September 2026 Trails Talk

BRASL DONATES TO TRAILS

Krista Smith with the Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce recently presented the Dickinson County Trails Board with a $500 donation from the Bike Ride Around Spirit Lake (BRASL), held on July 11.

The annual ride features a 15-mile cruise around Iowa’s largest natural lake, with optional 25- and 50-mile routes that take riders throughout the Iowa Great Lakes and into Minnesota.

Thank you to the Spirit Lake Chamber, BRASL organizers and everyone who participated in this year’s ride. We appreciate your continued support of our area trails!

2026 TRAIL PROJECTS UPDATE

While there has not been a lot of new trail construction to see this season, the DCTB has been busy behind the scenes with trail maintenance, trailhead enhancements and preparations for some exciting projects ahead.

Milford & Wahpeton Trailheads – The DCTB partnered with private donors and the cities of Milford and Wahpeton to enhance two key trailheads with new amenities and improvements.

The Wahpeton Trailhead received a new bike repair station and water fountain, providing much-needed amenities for users of the West Okoboji Trail. The Milford Trailhead received a more extensive makeover, including a new trail alignment and parking configuration, ornamental plantings and signage. A new information kiosk, picnic tables and benches were also added to create a more welcoming and functional trailhead for residents and visitors.

Maintenance – Removal and replacement of approximately 200 feet of concrete trail, along with retaining wall repairs, was completed along the West Okoboji Trail. Concrete panels were also replaced at other locations throughout the trail system where extensive damage or heaving had occurred.

Beginning in October, contractors will complete a drainage improvement for the Peterson Trail along Nature Center Road. During wetter seasons, a section of the trail is prone to standing water. The trail will be raised to accommodate a new culvert, allowing water to equalize on both sides of the trail and improving long-term trail conditions.

Development – The middle 2-mile segment of the Clay County Connection was originally scheduled for construction this year. However, a design change required additional review and approvals through the Iowa DOT, which delayed construction. A bid letting was held this month, and construction is now scheduled to begin by May 17, 2027.

Meanwhile, planning continues for the third and final phase of the project. This last mile will complete the connection to the Clay County trail system, with the entire project anticipated to be finished in 2027.

We are excited to see this long-planned regional connection come together and look forward to providing trail users with a continuous route connecting even more communities throughout the Iowa Great Lakes region.

DICKINSON COUNTY REPRESENTS AT REAP CONGRESS

Charles Vigdal, Dickinson County Conservation IRVM Manager, and Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director, represented Dickinson County at REAP Congress at the State Capitol in Des Moines on August 29.

They joined more than 80 delegates from across Iowa to discuss priorities related to outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation. Much of the Congress focused on maintaining and fully funding the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program, as well as funding Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

If funded, the Trust Fund is expected to provide approximately $220 million annually for priorities including water quality, preservation of natural areas, trail development, outdoor recreation and sustainable agriculture. Visit Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy to learn more about the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS

35^th ANNUAL U OF O OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE: Saturday, September 26 – Register for this fun bike ride along the scenic trails and lakeside roads of the Iowa Great Lakes area. Proceeds from the ride benefit Dickinson County Trails and registration includes food and drink deals throughout the area, drink tickets and a T-shirt.  There are optional pit stops along the 18-mile route and the ride ends at Preservation Plaza for additional games, activities, live entertainment, food and beer.  For registration and event information visit www.uofooktoberfest.com.

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

 

“When we walk into a grove of trees or under an open sky the magic of nature takes over and the heaviness of life lifts a little.’
~Natassia Cassinero~