Historic Hills Scenic Byway

06/16/2026

Enjoy the beautiful weather with a kayak trip! The byway has multiple put-in points along the Des Moines River and several lakes to explore! Talk with the folks at Pathfinders Kayak Rental about boat rental and river and lake access.

06/15/2026

It's nearly time for the annual Bale Trail along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway. Join the fun by registering your own scarecrow or bale art and be part of our patriotic open-air gallery!
Thanks to the artists at who are already busy creating art for you to enjoy beginning July 1st!
Indian Lake Park
Apple Blossom Farms
Historic Greef General Store/Addie May Fudge
American Gothic House & Center
Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa
Waterfront Place
Jeanette's Floral and Decor
Davis County Iowa Welcome Center
GREAT DAY CAFE
Blakesburg-Historical Preservation-Society
Pearson House Museum Complex

Learn more about how to register your art or find a map of the sculptures and make your plans to visit the trail starting next month!
https://pathfindersrcd.org/scenic-byway-bale-trail/

Pictured here is the 2023 bale at Davis County Iowa Welcome Center.

06/11/2026

Head to the byway this summer to check out all that Davis County has to offer!

06/10/2026

Thanks to The Bloomfield Democrat for helping spread the word about the Bale Trail which starts on July 1st. If you live or work near the byway, please create your own sculpture and register with the Historic Hills Scenic Byway to get on the map and be part of this year's patriotic themed open-air gallery! Join the fun! It's free to register your bale art or scarecrow!

Davis County residents and businesses are invited to join the Patriotic Bale Trail along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway this summer in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

06/10/2026

Blue skies, calm waters, and unforgettable moments. 💙

At Pathfinders RC&D Kayak Rental, we're helping people connect with nature, family, and friends—one paddle at a time.

🚣 Reserve your kayak and explore the beauty around you!

06/08/2026

It's time to get started on creating your bale sculptures and scarecrows for the annual Historic Hills Scenic Byway Bale Trail. Beginning in July, visitors will enjoy our whimsical open-air gallery along the route and we would love to see your creations.
Please join us by creating your own sculpture! Residents, organizations, and businesses are all welcome and it is free to register.
https://pathfindersrcd.org/scenic-byway-bale-trail/

Photo of the 2023 bale from Chequest Eagles 4-H Club

06/04/2026

Congratulations Emily Starnes and Megan Jennings from Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa, who recently received the 2026 Rural Preservation Award! Well done, ladies. We appreciate all you do.

The Villages of Van Buren has been honored with the 2026 Rural Preservation Award from Preservation Iowa, according to a social media post from the organization. The award was presented […]

06/04/2026

Thank you Ottumwa Radio Group for sharing the news about the new history panel placed in Milton! Go check it out in front of the historic depot during your tour of the byway.
Pictured here are a few of the byway council: Executive Director Jen Cutler of Bloomfield Main Street, President LeAnn Luedke of Davis County Iowa Welcome Center, John Schroeder recently retired Executive Director of Davis County Development Corporation, and Executive Director Emily Starnes of Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa

Visitors traveling through southeast Iowa now have a new stop to add to their journey, as a newly installed Historic Hills Scenic Byway interpretive history panel in Milton invites travelers […]

06/03/2026

Thanks to Southeast Iowa Union for sharing the news about the Franklin city history panel. This is one of 21 sites hosting panels including on our new self-guided tour project.

The Historic Hills Scenic Byway in southeast Iowa has added a new interpretive history panel in Franklin, highlighting the Hirschler Winery and its impact on local heritage and agriculture. The