August 2026 Trails Talk

“We will be known by the tracks we leave behind”
~Dakota Proverb~

HONORING FAMILY TRADITION

During his childhood, Craig Zellers camped in Okoboji with his family on multiple occasions. They created many wonderful memories there. As an adult, Craig brought his wife, Robin, and children, Jason and Jordin, to Okoboji. His love for the area was contagious and Craig made it so easy for his family to create their own special memories.

As empty nesters, Craig and Robin started camping together. He couldn’t wait to go back to Okoboji, and his favorite place was Emerson Bay. Their camping adventures brought them into a close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as the “camping crew”. The crew quickly became an extension of their family and Craig couldn’t wait to take them to Emerson Bay, so they too could enjoy the area. Craig loved having the opportunity to take his friends on a tour of the area by using the bike trails.

After his diagnosis of stage 4 cancer in May 2025, Craig was determined to make one final trip to Okoboji. He had to know that his grandchildren, Charlotte and Colin, would also love the area. Robin made all the arrangements while Craig researched and bought e-bikes for the grandkids. Craig planned the family bike rides on the trails. He loved how you could get anywhere and that his grandkids were safe riding on them. On our “epic ride day” he continually asked if anyone wanted to stop. Everyone wanted to keep going and we ended up riding the trails all day long.

Of course, Craig took everyone to Arnolds Park where we all received multiple history lessons while in the museum and heard some crazy stories about the Sugar Bowl ride. He and the grandkids rode the roller coaster so many times they lost count. In Craig’s eyes, no trip would be complete without bumper cars and go-karts.

As a family, we felt that a memorial bench was an intensely meaningful way to honor the husband, father and grandfather that Craig was, but also the memories our family made in Okoboji. Our trip there together was such a happy one, we almost forgot that he was sick. Sure, there were tears of sadness, but there were also tears of joy and laughter. Following our trip, Craig declined quickly. The photos and videos we captured during that last trip are the ones that show him the way we want to remember him, in pure happiness.

The DCTB Bench Program continues to grow as a meaningful way to honor loved ones and friends while supporting development and providing welcoming rest areas along the trails. If you are interested in purchasing a new bench or replacing an existing bench, visit dickinsoncountytrails.com/donate for more information and the Bench Program form.

Every bench has a special story. Through Trails Talk, DCTB will continue to share these stories and celebrate the family members and friends honored through bench donations.

NEW AMENITIES AT WAHPETON TRAILHEAD

A new water fountain and bike work stand have been installed at the Wahpeton Greenspace Trailhead. The new amenities provide trail users with a convenient place to refill water bottles and make minor bike repairs while enjoying the trail system. A special thank you to the Jerry and Julie Henrich family for generously donating these new amenities for everyone to enjoy.

 

UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS

MOVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH WALK: Saturday, August 29 – Registration is open for the 2026 Rotary Move for Mental Health Walk/Run starting at Pearson Lakes Art Center. The event is a collaboration between the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary and Dickinson County Behavioral Health Coalition to not only promote movement and activity as a great way to boost mental health, but also to raise funds to sponsor behavioral health speakers and resources for Dickinson County schools. To learn more or to register, visit the Move for Mental Health Event Page.

 

CUTTY’S CREW FAMILY RIDE: Saturday, September 5 – NEW RIDE and open to the public! Join Cutty’s Okoboji Resort for a fun, family-friendly ride to Lake Park and back. The ride starts at Cutty’s and includes lunch in Lake Park, along with special discounts at participating businesses along the route. Visit Cutty’s Facebook page for ride details and registration information.

 

35^th ANNUAL U OF O OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE: Saturday, September 26 – Registration is open for this fun bike ride along the scenic trails and lakeside roads of the Iowa Great Lakes area. Proceeds from the ride benefit Dickinson County Trails and registration includes food and drink deals throughout the area, drink tickets and a T-shirt.  There are optional pit stops along the 18-mile route and the ride ends at Preservation Plaza for additional games, activities, live entertainment, food and beer.  For registration and event information visit www.uofooktoberfest.com.

As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director