The Historic Hills Scenic Byway, a 105-mile route winding through the scenic landscapes of southeastern Iowa, has added to its growing series of interpretive panels that highlight the region’s rich local heritage. A new panel is now installed at the historic Vernon school. Visitors can explore historic photographs of Vernon and learn about Wendell Mohr, Iowa’s first member of the American Watercolor
Society. The Mohr family restored the school in 1969, transforming it into their home and Wendell’s studio. It remains a private residence today for Paula Mohr and her husband, Tom O’Donnell.
The 16-panel expansion was developed by Historic Hills Scenic Byway Coordinator Christina Hedstrom to connect travelers with the people and places that define the route in southeastern Iowa, which stretches from Donnellson to Blakesburg. “So many of our communities have incredible stories to tell,” Hedstrom said. “Interpretive panels give visitors a way to experience those stories even when no guide or local historian is present.”
While the new panels continue the familiar look of original Iowa’s byway signage, they introduce a new feature for younger audiences. Each panel includes a section designed especially for children, offering interactive games and fun facts that invite curiosity and exploration. “The panels appeal to families as well as history enthusiasts,” Hedstrom explained. “By adding activities and playful learning elements, we hope to inspire children to see history as something living and engaging.” At Vernon, for example, the panel invites young visitors to imagine life at the old schoolhouse through a historic playground game of shadow tag.
An audio version of each new panel is also available through the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s Spotify podcast series, providing an alternative way to experience the stories. “Audio accessibility helps us reach people who prefer to listen, whether they are traveling the byway or are unable to read printed text,” Hedstrom added. “It is another way to ensure everyone can connect with the history of these remarkable communities.”
“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.
“Tom and I are delighted that Pathfinders chose Vernon and our schoolhouse for recognition in the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s marker program, said Paula Mohr. “We welcome people to stop by and learn about our historic village.”
Pictured are members of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway Council and Vernon residents:
Emily Starnes, Sharon Wolf, John Wolf, John Schroeder, Rhea Huddleston, Tom O’Donnell, and Paula Mohr.
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 webpage: https://pathfindersrcd.org/what-we-do/community- development/historic-hills-byway/
Visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricHillsScenicByway
The school is located at: 26849 South Street in Vernon, Iowa Vernon History on Spotify Audio tour:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gkDVrV07VOAnGPHA0Nh99
Full Spotify Audio tour webpage:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3KT72fU0r950vsLE2iVsH4
