Historic Hills Scenic Byway expands storytelling with new panels

BLOOMFIELD — The Historic Hills Scenic Byway, a 105-mile route 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 Davis County Historical Society complex in Bloomfield.

“The new panel complements the restored log cabin beautifully. Matt Chatterly’s artwork connects the history of the original wayside sign to the new installation. This is a wonderful example of collaboration between the Davis County Historical Complex and the Historic Hills Scenic Byway. It’s a job well done,” said Brad Klodt, President of the Iowa Mormon Trails Association.

“The members of the Davis County Historical Society and the Iowa Mormon Trails Association warmly accepted the idea to revamp the original sign which had become weathered and hard to read after many years of enjoyment,” said Historic Hills Scenic Byway Coordinator Christina Hedstrom. “These groups play a vital role in ensuring that the stories of our communities are remembered and shared.”

The interpretive panel series runs along the byway from Donnellson to Blakesburg, expanding on Byway panels already in place at landmarks such as the Weaver House and Davis County Courthouse. These panels complement the Historical Society’s work to make local history engaging and accessible to the community. “The interpretive panels are wonderful,” said Davis County Historical Society President Sheila Whittington. “People stop and enjoy the information at the existing panel in front of the Findley House.” She hopes the updated panel for the log cabin will inspire the same excitement with new images and the inclusion of text from the original panel.

While the new panels reflect the familiar design used across Iowa’s byways, they include 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 children to play and learn. “This addition was created with younger audiences in mind,” Hedstrom said. “We want children to be curious about the past and to find joy and inspiration in discovering the stories that shaped this region.” The recreated panel in Bloomfield includes a song that Mormon pioneer children sang on their journey west in 1846.

An audio version of the panel is available as a podcast on the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s Spotify series. “This allows individuals who may have difficulty reading or who prefer to listen while driving the byway to experience the history of our communities,” said Hedstrom.

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

The Davis County Historical Society has a full schedule this fall. The Church Pew Quilt Show opens Sept. 20 at the Savannah Church, featuring dozens of quilts. Fridays and Saturdays through the end of September, the complex hosts a fundraising garage sale to support the museum’s preservation work. On Sept. 25, Joy Orwig will lead a children’s lesson in the one-room schoolhouse beside the log cabin, offering visitors a glimpse of 19th-century education. The museum will also be open for tours on Sept. 27, during the 1959 and 1960 Bloomfield High School class reunion.

Members of the Davis County Historical Society and Historic Hills Scenic Byway Council at the unveiling of the new panel at the Bloomfield Log Cabin, Sept. 15, 2025. From left to right: Judy Combs, Joye Lore-Lawson, Sheila Whittington, Sam Ford, Ron Hewus, Jerry Kincart, Pat Howk, Sherrie Lawson.

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/community-development/historic-hills-byway/ Visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricHillsScenicByway

The cabin is located at 201 South Dodge St, Bloomfield, IA 52537

Spotify Audio Tour for Bloomfield Log Cabin website: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3XsWnJI2HeHpJ2cds9EdKX

Full Spotify Audio tour website: https://open.spotify.com/show/3KT72fU0r950vsLE2iVsH4