De Schiphorst: Manor House, Sculpture Art and Storks

When planning a trip around De Schiphorst, you can tailor the cultural and nature-related themes to your interests. De Havixhorst is known for a historic country house, a sculpture garden and walking trails; De Lokkerij in De Schiphorst near Meppel is associated with storks. If you are looking for a hotel, this overview can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Country House, Sculpture Art and Farmsteads

Havezate De Havixhorst is an 18th-century house. Its grounds include outbuildings, a garden and a moat; the surrounding woodland is also part of the estate as described. In 1753, the De Vos van Steenwijk family built a distinguished country house on the site of De Havixhorst. The date provides a specific point of reference in the building’s history.

The Beeldentuin De Havixhorst offers another cultural dimension: it presents highlights of Dutch sculpture from the past 100 years. Its focus on sculpture complements the historical perspective on the country house with art from a broad period. The garden is free to visit and open daily from 12:00 to 17:00, unless a private event is taking place. Before you arrive, check whether an exception will affect your visit.

Distinctive farmhouses are also part of De Schiphorst’s architectural heritage: some of them are designated Rijksmonumenten. Alongside the distinguished country house, the farmhouses therefore offer another perspective on the area’s architectural history.

Walks and Cycling Routes

For a walk, you can use the stated distance and route as a guide. The Ommetje over de es van De Havixhorst is 1.5 km long, passes through the De Havixhorst estate and is marked with purple posts. The Landgoederen van de Reest walking route is considerably longer, at 8.5 km; it passes De Havixhorst, Dikninge and Huis Voorwijk and is also marked with purple posts. The two walks therefore differ both in distance and in the places named along the way. Route conditions and markings can change; check them before setting out.

There are two other specific points of reference for cycling. Een rondje door het Reestdal is a 34 km cycling route that starts at the De Havixhorst car park. The Landgoederen en havezaten route, by contrast, is notable for its seasonality: it can be cycled at any time of year. The length and starting point of the first route, and the year-round availability of the second, answer different planning questions.

Storks and Seasonal Nature

In spring, marsh marigolds turn the Reestlanden around De Havixhorst yellow. This seasonal landscape is clearly associated with spring.

De Lokkerij in De Schiphorst near Meppel is a stork station. The storks use trees, the roof of the farmhouse and nesting poles erected by people. Conditions in the animal world can vary. Groups can visit Stichting Ooievaarsbuitenstation De Lokkerij Reestdal by appointment from Monday to Saturday. If you are visiting as a group, arrange your visit in advance.

Whether you are most interested in architectural history, sculpture art, walking, cycling or storks, each of the places and routes mentioned offers a different focus for planning your trip to De Schiphorst.

Discover more destinations: Broekhuizen, Meppel, Nijeveen.

Go to the main travel overview: Meppel.