The Scenic Route to Your Walls: The Story of Detoursy

By KRISTEN BOWIE

We live in a world that moves faster every day, so there’s something sacred about slowing down. Taking a beat, stepping outside and breathing in the wild air and just disconnecting. It’s a certain kind of magic that you can only find when you veer off the main road…when you take the scenic route.

That’s where the story of Detoursy begins.

A Road Trip Turned Passion Project

This idea all began with a road trip across the American West; one of those classic, soul-searching adventures that had no agenda beyond exploration. Like almost every other trip that starts this way, I was chasing something that I couldn’t quite name. Peace? Maybe. Clarity. A break from burnout. The cliche American trope of escapism in our natural spaces. But somewhere between Zion’s red cliffs and Yosemite’s granite monoliths, I found something much more meaningful than a vacation: I found inspiration. 

I’m a creator by trade and a wanderer at heart. On that fateful trip, I filled notebooks with sketches of the landscapes that moved me the most– the way the light hit the Grand Tetons at sunset, the layered blues of Glacier’s peaks, the texture of the bark on an old growth redwood. These just weren’t sketches or photos or memories; they were indelible impressions that were burned into my mind. I started creating art that reflected the way I felt about them. Not just the sights, but the stillness. The sense of wonder. The awe.

That creative spark turned into the first set of national park posters, and Detoursy was born.

Art That Captures a Feeling

Detoursy isn’t just a poster shop. It’s a way to bring the feeling of the trail into the spaces where we spend our lives. Each design is handcrafted with a deep respect for the parks they represent. Inspired by the iconic WPA posters of the 1930’s, we blend vintage aesthetics with a modern touch– clean lines, bold colors, and a style that feels timeless and fresh. Every print is meant to be more than decor; it’s a visual love letter to the places that shape us.

We don’t just make art of national parks. We make art for people who’ve been transformed by them.

Whether you’ve hiked The Narrows, watched the sunrise over Bryce Canyon, or just dream of one day setting foot in Denali, our posters are a way to hold onto those feelings. They’re for seasoned adventurers, armchair travelers, and everyone who knows that nature leaves a mark on the soul.

Why “Detoursy”

The name came to me on a quiet night near Olympic National Park. I had taken a detour off the highway and stumbled on a campsite tucked away in the woods, Mount Olympus towering over me framed by starlit skies. It wasn’t on the map. It wasn’t part of the plan. But it ended up being one of the most memorable nights of the entire trip. 

That’s the magic of detours– they often lead us exactly where we need to go.

Detoursy is a celebration of those off-the-beaten path moments. The unscripted, unplanned pauses that take your breath away. The spontaneous hikes. The roadside overlooks. The quiet campsites. The little things that become big memories.

Posters That Bring the Outside In

Endless scrolls, screen time, and packed schedules can make it easy to lose touch with what truly matters. That’s why we believe your home should be a reflection of your values, your passions, and the places that move you. Our posters are designed to bring the outdoors inside; offering a meaningful connection to the wild rugged beauty of our national parks, even from your living room.

We’ve seen our prints displayed in home offices and nurseries, dorm rooms and Airbnbs, cozy cabins and downtown apartments. Each one becomes a conversation starter, a spark of inspiration, a daily reminder of nature’s beauty.

While we take pride in the artwork itself, what matters most is the connection it creates. When someone shares, “This reminds me of my honeymoon in the Smokies,” or “I bought this for my dad, who took me camping as a kid,” we know we’re doing something right.

These aren’t just posters. They’re memories in print.

Designed With Purpose

We care deeply about the meaning behind our work and the places that inspire it. Every Detoursy print is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the beauty of our national parks and the memories they create.

We collaborate with trusted small printers to ensure quality and detail in every piece. And as we grow, we’re committed to giving back. A portion of every purchase supports public lands and conservation efforts. 

After all, we owe everything to the parks that sparked this journey, It’s only right that we do our part to honor and preserve them. 

Building a Community of Park Lovers

Detoursy isn’t just us– it’s you. It’s the growing community of travelers, artists, hikers, campers, rangers, and dreamers who keep the spirit of the parks alive in their own way.

Through our blog, newsletter, and Instagram, we share travel tips, park stories, artist spotlights, and even playlists for your next road trip. We love seeing where our posters end up and hearing the stories behind your favorite park visits. 

Our hope is that Detoursy becomes more than a shop. It becomes a gather place for people who believe in the beauty of detours, in the power of public lands, and in the art of getting lost.

The Detoursy Promise

When you buy a poster from Detoursy, you’re not just decorating a wall. You’re joining a story. A story about wild places and quiet moments. About art that speaks to your soul. About slowing down, pulling over, and seeing the world with fresh eyes.

Because life isn’t always about the fastest route or the biggest milestone. Sometimes, the detour is the destination.

Thank you for taking this journey with us. We’re honored to be a small part of your love for the parks and we hope our work brings a little more wonder into your every day.

 

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