Historic Hills Scenic Byway expands Interpretive Panel Series

BIRMINGHAM — The Historic Hills Scenic Byway, a 105-mile route weaving through the picturesque landscapes of southeastern Iowa, has expanded its interpretive panel series to showcase the unique histories of communities along the corridor. One of 16 new panels is now on display at the Legion Log Cabin in Birmingham City Park.

“Local historians Harry Anderson and Rex Hall were instrumental in gathering history and photographs of the site, which were used for the panel content,” said Historic Hills Scenic Byway Coordinator Christina Hedstrom. “Their dedication helped bring the town’s story to life.” Birmingham city officials formally accepted the panel this week.

Future Birmingham plans include expanding the project to feature additional Birmingham landmarks, such as the historic shelter and the one-room schoolhouse — pending funding. “We had a lot of public support for the Birmingham project,” added Anderson.

Hedstrom developed the new 16-panel series to span from Donnellson to Blakesburg. “It is important to tell the history of Southeast Iowa, but many times, there is not an individual physically present to share that information. Interpretive panels provide a way for visitors to engage with that history — even when a docent or guide is unavailable,” she explained.

While the new panels reflect the familiar design used across Iowa’s byways, they offer a fresh twist: a section designed especially for children. With interactive games and engaging facts, the panels aim to make local history fun and accessible for young visitors and their families, encouraging play and learning. “This addition was created with younger audiences in mind,” Hedstrom noted. “We want children to be curious about the past — and to find joy and inspiration in discovering the stories that shaped this region.”

To complement the physical panels, a brochure is in development, featuring a selfguided map tour of 50 historic sites along the byway. The brochure will help visitors explore the route while learning about the area’s rich heritage.

Accessibility is also a key focus for Hedstrom. She has recorded an audio version of each panel, now available as a podcast series on Spotify. “This allows individuals who may have difficulty reading — or who simply prefer to listen while driving the byway — to experience the history of our communities,” she said.

“This regional project has been created to enhance visitor experiences and highlight the deep and varied history of southeastern Iowa,” said Hedstrom. It is made possible through the generous support of Travel Iowa, Van Buren Foundation, Davis County Community Foundation, Van Buren County Conservation, Community Foundation of Van Buren County, The State Historical Society of Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities, Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative, Wapello County Foundation, Access Energy Cooperative, and Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative, and the historians, city officials and community members who contributed their time and knowledge.

Birmingham continues to grow as a destination for heritage tourism. Local efforts are currently underway to restore the one-room schoolhouse across from the park, and the Legion Log Cabin will eventually become a military museum.

“We have a lot here for a small town,” said Hall. “Come enjoy it with us.”

For more information about the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, Iowa Byways, or Pathfinders RC&D, please contact Christina Hedström at 641-472-6177 or christina@pathfindersrcd.org. Visit the website: https://pathfindersrcd.org/what-we-do/communitydevelopment/historic-hills-byway/ Visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricHillsScenicByway

The cabin is located in Birmingham City Park at 225 S. Wood Street.

  Buy Photo