & M Divide, about 7 miles west of Guthrie Center at an elevation of 1,440 feet. From there, the view stretches across terraced slopes and deep valleys. The White Pole Road Scenic Byway offers a different focus: this historic, 26-mile route follows the old U.S. Highway 6 between Adair and Dexter and is lined with more than 500 white-painted telephone poles.

History, Art and Local Discoveries

In Panora, the Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum occupies a 4-acre site. The complex includes twelve buildings, a Milwaukee caboose, a Pullman observation and café car, as well as exhibits and artifacts. The grounds of the Guthrie County Courthouse are also home to the 20-foot-tall Standing Soldier Monument, made of white bronze. Its engraved names commemorate more than 700 veterans.

Guthrie Center offers several other perspectives on regional history and art. The sculpture “Listen to the Wind” is part of the 15-piece “Art on the Byway” series and is illuminated at night. A mural by Chad Elliott on the fire station measures 8 by 24 feet, is visible along the Western Skies Scenic Byway, and focuses on the history, future and importance of agriculture in Guthrie County. Another mural by Chad Elliott depicts the Middle Raccoon River as it flows through the rolling hills south of Coon Rapids.

The Guthrie County Freedom Rock was painted in 2014 by Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II and tells stories of the county’s veterans. It is located west of Guthrie Center on Highway 44, north of the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Dalmanutha offers a historical contrast: established in 1855, it 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 Dalmanutha except the cemetery.

Farmers markets and the Guthrie County Barn Quilt Project also offer insights into local life. The markets give local gardeners, bakers, craftspeople and nonprofit organizations an opportunity to sell their goods. More than 30 barn quilts remain in the county for residents and visitors to see. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to decide on your priorities first: Lake Panorama offers beaches and water, the preserves offer prairie and woodland, while Panora, Guthrie Center and Dalmanutha provide different historical and cultural impressions.

Discover more destinations: Jamaica, Black Hawk, Howard County, Dubuque, Bremer County, Wapello, Osceola County, Winnebago County.

For the main travel overview: Iowa.