The Iowa Great Lakes Trail winds its way through the Iowa Great Lakes region, which offers plenty of outdoor opportunities for visitors-from its popular blue lakes and sandy beaches to quieter natural areas, many protected with INHF assistance. The multi-use Iowa Great Lakes Trail provides local citizens and visitors a safe place to bike, walk, rollerblade, run and cross-country ski. The trail winds along rural, community and nature areas in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes Region, including Spirit Lake, Okoboji, West Okoboji, Wahpeton, Arnolds Park, Milford, Orleans and Lake Park.
The “spine” of the system is a 15-mile, ten-foot wide, hard-surface trail that accommodates two-way recreational traffic. Connecting to the Spine Trail are several other trails to explore, including the West Okoboji Trail, Kenue Park Trail, Arnolds Park City Trail, Spirit Lake City Trail and Tatanka Ska Trace (rail trail to Lake Park). The Spine Trail also joins the Loon Lake Trail in Jackson County, MN at Mini-Wakan State Park on the north end of Big Spirit Lake.
Paved Trails
Over 50 miles of multi-use trails provide local citizens and visitors a safer place to bike, walk, rollerblade, run, and cross-country ski. The trails connect our communities and travel along several lakes and natural areas in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes region. The 15-mile Spine Trail runs north and south through Dickinson County and joins with many other trails to explore.
Nature Trails
Natural foot trails available in the county include the Barney Peterson Memorial Trail at Gull Point State Park and Kettleson Hogsback Nature Trail west of Big Spirit Lake in the Kettleson Wildlife Management Area. The Elinor Bedell State Park Trail offers 1.5 miles of paved recreational trail along with several natural foot trails to explore.
Touring Trails
Sixty miles of signed routes on low-volume county roads are included in the trails system. These “Touring Routes” are designed for the biker who wants a more challenging workout while enjoying the rural countryside.
Water Trails
The Little Sioux River offers ample opportunities to enjoy recreation while paddling through the abundant natural areas along its shores.
Snow Trails
Groomed cross country skiing trails are available at Brooks Golf Course up to the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji and Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area on the west side of Big Spirit Lake. Both trails are expertly groomed and offer unique experiences in beautiful natural areas. Trail condition updates are regulaly posted on the Dickinson County Trails Facebook site.
Snowmobile Trails
Dickinson County has over 100 miles of snowmobile trails that criss-cross the county. Groomed trails include ditches along primary and secondary roads, and portions of the bike trails. Trails are signed and groomed by the Dickinson County SnowHawks. More information can be found on their website at the link below.
