May 2025 Trails Talk
CLAY COUNTY CONNECTION AWARDED
OKOBOJI FOUNDATION GRANT
On May 22, the Okoboji Foundation announced the award a Leadership Grant of $75,000 to support Phases I and II of the Clay County Connection, a 3.5-mile expansion of the Iowa Great Lakes Spine Trail.
To date, the Clay County Connection has received nearly $1.8 million in grant funding through a variety of sources including the Okoboji Foundation, Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Community Attraction and Tourism program, Federal Recreational Trails, State Recreational Trails, and the Iowa DNR REAP program. Additional contributions have come from Imagine Iowa Great Lakes and many generous supporters of the Dickinson County Trails system.
Construction on Phase I, a 1.5-mile section of the trail, is scheduled to begin in June and be completed by August. Phase II will follow later this fall, with the final connection to Clay County on track for completion in 2026. Once completed, this vital addition will enhance regional connectivity, linking three counties across two states and eight municipalities via a continuous 32-mile trail corridor. The DCTB applauds the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from donors and granting agencies that have made this project possible.
TATANKA SKA TRACE AWARDED REGION 3 TAP GRANT
The DCTB received notification that the Region 3 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) has awarded a $400,000 grant for the continued development of Tatanka Ska Trace. Set for 
construction in 2029, this 1.7-mile segment will extend the trail around Silver Lake, reaching the west side of Lake Park and connecting neighborhoods along West Bay Road and Country Club Drive.
The new segment will offer Lake Park residents greater access to regional trails, enhance recreational opportunities, and contribute to a scenic 14-mile trail network linking Lake Park, Montgomery, and Spirit Lake. These exciting developments underscore the region’s ongoing commitment to outdoor recreation, active transportation, and inter-community connections.
UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS
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.
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.
2025 DCTB SUMMER FUNDRAISER: Friday, July 18 – Plans are coming together for the 2025 “Bikes – Brews – Bites” trails celebration that will take place at the Maser Monarch Lodge in Okoboji. There will be a variety of brews and wine along with a bourbon tasting, live music and a fantastic menu provided by Back Alley BBQ. More information and sponsorship opportunities are now available through the DCTB’s website at www.dickinsoncountytrails.com .
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director