April 2025 Trails Talk
CLAY COUNTY CONNECTION AWARDED CAT GRANT
Clay County Connection at Pioneer Park
On April 18, the Enhance Iowa Board awarded a Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant of $500,000 to Phases I & II of the Clay County Connection. The two phases include construction of a 3.5-mile addition to the Iowa Great Lakes Spine Trail. Once complete, the 32-mile trail corridor will strengthen regional connectivity by linking three counties in two states and eight municipalities. It will also become a vital part of the Iowa Great Lakes Connection, a 135-mile trail corridor that will link several lakes in northwest Iowa. Over 100 miles of existing shared-use paths will also be connected to the Iowa Great Lakes Trails that include the Sauk Rail Trail in Carroll and Sac Counties, Storm Lake Trails in Buena Vista County and Spencer Trails in Clay County.
Along with the CAT grant, Phases I & II are funded by grants from the Federal Recreational Trails program ($285,690), State Recreational Trails program ($520,000) and Iowa DNR REAP ($145,205). Additional support to complete the project comes from Imagine Iowa Great Lakes and the many supporters that donate to the Dickinson County Trails. Construction on Phase I (1.5 miles) will begin in May and is scheduled to be completed in August. Phase II is expected to begin later in the summer or fall. Support and enthusiasm for this entire project from our donors and the various grant programs has been remarkable and the DCTB looks forward to finalizing the connection with Clay County in 2026.
TRAIL PROJECT UNDERWAY
The first trail project of the season is officially underway in Okoboji. Construction has begun on the Lakes Art Center Loop, a new recreational trail designed to wind around the wetland area on the north side of the Pearson Lakes Art Center.
The project will feature a unique blend of outdoor recreation and cultural enrichment, with plans for art sculptures, viewing benches, and interactive pieces for families to enjoy together. Once complete, the Lakes Art Center Loop will serve as a destination point, celebrating the joy of art, nature, and outdoor activity all in one inspiring setting. The trail is scheduled for completion by the end of June, with art sculptures set to be unveiled in July.
UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS
NEVER ALONE, A WALK TO END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS: Saturday, May 3 – Join Emmet and Dickinson County Veterans Affairs for a meaningful event at Maser Monarch Lodge to support our veterans in need. The event starts at 8:00AM with breakfast and a silent auction. The 2.22-mile walk to support our heroes begins at 9:00AM. All proceeds will go towards ending veteran homelessness in Northwest Iowa. Visit the Event Page for more information and registration for this great event.
41ST ANNUAL U of O CAMPUS BIKE RIDE: Saturday, June 28 – Enjoy a ride around the Iowa Great Lakes of 25, 50 or 100 miles. A pancake breakfast at Florence Park in Milford starts at 7:00am with ride to follow at 9:00am. Take in the beauty of scenic trails and lakeside roads on your bicycle and return to the park for a barbecue with live music from 1:00-4:00pm. Proceeds from the ride go to area projects, local police and fire departments and the trails system. Visit the Okoboji Chamber’s Campus Ride website for ride details and registration.
With the sunshine and warmer temperatures, we eagerly anticipate another great season on the Iowa Great Lakes Trails. We hope that you get the opportunity to enjoy new trail routes and revisit your old favorites. It is always a good day on the trail!
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director