Trails Talk
May 2023 Trails Talkopens PDF file
SPIRIT LAKE 4th GRADE BRAWL
Seventy-seven Spirit Lake 4th graders, with 26 family members helping along the way, spent the last day of school on May 19 participating in the 9th annual BRAWL (Bike Ride Along West Lake).
Spirit Lake PE teacher and ride organizer Tim O’Hagan explained what the day entails and how special it is to him and the students. “Dylan Titterington provided the semi-truck for the first time this year and despite me telling him not to lift a finger, there he was loading and unloading bikes every chance he had. We really couldn’t do it without him. The Spirit Lake PIE program is so helpful in providing snacks and lunch for the two rest stations. Matt Fairchild from Lakeside lab provided their facility…..
April 2023 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2023 TRAIL PROJECTS GET ROLLING
Now that the weather is warming up, trail projects around the Iowa Great Lakes are getting into gear. Maintenance work will start in the next week that involves crack sealing and surface preservation on the Spine Trail beginning at the south end of Milford and going north through Henderson Woods in Arnolds Park. Asphalt sealing will also take place on the Nature Center Trail and northern portions of the Spine Trail.
In addition, over eight miles of concrete crack
sealing will take place on the West Okoboji,
Pioneer Beach and Silver Lake Trails. It is especially important for trail users to avoid these areas when the work is going on. We will post regular updates on our website and Facebook page…..
March 2023 Trails Talkopens PDF file
DCTB 2023 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
In 2023, the development of Tatanka Ska Trace will continue with the last segment that will connect Lake Park to the entire Iowa Great Lakes Trails system. The trail will start in Montgomery, go west 2.5 miles and connect at 170th Avenue with Phase IV(c) where it continues into Lake Park. The project is funded by grants from the Federal Recreational Trails program, Imagine Iowa Great Lakes, Iowa DNR REAP and the Okoboji Foundation. Lake Park DCTB director Billy Niemeier says…
February 2023 Trails Talkopens PDF file
BIKING IN PURSUIT OF COFFEE & DONUTS
Steve Nelson shares the story behind a bench the family recently purchased in honor of their dad and his neighbor who found a passion for biking through their quest for coffee and donuts.
“Dave Nelson and Bob Kline were retired neighbors in Monarch Cove when they decided to try their hand at bike riding in the 1980s. Several times a week they rode down Lakeshore Drive to a small coffee shop where the parking lot of Okoboji Store is now. Their reward was coffee with a fresh roll if they got there early enough…..
January 2023 Trails Talkopens PDF file
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS
The cold and snow can limit opportunities to get on our bikes and enjoy the trails, however, we are fortunate to have great cross country skiing trails in the Iowa Great Lakes to enjoy during the winter months. Groomed trails are available at Brooks Golf Course up to the Dickinson County Nature Center and at Kettleson Hogsback WMA on the west side of Big Spirit Lake.
The Brooks-Nature Center Trail offers classic (traditional) cross country ski tracks and a wide skate ski lane. Recently, the DCTB sold our old snowmobile at Hogsback which enabled us to get a new groomer and track setter…..
November 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
BETSY’S BENCH STORY
Erick Hovey recently purchased a bench in memory of his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Rose (Hostert) Hovey and he shared the story of their time here in the Iowa Great Lakes.
“Betsy first visited the Lakes area with me in 1988. She was an avid hiker and cyclist and through the 1990’s she explored every part of the Lakes region. By the 2000’s we were spending summers on our sailboat and a lot of time cycling on the areas expanding trails system. Betsy loved nature and we restored 20 acres of prairie and wetlands on our northwest Iowa farm. She especially enjoyed the trails that traversed these types of landscapes. In 2019 we bought the cabin that had belonged to my parents on the south shore of Big Spirit Lake. Betsy was thrilled to have the trail so close by and used it regularly all year round…..
October 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
DCTB & HOPE ROLLS FUNDRAISER RAFFLE
Left: DCTB Executive Director, Erin Reed presents Shanna Claybaugh and Maria Mellmann from Hope Rolls with a check for $3,000 from the DCTB’s summer fundraiser raffle.
The DCTB’s collaboration with Hope Rolls was another big success raising $6,000 in funds for trail development and to provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Hope Rolls was founded in 2019 to provide adaptive tricycles to children who are unable to ride traditional bikes. In early 2021, Hope Rolls chose to expand their mission to include a park for all ages and abilities. The park will include sensory equipment, workout equipment, a challenge-agility course (think ninja warrior) and accessible equipment…..
September 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
WEST O “ON US” NIGHT
Left: Joe Tiefenthaler, Joe Newlin and Matt Matthiesen from West O Beer, present the DCTB with a check from “On Us” night at the brewery.
As part of their Taproots initiative to support local nonprofits, West O Beer has hosted several “On Us” nights to highlight and raise funds for various local organizations throughout the summer. The Dickinson County Trails were featured in June and customers had the opportunity to mingle with trail board members and hear about what is happening on the trails this year and beyond. West O Beer donated a portion of the day’s sales to the Dickinson County Trails and Boondocks was the matching sponsor. Several donations were also received from customers during the event that…..
August 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
SPORTSMAN’S TIKI RIDE SUPPORTS TRAILS
Left: Dave and Dan Tryon from Sportsman’s Pub, present DCTB representatives Yvonne Taylor and Erin Reed with a check from the Tiki Ride.
In spite of the rain, the 8th annual Tiki Ride was the most successful yet. The event, held on August 6, brought in several hundred riders and with matching grant funds the proceeds will garner over $32,000 for Dickinson County Trails. The ride grows bigger and better every year and the DCTB thanks Sportsman’s, their staff and the many volunteers that work so hard to make this fun event happen…..
July 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TRAIL ETIQUETTE: E-BIKES & MORE
E-bikes became a hot topic last week due to a news story regarding complaints of them being a problem on the trails. For the most part, the responses
received about e-bikes have been positive and they are great for giving more people the opportunity to get out on the trails. Our ultimate goal as a trails board is to create accessibility; this includes expanding the system, making strategic trail connections and offering opportunities for people of all abilities to use the trails. Single-user electric devices, such as electric wheelchairs and scooters are allowed on the trails without a permit. However, a permit is required for larger mobility devices…..
June 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2022 BIKES-BREWS-BITES FUNDRAISER
The Dickinson County Trails Board invites you to enjoy a great evening of celebrating and supporting our wonderful trails on Friday, July 22, 2022. The event will take place at the Maser Monarch Lodge where you will be treated to tasty bites from Back Alley BBQ, live music and a variety of brews, wine and a bourbon tasting.
Please consider supporting the trails with an event sponsorship. Your generous donation will assist the Dickinson County Trails Board in the development…..
May 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
DCTB HOLDS TRAILHEAD GRAND OPENING
The weather was a little chilly on Saturday but the Tatanka Ska Trailhead grand opening and bike ride was a well attended and successful event. Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director, thanked the many project partners and supporters while John Franken highlighted the contractors that participated in the development of the trailhead. As part of the event, a bike ride was held that featured the completed rail trail to Montgomery.
The DCTB extends it’s gratitude to everyone that made the celebration a success…..
April 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TATANKA SKA TRAILHEAD GRAND OPENING
The DCTB is excited to announce the celebration and grand opening of Tatanka Ska Trailhead at the junction of the Spine Trail and Tatanka Ska Trace in Spirit Lake. The event will start at 11:00am on Saturday, May 21, 2022 and will include food and refreshment options at the trailhead. As part of the festivities, there will be a bike ride on the rail trail to Montgomery and back to Spirit Lake with refreshments available in Montgomery as well…..
March 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
DCTB 2022 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The DCTB recently held two bid lettings that will comprise the
majority of trail development in 2022. The projects will result in adding over 4 miles of new trail to the network. The first project will be another extension of Tatanka Ska Trace that will begin on the east edge of Lake Park. This segment will then travel east 3 miles and give residents in Lake Park an opportunity to enjoy the rail trail while we work towards finalizing the connection to Spirit Lake. With the recent federal recreational trail grant award of $395,000 the DCTB plans to build…..
January 2022 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TATANKA SKA TRACE AWARDED FEDERAL GRANT
The Iowa Transportation Commission has awarded $395,000 in Federal Recreational Trails funding for Phase IV(b) of Tatanka Ska Trace. The grant will help fund the last segment that will complete the connection between Lake Park and Spirit Lake. This phase will start in Montgomery and go west for 2.5 miles. Due to federal funding, the process for project development takes a little longer since the Iowa DOT has to review the corridor’s environmental and archaeological clearances along with other steps that are necessary because of the federal process. This will delay construction of the middle section until 2023 so this year the DCTB will start building on the east edge of Lake Park…..
November 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
Clay County Connection Phase I along Pioneer Park south of Milford
MILFORD AWARDED REAP GRANT
On November 10, the City of Milford was awarded an Iowa DNR REAP grant for construction of the first phase of the Clay County Connection. The 1.3-mile trail will start at the south end of the Spine Trail in Milford and is part of a three-phase project to connect the Dickinson County Trails with Clay County. The $70,205 in REAP funding will supplement a Federal Recreational Trails grant of $285,690 that was secured earlier this year. Overall, the Clay County Connection is part of the 135-mile Iowa Great Lakes Connection Trail that will link several existing trails and lakes in Northwest Iowa and is designated as a trail of statewide significance by the Iowa DOT. Design work has started on Phase I of the project and construction is…..
October 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
S.A.L.T. PATROL SERVES THE TRAILS
Seniors and Lawmen Together (S.A.L.T.) is a group of volunteers that patrols the trails of the Iowa Great Lakes region from April through October. The volunteers ride donated Polaris ATVs from the north end of the trail around Big Spirit Lake to the south end at Milford, along the west side of West Lake Okoboji and the expanding rail trail Tatanka Ska Trace. A typical summer will see the S.A.L.T. team log over 6,000 miles while watching over the safety of the many bikers, joggers, rollerbladers and walkers that utilize the trail system. Each volunteer is trained and certified to operate the ATVs and they carry a cell phone and radio to report emergencies or problems to the Communications Center. They also inform the DCTB Executive Director of any maintenance issues such as downed tree branches or pavement deficiencies. Aside from emergencies…..
September Trails Talkopens PDF file
LOCAL BIKE RIDES SUPPORT TRAILS
There are many great bike rides and trail events every year in the Iowa Great Lakes and a number of them support the Dickinson County Trails. These events take a lot of effort on the part of the organizations that put them on. We appreciate their hard work and commitment to bringing bicycle and trail enthusiasts to the area. In 2021, the contributing rides donated over $11,000 to DCTB and with the addition of matching grants the rides will provide $44,700 in total for trail projects…..
August 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2021 DCTB & HOPE ROLLS FUNDRAISER
DCTB’s collaboration with Hope Rolls to raise funds for trail development and provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities was a big success raising over $5,800. Hope Rolls was founded in 2019 to provide adaptive tricycles to children who are unable to ride traditional bikes. In early 2021, Hope Rolls decided to expand their mission to include a park for all ages and abilities. The million-dollar park will include sensory equipment, workout equipment, a challenge-agility course (think ninja warrior) and accessible equipment that can easily be utilized by those in wheelchairs or with walkers. It will be placed on a poured rubberized surface to further…..
July 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2021 PROJECT UPDATE
The 2021 trail construction season is well under way with four projects currently in development. Highway 71 Trail: Paving of this extension from Nature Center Road going north to 34th Street in Spirit Lake is nearly complete. The trail provides improved safety and access to the Spirit Lake Trail at a controlled intersection.
Edgewood Drive Trail: Construction of this segment near Gull Point State Park started in May in conjunction with the Edgewood Drive street and water main project. The trail grade is ready and paving will begin soon after Edgewood Drive is paved. This trail offers improved safety and…..
June 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2021 BIKES-BREWS-BITES FUNDRAISER
Plans are coming together for the 2021 “Bikes – Brews – Bites” trails celebration that will be on Saturday, July 17. The event will be at the Okoboji Brewing Company’s outdoor event space and there will be a great variety of brews, wine and bourbon tasting. Back Alley BBQ will be providing a fantastic menu with live music both inside and outside the brewery. The fundraiser will coincide with the Okoboji Foundation’s $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge and you may give directly to…..
May 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
SLHS ‘ART OF WELDING’ CREATES SCULPTURES FOR TRAILHEAD
The DCTB was pleased to partner with the Spirit Lake High School Art of Welding class to design and create sculptures that will be included at the Tatanka Ska Trailhead. As part of their J-term over the winter, 18 students led by instructors Brad Travis and Tyler Pedersen fashioned bike racks, a trail logo board and the top half of the trailhead tower. They did an excellent job of creating unique pieces for the trailhead that will be a focal point of the trails system for many years…..
April 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2021 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
The Dickinson County Trails Board has another year of exciting plans to continue trail development this summer and fall. Through a number of foundation, state and federal grants, as well as donations to the DCTB development fund, the board is working on goals to add over 3 miles of new trail in 2021. The rail trail, Tatanka Ska Trace, continues to be a high priority and construction will extend it another 1.2 miles from Highway 86 to the town of Montgomery. The DCTB is also planning to connect the West Okoboji Trail to Tatanka Ska Trace starting at the West Okoboji Harbor tunnel and going north to where it joins the rail trail near…..
March 2021 Trail Talkopens PDF file
A TRAIL BENCH STORY
The trails’ bench program continues to grow and be a popular opportunity to honor loved ones and friends. The benches provide rest areas along the trails as well as raising funds for development. If you are interested in replacing or getting a new bench to honor someone in your life, please visit www.dickinsoncountytrails.com/donate for more information and the Bench Program form.
The Marvin and June Janssen family chose to replace their old wooden bench along Big Spirit Lake last fall. They shared how Marvin started a family legacy and love of biking…..
February 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
A TRAIL BENCH STORY
The trails’ bench program continues to grow and be a popular opportunity to honor loved ones and friends. The benches provide rest areas along the trails as well as raising funds for development. If you are interested in replacing or getting a new bench to honor someone in your life, please visit www.dickinsoncountytrails.com/donate for more information and the Bench Program form.
Every bench has a special story so the DCTB will continue to feature them through Trails Talk to celebrate the stories of families and friends that are being honored through a bench donation…..
January 2021 Trails Talkopens PDF file
GRANT AWARDED FOR CONNECTION TO CLAY COUNTY
The Iowa Transportation Commission awarded the DCTB $285,690 in Federal Recreational Trails funding for Phase I of the Clay County Connection on January 13. The trail will start at the south end of Milford and be the first segment on the way to connect with the Clay County recreational trails. Overall, the project will be part of the Iowa Great Lakes Connection, a trail of statewide significance that will link several lakes in northwest Iowa. Plans for the trail include…..
November 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TRAIL BENCH PROGRAM GROWS
Ten new trail benches were placed around the trails system this fall. Four benches were set in September and another six were installed in early November. Every bench has a special story so DCTB is featuring them through Trails Talk to celebrate and share the stories of families and friends that are being honored through a bench donation.
Celebrating Cameron: Steve and Barb Condon bought their home on Lake Minnewashta in May of 1999. Barb shared memories of her grandson Cameron and the family’s story here in the Iowa Great Lakes…..
October 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TRAIL BENCH PROGRAM GROWS
Several new trail benches are being placed around the trails system this fall. Four benches were set in early September and another six will be installed in the next couple weeks. Every bench has a special story so DCTB will be featuring them through Trails Talk to celebrate and share the stories of families and friends that are being honored through a bench donation.
In Honor of Service: Stan and Colleen Lemkuil have lived in the Landings at the West Okoboji Harbor for nearly twenty years. They both enjoy using the Iowa Great Lakes trails so Colleen chose to place a bench…..
September 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
NEW TRAIL BENCHES PLACED
DCTB has had another busy season installing new benches along a number of trailsegments throughout the system. Four new benches were placed in early September and another five benches will be placed in the next couple weeks. There are a couple of benches along new trail segments and others are replacing old wood benches that are beyond repair due to maintenance and safety concerns. The bench program is a fundraiser for the trails and offers…..
August 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TIKI RIDE A BIG SUCCESS
The Sportsman’s 6th Annual Tiki Ride had its biggest event yet on August 1 as it brought in several hundred riders and a $3,500 donation to Dickinson County Trails. The ride grows bigger and better every year and with matching grant funds the proceeds will garner over $14,000 for trail development. DCTB thanks Sportsman’s, their staff and the many volunteers that work so hard to make this fun event happen….
July 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TAKING CARE OF THE TRAILS
The Dickinson County Conservation Board (DCCB) maintenance crew, along with their other duties managing the county’s parks and natural areas, provides general maintenance throughout our trails system. This work includes tree trimming, weed control, trail sweeping, power washing, mowing the trail shoulders and maintaining trailheads. They also manage sign replacements and minor surface repairs.
Brian Cuperus, DCCB Maintenance Foreman, together with Trails Manager Clay Pavelko, handle coordinating all of the various jobs that are necessary each week and as the system expands so does the workload. A major component of what they do during the summer…..
June 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2020 DCTB SUMMER FUNDRAISER
The DCTB planned to host another fun evening of celebrating and fundraising for our trails in July but unfortunately, due to coronavirus concerns, we decided it is best to forego a large gathering at this time. In lieu of an in person event, we are holding a virtual summer fundraiser that coincides with the Okoboji Foundation’s $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge. We will continue to receive sponsorships and donations like past fundraisers with the hope of having a Bikes – Brews – Bikes Thank You Party…..
May 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
TRAIL MAINTENANCE WORK CONTINUES
Maintenance continues on several segments of the trail system in Okoboji, Spirit Lake and Orleans. In mid-May, new asphalt overlays were completed on the Nature Center Trail and the Spine Trail by Kiwanis Park. The asphalt crew will return at the beginning of June to continue paving the Spine Trail from 15th Street to Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake and along the east side of Big Spirit Lake in Orleans. In addition, over the next few weeks a concrete crew will be working on several ADA and ramp improvements where overlays have taken place…..
April 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
DCTB MAKES PLANS FOR TATONKA SKA TRAILHEAD
The site of the former Deja Blues Diner in Spirit Lake became available after the building was sold and hauled away. DCTB was fortunate to receive a grant for purchasing the property and is now in the process of looking at a design for the trailhead. The parking lot will stay in place and a shelter area will be added that includes restrooms, drinking fountains and work stations for bicycle maintenance.
With two major lines of trail intersecting at this location the site is ideal for a trailhead that includes additional amenities. The Spine Trail runs north and south through…..
March 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
DCTB 2020 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLANS
The Dickinson County Trails Board has substantial plans to expand trail development this coming season. Through a number of foundation, state and federal grants along with donations to the DCTB development fund, the board is working on goals to add nearly 8 miles of new trail this year. A key project identified for development in 2020 is the rail trail Tatonka Ska Trace that will be extended another four miles to connect it with Highway 86 and the north tunnel at the West Okoboji Harbor. We also have the opportunity to replace street routes by filling in several gaps around West Lake Okoboji with off-road paved trails. Other projects include a bicycle bypass around East Okoboji Slough…..
January 2020 Trails Talkopens PDF file
GRANT SECURED FOR SPINE TRAIL MAINTENANCE
In January, DCTB was awarded a Federal Recreational Trails grant for a significant maintenance project on the Spine Trail. The grant for $313,300 will provide for a 2-inch asphalt overlay of the trail starting at 15th Street in Spirit Lake and going north to 125th Street in Orleans for a total of 2.75 miles. The project will be a major improvement to areas of the Spine Trail that are reaching 20 years old. DCTB is pleased to have the opportunity to provide a new surface to the trail with the project scheduled to be completed in 2020…..
November 2019 Trails Talkopens PDF file
2020 TRAIL PLANNING
At the end of each year, DCTB goes through strategic planning that involves consideration of trail development and maintenance priorities. The process also includes going through what grants the board will apply to which projects. DCTB will be taking on several projects next year that comprise of a substantial extension of the rail trail Tatonka Ska Trace and filling in a number of gaps throughout the Iowa Great Lakes Trails system. Other significant plans include new surface overlays for over 4 miles of the Nature Center and Spine Trails along with several…..
October 2019 Trails Talkopens PDF file
COUPLE TREKS THE IOWA GREAT LAKES TRAILS EACH YEAR
Every year Bob and Delna Mulhair spend their time here at the Great Lakes walking two miles a day as they journey every trail in the area throughout the season. This includes road shoulder trails around Big Spirit Lake along with non-trail areas like Francis Sites and sidewalks along Hill Avenue. It takes them four months to accomplish this feat all while enjoying one mile of beautiful scenery each day. Bob and Delna say that they park their car and set out for a one-mile walk then turn around and head back to the car. At the turnaround is where they park the following day and…..
September 2019 Trails Talkopens PDF file
IOWA GREAT LAKES BIKE RIDES SUPPORT TRAILS
There are many great bike rides and trail events every year in the Iowa Great Lakes and a number of them support the Dickinson County Trails. These events take a lot of effort on the part of the organizations that put them on. We appreciate their hard work and commitment to bringing bicycle and trail enthusiasts to the area. In 2019, the contributing rides brought in over $9,000 in donations to DCTB and with the addition of matching grants the rides will provide $36,300 in total for trail projects…..
August 2019 Trail Talkopens PDF file
BIKES – BREWS – BITES FUNDRAISER
The 2019 trails fundraiser was a big success thanks to everyone that supported and sponsored the event! Congratulations to Bill West for winning the raffle of an E-bike donated by Okoboji Expedition Company. Matching funds were raised for the construction of two new trail segments this fall. We extend our gratitude to the following businesses that helped make the evening possible, Okoboji Brewing Company, Farm to Fork, Buffalo Trace, Okoboji Wines and Okoboji Expedition Company. A special thank you to Iowa Great Lakes Rotary……
July 2019 Trail Talkopens PDF file
MEMORIAL TRAIL BENCHES
Seven new trail benches were placed earlier this summer and there are couple more on order to be installed later this year. DCTB also continues to replace old wood benches that are beyond repair due to maintenance and safety concerns. The bench program is a fundraiser for the trails and offers an opportunity for trail users to remember family and friends along with providing the trail with rest areas. Now is the time to let us know if you are interested in replacing or getting a new bench this year to honor someone in your life. To get more information…..
June 2019 Trail Talkopens PDF file
OKOBOJI FOUNDATION $5,000 JULY NONPROFIT CHALLENGE
The Okoboji Foundation is inviting everyone to participate in the $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge at GiveOkoboji.com. The fund with the highest giving total over $5,000 in July receives an additional $5,000 from the Okoboji Foundation. Please consider giving to the Dickinson County Trails Endowment Fund during July to help the trails win. This year, all donations $500 and over will qualify for a “Bikes – Brews – Bites”…..
May 2019 Trail Talkopens PDF file
DCTB AWARDED GRANTS FOR TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
DCTB received two grant awards in May for trail development in the Iowa Great Lakes. The first is a Wellmark Large MATCH Grant in the amount of $100,000 for construction of the Jones Pasture Trail that will be completed this summer. The Wellmark Foundation offers these grant opportunities to communities in Iowa and South Dakota for projects that can help individuals, families and communities achieve better health though built environment initiatives that encourage physical activity……
April 2019 Trail Talkopens PDF file
2019 DICKINSON COUNTY TRAILS FUNDRAISER
You will not want to miss this year’s Dickinson County Trails benefit. The Bikes, Brews & Bites celebration will be Saturday, July 27 at the Okoboji Brewing Company. We are working with the brewery to create a great new outdoor event space and there will be a variety of brews along with bourbon tasting and wine. Farm to Fork is providing a fantastic menu with live music…..
March 2019 Trail Talkopens PDF file
2019 DICKINSON COUNTY TRAIL PROJECTS
DCTB has two new trail segments planned for this summer. First is the Jones Pasture Trail that will extend the Spine Trail one mile north along the east side of Big Spirit Lake. This project has been a development priority for several years and DCTB has now secured $250,000 from the Region 3 Transportation Alternatives Program. The grant provides the additional funding…..
January 2019 Trail Talkopens PDF file
GRANT SECURED FOR SPINE TRAIL MAINTENANCE
In January, DCTB was awarded a Federal Recreational Trails grant for a significant maintenance project on the Spine Trail. The grant for $313,300 will provide for a 2-inch asphalt overlay of the trail starting at 15th Street in Spirit Lake and going north to 125th Street in Orleans for a total of 2.75 miles. The project will be a major improvement to areas of the Spine Trail…..
November 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
MILFORD BOY SCOUT BUILDS TRAIL KIOSKS FOR EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Nathan Kollasch with Milford Boy Scout Troop #170 spent Saturday November 10 installing two new trail kiosks at Kenue Park and the Nature Trails trailhead. The project is part of the work he is doing to earn his Eagle Scout Rank. Several other scouts from the Milford troop also helped Nathan get the kiosks placed. Nathan picked the new design and built the kiosks…….
October 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
DCTB SEEKS GRANT FUNDING FOR TRAIL PROJECTS
Dickinson County Trails Board submitted two grants in October through Iowa’s 2018 Federal Recreational Trails Program. One grant was for the rail trail, Tatonka Ska Trace, from Hudson Avenue in Spirit Lake and continuing west for another mile to 219th Street. In 2019, DCTB will be constructing a mile of this trail from Hy-Vee to Hudson Avenue and this year’s grant request will be a continuation from that segment……
September 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
HIGHWAY 71 PLAC TRAIL RIBBON CUTTING
Dickinson County Trails Board celebrated the opening of the area’s newest trail segment on September 5th. The Highway 71 PLAC Trail
involved removal and replacement of the existing trail pavement from Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) to the trailhead along Highway 71. A new trail segment was added from the trailhead north to 41st Street. This project was made possible by a generous donation to our Dickinson County Trails Board Endowment Fund…….
August 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
SPORTSMAN’S ANNUAL TIKI BICYCLE RIDE
The fourth annual Tiki ride on August 4 was a big success bringing in $1,800 that will garner over $7,000 with matching grant funds for DCTB. Funds raised will be used to support the Dickinson County Trails Board in planning and development of priority projects. Thank you to Sportsman’s Pub for all of the work they do putting on this entertaining ride and for the donation to the trails!…..
July 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
BOOTS & BOOGIE BIKE BASH II
The 2018 trails fundraiser was a huge success! Funds raised will be used to support the
Dickinson County Trails Board in planning and development of priority projects. These projects include the Highway 71 PLAC Trail, Jones Pasture Trail, East Lake Trail and connecting Tatonka Ska Trace (rail trail) to the West Okoboji Trail at the north tunnel in Okoboji Harbor.
A huge thank you goes out to the fundraiser committee members that include Kathy Stuart, Sandi Wilmot, Karen German, Jan Stauss, Sheryl Jones, Mickey Harrington, Brigid Wilkening, Jeanne Sieh, Paula Henry and Kathy Beachem……
June 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
NEW BIKE LANES ON 190TH STREET
A joint project with the city of Arnolds Park, Dickinson County Secondary Roads and Dickinson County Trails resulted in new 8-foot concrete shoulders being paved on each side of 190th Street from Bridges Bay to 242nd Avenue. The project addressed serious safety concerns on a busy road that sees a lot of bicycle and pedestrian traffic. It also completes the first phase in DCTB’s long-term plan to continue trails around the east side of East Lake Okoboji.
PROJECT UPDATES: Work continues on a new trail segment between the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) and 41st Street along Highway 71. The new trail is scheduled to be complete in mid-July and will be a great addition to the trails system.
Maintenance projects involving trail slope stabilization and pavement replacement with new concrete have wrapped up on the Spine Trail in Milford and Okoboji. The projects have ……..
May 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
SPIRIT LAKE 4TH GRADE BRAWL: On the last day of school the Spirit Lake 4th graders had fantastic weather to enjoy the annual BRAWL (Bike Ride Around West Lake). This 9-mile ride is put on every year by Spirit Lake Elementary physical education teacher Tim O’Hagan along with several volunteers that help make the day possible. Mr. O’Hagan stated, “BRAWL allows us a time to actively celebrate our abilities & reflect with our classmates from our elementary school years. I love empowering students with the skills & resources to be active in and out of classroom. The most rewarding part of the summer is seeing students out on the trails or hearing testimonies of trail rides where they have introduced others to this awesome resource we have right in our backyard. We are grateful for all the volunteers………
April 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
SAVE THE DATE – You will not want to miss this year’s Dickinson County Trails benefit. The Boots & Boogie Bike Bash II will be Saturday, June 30 at the new Arnolds Park Pavilion. The event will feature live music by Georgia Clay and will benefit local trail projects including the Highway 71 PLAC Trail and signing improvements. For sponsorship opportunities please contact us at dctrails@co.dickinson.ia.uscreate new email …..
March 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
UPDATE ON CURRENT DICKINSON COUNTY TRAIL PROJECTS
Tatonka Ska Trace – Work on the rail trail bridge and culvert renovations will begin again soon. This project ensures that nine significant structures between Spirit Lake and Allendorf are preserved and ready for trail construction. The work on this project will be complete before summer. Federal Recreational….
January 2018 Trail Talkopens PDF file
SPIRIT LAKE J-TERM STUDENT INTERNS WITH DCTB:Karson Rodriguez, a senior at Spirit Lake High School, did his work-study with DCTB during J-Term in January. Karson worked on developing a web page for Tatonka Ska Trace and creating a logo for the developing trail. He plans to attend Iowa State and pursue a degree in business marketing. Karson said he really enjoyed working with the trails because it felt like he was doing something good for the community and making Dickinson County more active. He can’t wait to get out on the trails for a jog this summer……
November 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
MILFORD BOY SCOUT WORKS TOWARD EAGLE SCOUT RANK BY HELPING DICKINSON COUNTY TRAILS
Quinn Dodds with Milford Boy Scout Troop #170 spent Saturday November 3 installing E-911 signs along the West Okoboji Trail. The project is part of the work he is doing to earn his Eagle Scout Rank. Several other scouts from the…..
October 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
We have had some amazing weather to get out and enjoy the Dickinson County Trails. We continue to see many people out walking and biking while we appreciate the cooler temperatures and fall’s abundant beauty in the Iowa Great Lakes!
TRAIL PROJECTS CONTINUE – New Bridge Near PLAC: A new bridge replaced a…..
September 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
FUN FALL TRAIL EVENTS
26TH ANNUAL U of O OKTOBERFEST BIKE RIDE: Saturday, September 30, 2017 – Enjoy this fun 24-mile bike ride around West Lake Okoboji. You will be treated to scenic trails and lakeside roads as you take in the beauty of the Iowa Great Lakes on your bicycle. West O Brewery will greet you with free beer at the end of the ride where they will be serving their special Oktoberfest brew. Throughout and after the ride there will be drink and food deals all around the Lakes area. Visit www.okobojichamber.com to register and see the rest of the Oktoberfest fun happening all weekend. Proceeds from the ride go to Dickinson County Trails…..
August 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
RECREATIONAL TRAIL SAFETY & IOWA BIKE LAWS
This month we are focusing on recreational trail and bicycle
safety in addition to being kind to our fellow trail users…..
July 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
$5,000 JULY NONPROFIT CHALLENGE
The Okoboji Foundation is inviting everyone to participate in the $5,000 July Nonprofit Challenge at GiveOkoboji.com. The fund with the highest giving total over $5,000 in July receives an additional $5,000 from the Okoboji Foundation. Please consider giving to the Dickinson County Trails Endowment Fund during July to help the trails win. Gifts of any size and form are accepted online or through the Foundation. For additional information contact Okoboji Foundation, call 712-332-7177, visit www.okobojifoundation.org or email info@okobojifoundation.orgcreate new email…..
June 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
RAIL TRAIL RALLY
DCTB’s 2017 fundraiser event is coming up this weekend on Saturday, June 24 at the Arnolds Park Pavilion. This year’s event will highlight the Rail Trail and kickoff the effort to raise local matching funds for its construction. Get your Steampunk gear on and come celebrate 37 miles of Rail Trail. There will be music and fabulous food provided by Chef Suzanne Bicknese along with some great auction items. You can find more information on sponsorships and tickets at www.dickinsoncountytrails.com . Tickets are also available at The Three Sons and Okoboji Expedition Company. Thank you for your support!
May 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
TREE PLANTING ALONG RAIL TRAIL
The City of Spirit Lake received grants through Black Hills Energy Power of Trees and Alliant Energy Branching Out programs through Trees Forever to plant trees along the section of trail connecting Peoria Avenue to 15th Street. Nearly 30 volunteers from Spirit Lake High School, Dickinson County Conservation, Black Hills Energy, Alliant Energy, Trees Forever, DCTB and City of Spirit Lake worked together to plant 52 trees along the trail segment. Thanks to everyone for their help and Ferguson’s Garden Center for the wonderful stock of trees!
April 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
DICKINSON COUNTY TRAILS BOARD TO BEGIN MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
The Dickinson County Trails Board will start its first maintenance project of the season on April 19 with the trail along 175th Street in the area of The Ranch Okoboji mini-golf park. Anyone familiar with this area knows that it has been in rough shape for a few years due to water undermining the trail and sediment collecting at the bottom of the hill.
March 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
DICKINSON COUNTY TRAILS BOARD FINALIZES RAILROAD PURCHASE
The Dickinson County Trails Board has finalized the purchase of the remaining railroad right of way from Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The future Rail Trail begins west of Superior and will traverse 37 miles through both Dickinson and Osceola Counties, then join the Ed Winkel Trail at Allendorf and continue to Sibley for a total of 43 miles.
February 2017 Trail Talkopens PDF file
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT DCTB
I am very excited to introduce myself as the new Dickinson County Trails Board Executive Director following Jean Martin’s retirement. I can be reached at dctrails@co.dickinson.ia.uscreate new email or (712) 330-7776 and through our website www.dickinsoncountytrails.com. I have been a member of the Trails Board for over ten years, serving as president for many of them. My passion for trails began the first day I stepped foot on the Iowa Great Lakes Spine Trail.