September Trails Talk
WEST O “ON US” NIGHT
Left: Joe Tiefenthaler, Joe Newlin and Matt Matthiesen from West O Beer, present the DCTB with a check from “On Us” night at the brewery.
As part of their Taproots initiative to support local nonprofits, West O Beer has hosted several “On Us” nights to highlight and raise funds for various local organizations throughout the summer. The Dickinson County Trails were featured in June and customers had the opportunity to mingle with trail board members and hear about what is happening on the trails this year and beyond. West O Beer donated a portion of the day’s sales to the Dickinson County Trails and Boondocks was the matching sponsor. Several donations were also received from customers during the event that brought in over $1,300. The DCTB thanks West O Beer for their efforts and generosity in raising funds and awareness of our local nonprofits.
2022 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UPDATE
2022 has been another big year for trail development in the Iowa Great Lakes with two significant projects that are adding nearly 5 miles of new trail to the network. The first project connects the West Okoboji Trail with Tatanka Ska Trace. This trail extension starts at the north harbor tunnel at 155th Street and travels north 1.2 miles along the east side of Highway 86. The connection between these two trails provides for nearly 40 miles of contiguous trail around the Iowa Great Lakes. The project was completed in late August and is now open for trail users.
The second project, another extension of Tatanka Ska Trace, is well into construction with nearly two miles paved. This trail segment starts at Market Street in Lake Park and travels east 3.7 miles. Completing this project will give residents in Lake Park the opportunity to enjoy the rail trail while we work towards finalizing the connection to Spirit Lake. The DCTB plans to build the final 2.5 miles that will join Lake Park and the Iowa Great Lakes by trail in 2023.
31st ANNUAL U OF O
OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE
The weather was great on Saturday for this beautiful ride around West Lake Okoboji and the event continues to be a popular attraction for bicycling enthusiasts. Proceeds from the ride benefit Dickinson County Trails and the DCTB thanks the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber for all the work they put into the entire weekend’s festivities.
Right: Blain Andera with the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber presents the DCTB with a check for $2,500 from the 2021 Oktoberfest Ride.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, Executive Director