Destination - Raccoon River Valley Trail

Posted Feb 20, 2009
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Find out why the Raccoon River Valley Trail is becoming one of America's Best Recreational Trails and an Iowa Destination.

BIKEIOWA is pleased to announce its newest 2009 Premier sponsor – the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 56-mile-long paved trail along the branches of the beautiful Raccoon River through Greene, Guthrie and Dallas Counties in west central Iowa. You will experience the communities of Jefferson, Cooper, Herndon, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel and Waukee. And, going east, the RRVT connects with the extensive trail system in Iowa’s capital city of Des Moines.

History... The Raccoon River Valley Trail uses the former right-of-way of a railroad built in the 1870s and early ’80s to connect the city of Des Moines with the Iowa Great Lakes region in the northwest part of the state. For more than 50 years, it was a popular rail line, taking many vacationers from central Iowa right to the shores of Storm Lake, the Okobojis and Big Spirit Lake. Read more about the RRVT history.

Present Day... Now, in 2009, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is once again an "IOWA DESTINATION" taking cyclists on a journey. Whether you live close to the trail, or wish to visit Iowa for a day, weekend or longer, the sites, sounds and amenities along this trail are second to none. You'll know why the Raccoon River Valley Trail is becoming one of America's Best Recreational Trails.

Trail experience... Thus, your trail experience will take you from a very vibrant metropolitan area out into some great small towns, which are located in one of the most productive agricultural regions of the world. Along your way you’ll find the food, beverages, entertainment, scenery, accommodations and ambience that will make every visit to the RRVT a memorable one. Looking for a weekend stay? There are plenty of places to bed down for the night. B&B's, motels and campground are available. Food? You betcha! The communities along the trail are providing more and more amenities each year. Plan a trip. You won't beat the Iowa hospitality! Then come back next year.

Map...

(click to view larger map with more details )

North Loop... We expect to be adding a 33-mile-long “North Loop,” with much of the work happening in 2009 and 2010. That will include the communities of Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson and Jamaica. Cyclists will have 89 miles of trail to ride on. And that is why the RRVT is “becoming one of America’s best recreational trails.”

Tour the Raccoon... Introducing the Tour the Raccoon, a two day cycling tour starting from the Des Moines Metro area on Saturday, June 13th, riding down the Raccoon River Valley Trail, overnight in Jefferson Iowa then returns to Des Moines on Sunday the 14th of June. Hosted by the Des Moines Cycle Club. More information found here.

411... www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org 502 Main Street – Suite 1 Cooper, IA 50059 (515) 386-5488 The website offers all the information you need to visit the trail, make lodging plans, and find a place to eat & drink. Visit the Raccoon River Valley Trail.