October 2025 Trails Talk
“Walking connects you to the land, it sews a seam between you and it that is very hard to unstitch.”
~Kelly Winters, Walking Home: A Woman’s Pilgrimage on the Appalachian Trail, 2001~
CLAY COUNTY CONNECTION RECEIVES MORE
STATE REC TRAILS FUNDING
Trail Connection at Clay-Dickinson County Line
Funding recommendations for the 2025 State Recreational Trails Program were presented at the Transportation Commissioner’s meeting in October with Phase III of the Clay County Connection receiving high marks and endorsement to award DCTB’s request of $295,000. Overall, the project is an integral part of the 135-mile Iowa Great Lakes Connection Trail, one of Iowa’s five trails of statewide significance, that will link several existing trails and lakes in Northwest Iowa.
Clay County completed its final 3 miles to connect with Dickinson County last year, and the DCTB wrapped up construction on the first 1.5-mile segment going south from Milford this month. The new funding from the State Recreational Trails Program will enable the DCTB to build the last 1-mile segment of Phase III next year as well. The Clay County Connection is divided into three phases totaling 4.5 miles, to date the projects have garnered over $2.1 million in state, federal and local foundation grants.
34th ANNUAL U of O OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE
Morgan Strauss with the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber presents a check for $2,500 from the 2025 Oktoberfest Ride to Erin Reed with the DCTB.
We could not have asked for better weather on September 27 for the Annual U of O Oktoberfest Bike Ride! Hundreds of riders enjoyed a gorgeous day cruising around West Lake Okoboji, taking in the fall colors and lake views. This fun-filled event continues to be a favorite for bicycling enthusiasts from near and far.
Proceeds from the ride benefit Dickinson County Trails and support the continued development and maintenance of our local trails system. The DCTB extends sincere gratitude to the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber for their outstanding efforts in organizing the weekend’s festivities and making this event such a success year after year.
CYCLING & TRAILS ARE BIG BUSINESS IN IOWA
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s recent study, Economic Impact of Cycling In Iowa’s 99 Counties, reveals some exciting numbers: cycling and multi-use trails in Iowa generate an estimated $1.4 billion 
in annual economic impact. That is up significantly from a previous estimate of roughly $365 million from 2012.
Along with dollars, the study found that the cycling/trails sector supports over 21,000 jobs across Iowa and generates roughly $690 million in wages statewide. It also contributes tens of millions in state tax revenue through income and sales tax.
When people have places to ride, with safe, accessible, scenic routes, they ride. And when they ride, they stop, spend, explore, and talk about our community. This means new foot traffic for Main Street, new visibility for local businesses, and a stronger case for trail expansion and maintenance. Locally, that means $9.1 million in economic impact for the Iowa Great Lakes region. Investing in trails isn’t just good for recreation – it’s good for business, community health, and local pride. Learn more about the recent study at iowabicyclecoalition.org.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director