Dickinson County Trails Board celebrated the opening of the area's newest trail segment on Sept. 5. 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 through the Okoboji Foundation. We also want to share our appreciation with PLAC, Okoboji Foundation and the Maser Family for working with DCTB on easements through their properties.
Many people have asked where we are going from here. At this time, DCTB is considering options for continuing the trail along the west side of Highway 71 to provide additional connections to the Spirit Lake and Spine Trails. We will be working closely with Imagine Iowa Great Lakes to develop a project concept that fits well with the beautification work they will be doing along the corridor over the next several years.