In a bid to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and stimulate economic growth, plans are underway for the construction of a cutting-edge system of natural, soft surface, single-track trails at Carlson Park. This development, spearheaded by Schubbe Consulting and LRE, aims to revolutionize the outdoor experience in Decorah.
In 2019, the Dave and Rick Carlson families donated the 110 acres of land to the City of Decorah to create Carlson Park. The formal planning process was completed in 2021 with the JL Bruce Company, The City of Decorah and plenty of input.
The resulting Carlson Park Trail Development Fund was established with support from the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The fund aimed to create bike-optimized trails and amenities for all abilities within the park. The plans came in partnership with the Decorah Park and Recreation Department and the City of Decorah.