GUTHRIE COUNTY - IOWA
Middle Raccoon River Valley
Discover Iowa's simple beauty.
Recreation
Bike
Panora, Yale, and Jamaica
The RRVT is an 89-mile, paved, multi-use recreational trail that extends from Clive, in the Des Moines metropolitan area, to Jefferson. The 79-mile "loop" was completed in 2013 making this trail one of the longest in the United States. The trail is built on a former Milwaukee RR track now owned by the Dallas, Guthrie, and Greene County Conservation Boards. The trail winds its way through the Middle and North Raccoon River corridors with areas of prairie and canopies of timber. Common uses are hiking, biking, in-line skating, jogging, bird watching, or cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
1390 Hwy 141 - Coon Rapids
Whiterock offers 5,000 acres of contiguous river valley for recreation, including 16 miles of bike-optimized, single track trails and 12 miles of shared-use trails.
The White Pole Road Scenic Byway
Dexter, Stuart, Menlo, Casey, and Adair
Formerly Highway 6, along the southern edge of Guthrie County, the WPR is ideal if you prefer the open road. The highway passes through the towns of Stuart, Menlo, Casey and Adair. Each community has various services and shopping.
Hike
2997 Wagon Road/P28 - Stuart
Nature trails can be found throughout the 81-acre park. A self-guided, 1-mile nature trail is located on the east side of Highway P28. Wildlife is abundant at the park. Deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, quail, raccoons, coyote, and a variety of songbirds can be seen. Nations Bridge is located 5 miles north of Stuart on P28. [Interpretive Trail Guide]
Frost Trail - Guthrie Center
55-acre wildlife refuge with a self-guided, 1/2-mile interpretive nature trail. 1 mile south of Highway 44, west of Guthrie Center (7 miles). [Interpretive Trail Guide]
3181 255th Street - Panora
S.E. Robinson is a 110-acre wildlife area located along the Middle Raccoon river 5.5 miles southeast of Panora. The wildlife area is primarily used for public hunting with excellent habitat for deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, pheasants, and quail. S.E. Robinson is also a nice area for hikers and birdwatchers.
Hwy 25 - Guthrie Center
Springbrook offers 12 miles of great hiking trails. You are almost guaranteed to see deer when taking an evening or morning stroll on the nature trail which winds around the lake.
1390 Hwy 141 - Coon Rapids
Hikers, runners, and walkers are welcome on any of Whiterock's trails, including a double-track trail running around the entire property. Trails include views of the savanna and forest and interpretive signs featuring natural, agricultural, archeological, and cultural points of interest
Golf
Lake Panorama National Golf Course
5071 Clover Ridge Road - Panora
phone 800.879.1917
Since its establishment in 1972, Lake Panorama National Golf Course has offered 18-holes of challenging golf to its players. One of the finest courses in Iowa, Lake Panorama National has hosted numerous events, including the Iowa Open. LPN is open to the public and gladly accepts tee-time reservations over the phone.
Lake Panorama West Golf Course
6616 Panorama Road - Panora
phone 641.755.2250
9-hole golf course/par-3 (with par-4 option on 5 holes) located on west side of Lake Panorama.
731 S 5th Avenue - Coon Rapids
phone 712.999.2880
9-hole golf course/36 par located on the southeast edge of town.
2604 State Street/Hwy 44 - Guthrie Center
phone 641.332.3558
9-hole golf course located on the east edge of town.
Camp
Hwy 25 - Guthrie Center
Springbrook's large campground has 118 campsites (81 with electrical hook-ups). Modern showers and restrooms, a trailer dump station, fireplaces and tables are available. Springbrook also offers the Sherburne House, with a full-service kitchen, 2 living rooms, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms. Available for rental, the house will accommodate up to twelve people. Park also offers two beautiful picnic shelters which can be reserved online. Picnic areas have tables, grills, water, and bathroom facilities available.
500 W South Street - Panora
Excellent spot along the Middle Raccoon camping, including 16 RV hook-ups, water, bathrooms, and a shelter house. Also, offers an access for canoes and kayaks on the river and has excellent fishing. Just 2 blocks from the Guthrie County Historical Village.
2997 Wagon Road/P28 - Stuart
Nations Bridge Park offers picnicking, 2 shelter houses, self-guided nature trails, fishing, playground equipment, 9-hole disc golf course, and camping with electricity (60 electrical hookups), grills, water, flush toilets, modern showers, and a dump station. Also, facilities for scouts, clubs, and organizations are available. Nations Bridge Park is a popular area for all ages and an excellent spot for catfishing along the South Raccoon River with river access. The Park Ranger's residence is on site. [Interpretive Trail Guide]
1390 Hwy 141 - Coon Rapids
5,000 acres of contiguous river valley for recreation, such as equestrian trail riding, camping, mountain biking, stream and pond fishing, and hiking. With beautiful sites and easy access to all that Whiterock offers, the RV, tent, and car camping options provide plenty of opportunities to explore, learn, or relax year-round.
Canoe/Kayak
1390 Hwy 141 - Coon Rapids
Stretching a full eight miles along the banks of the Middle Raccoon River, the beautiful land of Whiterock contains timbered pastures, riverside bluffs, wetlands, and rare prairie remnants. Canoes are available for rent and hikers, fisherpersons, bird-watchers, and picnickers are all welcome.
Route A in Guthrie County
Middle Raccoon River Water Trail
500 W South Street - Panora
1st point of access on the Middle Raccoon River.
P28 Middle Raccoon River Access
P28 (2.1 mi from 1st access)
2nd point of access on the Middle Raccoon River.
3156 248th St. - Panora (3.2 mi. from 2nd access)
3rd access on the Middle Raccoon River, located 5.3 miles from Lenon Mill Park access.
Cowles River Access
268th Street - Panora (3.4 mi. from 3rd access)
4th access on the Middle Raccoon River, located 8.7 miles from Lenon Mill.
Route B in Guthrie County
South Raccoon River Water Trail
2997 Wagon Road/P28 - Stuart
1st point of access on the South Raccoon River.
Harvey River Access
310th & Wax (approx. 7 mi. from 1st access)
2nd point of access on the South Raccoon River. Undeveloped access with parking on gravel road only.
Swim
925 North Street - Coon Rapids
phone 712.999.SWIM
Swimming, body-flume water slide, zero-degree entry and water toys, concessions available.
206 W State Street/Hwy 44 - Guthrie Center
phone 641.332.2989
This 6,559-square-foot facility boasts two water slides, a zero-degree entry, concession area, diving board, and lounge chairs for relaxing.
Lake Panorama National Conference Center Pool
5071 Clover Ridge Road - Lake Panorama
phone 800.879.1917
Newly-built, 1,500-square-foot heated pool and 8-person spa. Located on south side of LPN Conference Center at Lake Panorama.
Hwy 25 - Guthrie Center
phone 641.747.3591
Springbrook's 14-acre lake offers a sandy beach for sunbathing and unsupervised swimming. There is no charge for swimming. The park is located 5 miles north of Guthrie Center on Hwy 25.
324 S 2nd Street - Stuart
phone 515.523.1455
The aquatic center has two slides, a diving board, zero-degree entry, and a children’s play area. Outdoor pool open in the summer.