A trip to De Schiphorst offers a choice of architectural history, sculpture, waymarked trails and nature. Havezate De Havixhorst, the sculpture garden and De Lokkerij stork station each offer a different focus. Visiting conditions also vary: the garden is open daily, with one exception; groups can visit the stork station by appointment; and trail markings and conditions may change. First decide whether culture, a particular route or a seasonal landscape experience will shape your stay.

Manor house, sculptures and farmhouses

Havezate De Havixhorst is an 18th-century house with associated outbuildings, a garden, moat and surrounding woodland. The De Vos van Steenwijk family built a representative country house on the site in 1753. Its architectural history is thus intertwined with an ensemble of buildings and landscape features.

The Beeldentuin De Havixhorst presents highlights of Dutch sculpture from the past 100 years. The garden is free to enter and open daily from 12:00 to 17:00, except when a private event is taking place. If you are planning a visit to the garden, check before you travel whether an event will affect access.

The distinctive farmhouses also add another dimension to the area's architectural history: some of the farmhouses in De Schiphorst are designated Rijksmonumenten (national heritage sites). This adds a rural form of architectural heritage to the history of the country house; the designation applies explicitly to only some of the farmhouses.

Walking: choose between two routes

The “Ommetje over de es van De Havixhorst” walking route is 1.5 km long, runs through the De Havixhorst estate and is marked with purple posts. The 8.5 km “Landgoederen van de Reest” route passes De Havixhorst, Dikninge and Huis Voorwijk and is also marked with purple posts. If you want to keep your walk short, the Ommetje is the shorter option; for a longer walk, the second route covers more ground and names three places along the way. Check current trail conditions and markings before setting out, as both can change.

Cycling and spring landscapes

“Een rondje door het Reestdal” is a 34 km cycling route that starts at the De Havixhorst car park. The “Landgoederen en havezaten” route answers a different planning question: it can be cycled in any season. The first can therefore be assessed by its length and starting point, while the second's year-round availability offers a specific guide for choosing when to go.

The landscape also has a distinct seasonal aspect. In spring, marsh marigolds turn the Reestlanden yellow near De Havixhorst. If you want to focus on this floral display, plan your trip for spring. This nature experience differs from the cycling route that is available year-round: here, the season itself is part of the experience, whereas it is not one of the stated restrictions for that route.

De Lokkerij stork station

De Lokkerij in De Schiphorst near Meppel is a stork station. The storks use trees, the farmhouse roof and pole nests erected by people. This combination shows that nest sites are not limited to a single type: they include trees and the farmhouse roof as well as purpose-built poles. Groups can visit Stichting Ooievaarsbuitenstation De Lokkerij Reestdal from Monday to Saturday by appointment. If you are visiting as a group, arrange a time in advance.

Discover more destinations: Broekhuizen, Nijeveen, Meppel.

Go to the main travel overview: Meppel.