June 2025 Trails Talk

2025 BIKES-BREWS-BITES CELEBRATION

The Dickinson County Trails Board invites you to join us for an exciting evening in support of our beautiful trail system on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Maser Monarch Lodge. Enjoy delicious bites from Back Alley BBQ, live music, and a selection of brews, wine, and bourbon tastings, all while celebrating the impact of our growing trail network.

We hope you will consider partnering with us as an event sponsor. Your generous support will directly contribute to priority trail projects that will add over 5 miles of new trail through the next two years, enhancing connectivity and recreational opportunities across the Iowa Great Lakes. Sponsorship opportunities and limited tickets are available on the DCTB’s website www.dickinsoncountytrails.com.

TRAIL PROJECTS UPDATE

Exciting progress continues on several trail projects around the Lakes Region. Grading work is complete on both the Lakes Art Center Loop and the West Okoboji Trail Connection. Despite some weather-related delays due to recent rains, contractors have begun paving at the Art Center Loop and are preparing to place concrete on the West Okoboji Trail Connection in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the Clay County Connection is officially underway, with dirt work now in progress. We are thrilled to see these projects taking shape and moving forward. The DCTB looks forward to welcoming the community to explore and enjoy these beautiful new routes once they are complete.

UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS

41^ST 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.

 

BRASL – BIKE RIDE AROUND SPIRIT LAKE: Saturday, July 12 – Enjoy a 15-mile bike cruise around Iowa’s largest natural lake or power bike 25 and 50-mile routes around the Iowa Great Lakes.  This is a family friendly ride that treats you to scenic lakeside trails and includes a T-shirt and lunch certificate. Proceeds from the event will benefit Dickinson County Trails. Visit the Spirit Lake Chamber website for ride details and registration.

 

SPORTSMAN’S 11^th ANNUAL TIKI RIDE:  Saturday, August 2 – Riders of all ages can enjoy 16, 22, 38 or 60-mile routes with prizes and games along the way. The ride includes a shirt, gift bag and lunch at Sportsman’s with live entertainment during lunch and after the ride.  There will be many prizes, games and fun surprises along the route and riders will receive a raffle entry at each of the sponsored stops. Proceeds from the ride will support Dickinson County Trails.  More information on the ride and registration is available at Sportsman’s Tiki Ride website.

 

LAMA BIKE ROUTE TOUR: Ongoing through September 1 – The Lakes Area Museum Alliance (LAMA) invites you to bike the trails while visiting 13 local museums and historical sites. As you explore, collect punches on your LAMA summer punch card for a chance to win great prizes including a two-night stay at Pick’s Resort in Arnolds Park, Nutty Bars, T-shirts, and more. It’s a perfect opportunity to combine scenic rides with fascinating local history. For full details on the tour and the many museums you can visit, go to www.lakesmuseums.org.

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