Residents of Lake Panorama, the largest private lake in Iowa, choose this community for quality homes, exclusive water access and resort-style perks. "Lake Panorama is a vibrant community," says John Rutledge, general manager of the Lake Panorama Association. "Our development surrounds a 1,200-acre lake, includes 27 holes of golf and multiple dining options. We're adjacent to the City of Panora." The communities share a school district but have separate administrations and utilities.
In a joint interview, local school principals Thad Stanley and Liz Ratcliff share highlights of the area where they both grew up and now serve. "Typically, when people come here, they want to stay and raise their families," Ratcliff says. "We are that small-town community." Stanley adds: "It's close to Des Moines, so it's a pretty good destination for people." That state capital is about 50 miles east.
The residents of Lake Panorama take pride in their community, their homes, and the beautiful setting.
Much of the east side of Lake Panorama has been developed for years, while the west is still being built up.
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Membership in Lake Panorama Association
The Lake Panorama Association, founded in 1968, governs the census-designated Lake Panorama, a coveted part of Guthrie County. "We take great pride in the quality of the community," Rutledge says. Property buyers apply to the LPA and automatically become homeowners association members at the time of purchase.
Living here comes with various perks, including lake access for boating or other water sports. Residents can sign up to keep their boat at Lake Panorama's marina, though there is a waiting list. Most waterfront properties come with a personal dock.
Annual HOA fees are based on lot classifications, ranging from about $1,100 for an offshore lot on the outskirts of the community to over $1,700 for a lot on the water with a home in place. Those buying an empty, undeveloped lot must abide by the LPA's rules, permitting processes and building codes. LPA members must register with the association office and follow designated rules to rent out their homes.
Lake Panorama Marina has covered boat slips for residents to reserve during peak season.
Almost every Lake Panorama lakeside home has a private dock.
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Vacation homes, waterfront or offshore options
In a fairly secluded environment, contemporary and ranch-style homes are set on spacious lots — many are over a half-acre. Though there are at least 1,100 homes, the population varies depending on the season. It's estimated that more than 60% of the houses are used as summer homes.
According to Ratcliff, not many new families are building at the lake, but some of the existing ones move here permanently and then their kids come to the schools. "We've had some families that have a lake house, and they decide that that is their full-time home," she says. Buyers can find an offshore ranch-style home, a property overlooking a golf course or a newly constructed million-dollar residence. Waterside homes come with their own dock. Lake Panorama has a median home price of around $750,000.
Newer construction homes on Lake Panorama's west side are custom and sought-after.
Homes that are not on Lake Panorama but still in the area have character and charm all their own.
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National Resort and Conference Center, shopping
There is no major retail area within Lake Panorama, but it does have the amenities at the Lake Panorama National Resort and Conference Center. This site includes an 18-hole golf course, a pro shop, a snack shop and a swimming pool. Residents gather at The Captain's Pick for dining and socializing. The establishment hosts tailgate and gameday parties, Nine & Wine Monday Nights and holiday events like a Christmas decorating contest, a New Year's Eve party, and an Easter brunch. Like National's course, Panorama West Golf Course is operated by a subsidiary of the LPA. The courses, across the lake from each other, are both open to the public and have membership options.
Panora is the closest destination for shopping or more variety in dining options. "We have very strong local businesses and a lot of community members that shop local," Ratcliff says. "There are two successful coffee shops, boutiques, auto repair and more." Panorama has Hometown Foods for groceries, and there's Medicap Pharmacy for prescription needs.
In the other direction about 8 miles southwest, there's Guthrie Center, the county seat. It has some businesses, restaurants and the county hospital. There's a Hometown Foods there as well. Residents who want to shop at big-box retailers or seek entertainment and nightlife might travel to Des Moines. Another reason to go is for work. "We have a lot of people who commute back and forth to Des Moines," Ratcliff says. "Going to Des Moines is pretty easy. It takes just under an hour."
Signage around the Lake Panorama area makes it easy to get around.
Lake Panorama National Golf Course offers views of the lake on several holes.
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Boulder, Shady and Sunset beaches
Lake Panorama, which was created by damming the Middle Raccoon River, has beaches with roped-in areas for swimming. Although the use of the lake for boating and water sports is restricted to members or their registered guests, the beaches are open to the public. Boulder Beach is on the east side of the lake and includes courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball. On the west side, Shady Beach is the smallest beach and may be less crowded, while Sunset Beach features a sizeable playground and open areas for recreation.
Nearby in Panora, community parks and outdoor venues offer more opportunities. "We have a strong Parks and Rec league for students who are not in middle school athletics yet," Ratcliff says. She says the soccer club, swimming club, dance studio, music lessons and the 4-H club are other well-regarded programs. "Kids here have so many different opportunities starting at an early age."
The 56-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail crosses through the center of Panora. "People do a lot of biking," Ratcliff says. "It's a very well-kept trail, very scenic." Residents also fish or kayak on the Middle Raccoon River or head to Milo Ray State Wildlife Area or Springbrook State Park.
Boulder Beach is Lake Panorama's largest and most popular beach.
Across Lake Panorama, Sunset Beach and Shady Beach are smaller and quieter beach options.
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Panorama schools: wins and college credits
Kids may attend public schools in the Panorama Community Schools district, which has a B-minus grade from Niche. Panorama Elementary, Panorama Middle and Panorama Community High School are all in the same area of Panora. "My elementary is right up the block from the secondary building. And in between them is the athletic complex," says Ratcliff, principal of the elementary school, which serves preschool through fifth grade. She's also the special education director and curriculum director for the district. In 2024, the fifth-grade team won the Battle of the Books competition, a challenge to read 20 books, followed by a quiz bowl-style tournament. "They competed against 63 other teams," Ratcliff says. "They were up against fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders, and they placed first."
The secondary school is a combination middle and high school. Stanley, the middle and high school principal, says, "We have a 10-to-1 adult-to-student ratio, so there are smaller class sizes and more personal attention." Another highlight is the popular dual credit program. "For a small school, we offer so many college courses. We have a strong relationship with Des Moines Area Community College." Stanley says some students graduating from Panorama are already close to having an associate degree. "Almost 70% of the kids that are 11th or 12th graders are taking college credits," Ratcliff adds.
Panorama Elementary School serves 350 students in grades K-5.
Panorama Middle & High School serves 400 students in grades 6-12.
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Guthrie County community and holiday events
Besides Panorama Lake events at the resort, there's more going on in Panora and throughout Guthrie County. There are customary holiday celebrations and special events like June's Art in the Village Square, a festival with music performances, artist booths and workshops, and local food and wine. In August, locals visit the Guthrie County Fair for carnival rides, a parade and a tractor pull. The Guthrie County Historical Village and Museum features the remains of a Milwaukee Railroad train station and hosts various holiday events, including The Haunted Village in October.
The small-town experience extends to activities based around the schools. "Friday night, we have football nights that are packed," Ratcliff says. "The different games, meets and events throughout the year get a really good turnout of spectators." The elementary school has an annual family night, concerts open to the community and field day. The middle and high school is known for its fall play. "They may not have any kids in it, but they still attend," says Stanley. "Overall, the people are supportive: they want what's best for kids and for the community, like we do too."
Car-dependent area, road and lake security
There's no public transportation in Panorama Lake, and the surrounding areas are also highly car-dependent. Major roads in the area are State Routes 4, 44 and 25. Interstate 80, which runs east-west, is about 20 miles away. It's about a 57-mile drive to Des Moines International Airport.
Led by a designated supervisor, LPA Security monitors the lake roads and operates water patrols, watching for speeding issues or disturbances. For serious concerns, the county sheriff's office would be called. Security also completes hundreds of boat inspections each year. By requiring boats to be completely clean, invasive species like zebra mussels are kept out of the lake. According to FBI data, Guthrie County's property and violent crimes are below national averages.
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