Pictured from left to right, Pam Thiele, Pat Hansen, Jackie Hennessy, and Ruth Schafbuch showing the quilt block "good luck star" on Michelle Bruce's home. -Contributed photo

Barn quilts have been part of American history for decades and barn quilt trails have been started in all 99 Iowa counties and in 40 states to display the folk art of quilting, highlight the rural heritage of the area and promote tourism. Donna Sue Groves founded the barn quilt trail tradition in 2001 in Adams County, Ohio. Her book “Barn Quilts and the Barn Quilt Movement” is available at the Norma Anders Public Library. It talks about unusual barn quilts in Iowa and gives a little history about them. Two Dysart barn quilts are listed in the book.

About 60 homes in Dysart have smaller quilt blocks displayed on their property that add beauty with their color and design. The DDC, Vision Dysart, and the Quilt Block Trail Committee have developed a Dysart Quilt Block Trail for others to enjoy this art. A large map with the town divided into six areas of quilt blocks is in the kiosk on the corner of Main and Wilson Streets. It can be accessed with a smartphone using the QR code or a tour map can be downloaded at https://www.facebook.com/dysartquilttour. The map shows the colored quilt block pictures, the name, and the address of each quilt block.

A printed map is available at the Dysart City Hall and the Norma Anders Library when they are open. The Dysart Community Foundation furnished funds to assist with this project and hopes you will enjoy the Dysart Quilt Block Trail as well as the Dysart Historical Complex, The C.R. Roberts Bike Trail, The Heritage Arboretum as well as other attractions in Dysart.