Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

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.

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Road sign along the Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Guthrie County Freedom Rock in Guthrie Center, Iowa.

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Guthrie County Freedom Rock in Guthrie Center, Iowa. The memorial is dedicated to the veterans of Guthrie County and was donated by American Legion and Sons of American Legion Post 124 in 2015. The rock was painted by Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II.

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Guthrie County Freedom Rock in Guthrie Center, Iowa. The back side of the rock displays the Air Medal and the Purple Heart to honor county airmen from World War II to present, who went in harm's way over enemy territory, fighting for their nation.

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Artful landscape patterns in the hilly regions of Iowa

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa. The historic Danish Windmill is a working example of life in an earlier time when farmers brought their harvest to the mill and wind energy was used to grind grain into flour. It provides a rare glimpse into the past when thousands of windmills were scattered about the Denmark countryside. The 1848 Danish Windmill was restored to working condition and remains the only authentic, working, Danish windmill in America.

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

VikingHjem is a replica of a 900 A.D. Viking Smithy's home on the grounds of the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa. Blacksmith shop, woodworking area and Viking Age living space.

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa. The historic Danish Windmill is a working example of life in an earlier time when farmers brought their harvest to the mill and wind energy was used to grind grain into flour. It provides a rare glimpse into the past when thousands of windmills were scattered about the Denmark countryside. The 1848 Danish Windmill was restored to working condition and remains the only authentic, working, Danish windmill in America.

Western Skies Scenic Byway, Iowa

Albert, the World's Largest Bull, Audubon, Iowa. Albert has been guarding the peaceful streets of Audubon since 1964. He is 28 feet tall and has a 15-foot span between horns. He weighs 45 tons, and most of it is solid concrete. The steelwork that forms his mighty frame was salvaged from abandoned Iowa windmills.