January 2025 Trails Talk
2025 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Architect’s Rendering of the Lakes Art Center Loop
The Dickinson County Trails Board has another year of exciting plans to continue trail development this summer and fall. Through a number of foundation, state and federal grants, as well as partnerships and donations to the DCTB development fund, the board is working on goals to add over 4 miles of new trail in 2025.
Tatanka Ska Trace Phase V: The DCTB is starting plans to go east towards Superior with $672,000 in federal funding already secured for Phase V of the rail trail. Meanwhile, the DCTB has started a tree clearing and minor grading project in preparation for trail construction in a couple years. The project also allows for trail use by mountain and fat tire bikes, walkers and joggers prior to full development.
Clay County Connection: The trail connection with Clay County continues to be a high priority and construction this year will extend the Spine Trail 3.5 miles as it traverses south towards Clay County. Phase I (1.5 miles) will begin construction in May and Phase II (2 miles) will follow later in the season.
Lakes Art Center Loop: The DCTB is partnering with the Pearson Lakes Art Center to develop a connecting loop around the wetland on the north side of the art center. Plans for the project include art sculptures, viewing benches and interactive pieces for families to enjoy together. The trail will be a destination point with the goal of sharing the joy of art, nature and outdoor recreation all in one place. The project is scheduled for completion before the 4th of July.
West Okoboji Trail: Last summer, the DCTB changed the street route off Jeppeson Road to Lynch Avenue to divert bikers from the construction project along Okoboji Boulevard and to
alleviate congestion along the busy road. In addition, the DCTB is partnering with the City of West Okoboji to build a trail that travels directly to Terrace Park Boulevard from Jeppeson Road. The project is funded through a grant from Imagine Iowa Great Lakes with additional support from the city.
Milford 13th Street Trailhead: The DCTB is collaborating with a private donor and the City of Milford to develop plans for a significant upgrade to the trailhead along 13th Street (A34). Preliminary considerations include vegetation cleanup and ornamental plantings; improved parking and signage; new information kiosk, picnic table and benches.
RAGBRAI LII OVERNIGHTS IN MILFORD
The DCTB was excited to represent the Iowa Great Lakes Trails at the Iowa Bike Expo & Banquet and the 2025 RAGBRAI Announcement Party. The Bike Expo was attended by thousands of cycling enthusiasts and it was great to share all the exciting things happening with trails in the Lakes Region. The evening was capped off with the announcement that Milford would be an overnight stop on the RAGBRAI LII route. It will be a big summer for biking in northwest Iowa and we are thrilled to showcase our beautiful trails to cyclists from all over the country.
LUNKERS SPONSORS TRAILS AT
BATTLE OF THE BARTENDERS
A big thank you to Okoboji Lodge & Lunkers Lounge for sponsoring the Dickinson County Trails at the Battle of the Bartenders over Winter Games. We also appreciate Parks Marina for putting on this annual event that benefits many great causes throughout the area.
FRIENDS CAMPAIGN CONTINUES
The DCTB is excited to build upon the significant growth the trails system has experienced over the last few years, including over 15 miles of new trail development and a beautiful new trailhead in Spirit Lake. We could not accomplish all of this without the generous support of our donors. The DCTB continues to seek donations for key projects planned for this year and future growth. If you have not already, please consider joining Friends of the Trails. Your gift will enable us to enhance the quality of life in the Iowa Great Lakes while making a substantial contribution to the area’s health and economy. For more information on how you can donate to the trails, please visit our website at www.dickinsoncountytrails.com. We deeply appreciate the community’s continued support in helping us improve and expand the trail system. Together, we can make a lasting impact!
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director