May 2026 Trails Talk
Anglers Bay Along Big Spirit Lake
ANGLERS BAY TRAIL AWARDED REGION 3 TAP GRANT
The DCTB recently received exciting news that the Region 3 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) has awarded a $451,000 grant for development of the Anglers Bay Trail. This project will extend the Spine Trail an additional two miles along the northeast shoreline of Big Spirit Lake. Funding will become available in 2030, allowing time to secure additional grants and finalize design plans for this scenic route.
The future trail will showcase the beautifully restored shoreline, prairie, and wetlands surrounding Anglers Bay while continuing to expand recreational opportunities and connectivity throughout Dickinson County.
12th ANNUAL BRAWL A SUCCESS
More than 100 Spirit Lake fourth-grade students, along with numerous family members and volunteers, spent the second-to-last day of school on May 21 participating in the 12th Annual BRAWL (Bike Ride Along West Lake).
Spirit Lake PE teacher and ride organizer Tim O’Hagan shares that the event depends each year on a dedicated group of volunteers and community partners. The Spirit Lake PIE Program provides snacks and lunch for the two rest stations, while Iowa Lakeside Lab and First Lutheran Church generously open their facilities to host riders. Titterington, Inc. supplies a semi-truck to transport bicycles to and from the event. Additional volunteers also provide tandem rides for students still developing their bicycling skills.
The BRAWL ride offers three route options ranging from 8.5 to 12.5 miles and provides students with an excellent opportunity to learn about bicycle safety while experiencing the joy of our local trail system. A sincere thank you goes out to Tim O’Hagan and all of the volunteers and community partners who make this outstanding tradition possible, including Iowa Lakeside Lab, First Lutheran Church, and Titterington, Inc.
UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS
THE OKOBOJI PROJECT SEASON 3 PREMIERE: Tuesday, June 2 – Join the Dickinson County Museum, Lakes Area Museum Alliance, The Okoboji Project, and the Dickinson County Trails Board for a special Season 3 Premiere celebration. The season opener explores the fascinating history of the rail lines that first brought visitors to the Iowa Great Lakes and how those same routes evolved into the scenic trails connecting our communities today. The event is free, with light bites and beverages served. A free-will donation at the door will benefit the Dickinson County Museum.
Listen to the Season 3 premiere and find out more about the podcast at The Okoboji Project website.
WEST O SUMMER BEER RUNS: May 21-August 27 – Join West O Beer every Thursday night at 5:30 p.m. for a fun, social run, jog, or walk at your own pace and distance. Then cool off on The Terrace with discounted drinks from the taproom, tasty eats from the West O kitchen and weekly raffle prizes. Visit the West O Beer Facebook page for more information.
42ND ANNUAL U of O CAMPUS BIKE RIDE: Saturday, June 27 – Enjoy a scenic ride around the Iowa Great Lakes with route options of 25, 50, or 100 miles. The day begins with a pancake breakfast at Florence Park in Milford starting at 7:00 a.m., followed by the ride at 9:00 a.m. Cyclists will experience beautiful trails and lakeside roads before returning to the park for a barbecue and live music from 1:00–4:00 p.m. Proceeds from the ride go to area projects, local police and fire departments and the trails system. Visit the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber Campus Ride website for ride details and registration.
BRASL – BIKE RIDE AROUND SPIRIT LAKE: Saturday, July 11 – Experience Iowa’s largest natural lake where participants can enjoy a family-friendly 15-mile cruise around Spirit Lake or challenge themselves with 25 and 50-mile routes through the Iowa Great Lakes region. The ride includes scenic lakeside trails, a commemorative T-shirt, and a lunch certificate. Visit the Spirit Lake Chamber website for ride details and registration.
2026 DCTB SUMMER FUNDRAISER: Friday, July 17 – Plans are underway for the 2026 “Bikes – Brews – Bites” summer trails celebration at the Maser Monarch Lodge in Okoboji. Guests will enjoy a variety of craft brews and wines, a bourbon tasting, live music, and an outstanding menu provided by Back Alley BBQ. Additional event details and sponsorship opportunities are now available through the DCTB website: www.dickinsoncountytrails.com
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director
“We know that trails are more than remote footpaths; they are also
retreats found within heritage corridors and urban areas, which are accessible
and critical to the mental and physical well-being of our citizens.”
~Fran Mainella, Director, National Park Service, 2003~