Historic Hills Scenic Byway launches America 250 with expert speakers and tours

KEOSAUQUA — As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th, Iowans are invited to rediscover the people, places, and stories that shaped the nation’s early history. The America 250 Scenic Byway Road Trip begins on Jan. 18 and 19 as the Historic Hills Scenic Byway hosts two days of history-driven events.

The celebration begins on Sunday, Jan. 18, in Van Buren County. Registration is not required for Sunday events and all sites and presentations are free to attend. At 11 a.m., Laura Thomas, deputy auditor for Van Buren County, will lead a guided tour of the Van Buren County Courthouse, Iowa’s oldest courthouse still in use. After the tour, attendees may enjoy brunch and explore the historic Hotel Manning. Participants will then visit Ely Ford in Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, where Mormon pioneers crossed the Des Moines River in 1846.

At 1:30 p.m., Cindy Peterson, Research Director with the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist, and Alan Kelley, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, will present An Assessment of Iowaville (1765—1824), at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Lodge, exploring the history of Iowaville, an important village of the Ioway (Báxoje) Native American Tribe located in Van Buren County.

Peterson and Kelley will offer a compelling look at the Báxoje occupation of the area and the village’s historic significance. The presentation will also include information about area artifacts and stories about tribal members.

At 3 p.m., visitors can explore Bentonsport, including the Presbyterian Church, with historian Paula Mohr on site to answer questions. The Historic District shops will be open from 2:30—4:00, offering a chance to browse historic buildings and view the truss bridge over the Des Moines River.

The day concludes at 4 p.m. at the Stone House in Bentonsport, where Brad Klodt, president of the Iowa Mormon Trails Association, will discuss the Mormon Trail and the house’s role in funding the pioneers’ westward journey.

Continue the celebration on Monday, Jan. 19, as Eldon opens its doors for a private tour of several historic sites and museums. This tour requires a $15 registration fee, which includes the cost of a catered lunch. Participants must register by Jan. 1, 2026, to attend Monday’s events.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, visitors can tour the McHaffey Opera House. Built in 1891, Broadway plays and vaudeville acts once graced its stage. At 10 a.m., Cari Nicely hosts a rare interior tour of the American Gothic House, the inspiration for Grant Wood’s famous painting, followed by a private viewing of the museum and gift shop. A catered lunch will follow.

At 1 p.m., the tour concludes with a visit to the Eldon Depot Museum, where visitors will have the opportunity to step aboard the restored train engine located outside the museum and explore railroad memorabilia inside the depot.

The America 250 Scenic Byway Road Trip will continue with monthly presentations through June 2026, each highlighting a different Iowa Scenic Byway and historical theme, from Gov. Larrabee’s home at Montauk to Iowa’s connections to the Underground Railroad. All presentations are free and open to the public.

“America 250 is more than a commemoration of our nation’s founding. It is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate the people and places that define Iowa’s role in American history,” said Brennan Dolan, Cultural Resources Lead with the Iowa Department of Transportation. “These events offer a rare chance to hear directly from state and tribal experts while experiencing some of Iowa’s most meaningful historic landscapes.”

Historic Hills Scenic Byway Coordinator Christina Hedstrom added, “We invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate with us. These events offer Iowans and visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the state’s rich history, experience historic sites firsthand, and connect with the stories and people that helped shape Iowa and the nation.”

The itinerary, registration, and accessibility information are available at pathfindersrcd.org or by emailing christina@pathfindersrcd.org.