A brand new bicycle trail is open after about a year of construction on Des Moines' southeast side, just in time for the holiday weekend.

Lisa and Todd Shaw enjoyed spending time on the endless amounts of trails in Des Moines.It's called the Carl Voss Trail. It's the missing piece finally connecting much of the Des Moines trail system.

"I think it becomes a destination for people from out of state to come, stay in hotels, do whatever, ride bikes," Todd Shaw said.

On Sunday, they took a spin on the new trail. It's a two-mile stretch on the city's southeast side.

The cost of the trail comes at about $1.8 million, and Ben Page, with Des Moines Parks and Rec, said more than half of that funding came from grants. He also said it's the puzzle piece this trail system was missing.

"Whether you're in West Des Moines, Ankeny, or even any part of Des Moines, you can get on a trail, get to downtown, and connect right to this trail and you're at Easter Lake and back," Page said.

With the new nearly two-mile system, you can get from the southeast side of Des Moines, all the way to Jefferson, Iowa, without even leaving the trail.

The new trail is named after a Des Moines bicycling legend.

"Thrilled about the trail more than the honor, actually this is a great connection," City Councilman Carl Voss said. "I have worked on trails in the Des Moines area for a number of decades."

Voss spent some family time on the trail on Sunday.

"It's very enjoyable, and I'm glad so many people walk, inline skate, skateboard, look at birds and bike," Voss said. "It puts a smile on my face to see so many people out enjoying our trails."

"Trails really do provide a big economic impact for our community, and that's no different here than it would be in any other city that has a great trail system," Page said.

This is just a soft opening for the new trail. The city hopes to hold a grand opening in the spring of 2021. Finishing touches include adding benches and trail signage.