Thursday, July 14, 2022

Let's #ExploreIowa!


Have you ever been guilty of taking your very own state for granted, at least in terms of fun things to see and do?

Full disclosure: I used to be guilty of that offense.

Then, a couple years ago, I discovered the world of biking...and things took a turn for the much better.

Although, I'd been no stranger to "in-town" cycling, the mileage wasn't very high and the consistency was marginal (at best). Then, a freaky stress fracture wreaked havoc on my foot. Running was out of commission for several months, but cycling got the green light go-ahead.

And I discovered the allure of exploring Iowa, via two wheels. 

There's numerous sights to see, many of which are courtesy of trails throughout the state. I reside in the central part of the state, so here's a few highlights (and significant landmarks) within an hour's drive from my house. 

The High Trestle Trail
This scenic trail features the famous High Trestle Trail Bridge, an architectual piece of beauty and wonder. If you start at the trailhead in Ankeny and ride to Woodward, you'll finish with a 50-mile round trip (after turning around at the Whistlin' Donkey Bar and Grill). You'll also pass through the towns of Slater, Sheldahl, and Madrid, which will allow for periodic rest-stops along the trek.



The Chichaqua Valley Trail
This partially-shaded trail runs between the towns of Baxter and Bondurant, but also features trailheads in Valeria and Mingo (if you don't wish to ride the entire length).



Gay Lea Wilson Trail
If you feel like exploring some of Des Moines, you can merge onto the Gay Lea Wilson Trail, which connects with the Chichaqua Valley Trail, further west of Bondurant. Another rail trail, this one features numerous options in numerous directions (to Ankeny if you wish to go north, or Pleasant Hill if you're headed south).


The Summerset Trail
Another scenic, tree-lined rail trail is that of the Summerset Trail. This well-shaded trail runs between Carlisle and Indianola, with a spance of about 12 miles, or a 24-mile round trip.


The Hoover Trail
If you're game for a venture from a small town (Solon) that ends in an artsy, historic section of a big city (Cedar Rapids), check out the Hoover Trail. 


This trail starts on the western edge of Solon, leads you through Ely, then connects to the southern end of the Cedar River Trail. As you enter Cedar Rapids, you'll be smack-dab in the middle of the Czech Village



Unbeknownst to me, all of these trails were within pretty close proximity to my hometown. And, all of them were worth the visit! The fact that I got to see them "up close and in person" just sweetened the experience. I'm glad I got outside and explored Iowa!

Speaking of getting outside and exploring Iowa, the Iowa Lottery is currently encouraging just such an adventure. This promotion goes through September 13th, 2022. Grab some of the $5 Explore Iowa scratch tickets...there's all kinds of prizes to be had.  You can now win up to $50,000 with the Explore Iowa ticket or Play It Again for your chance to win cash or a Polaris vehicle. #ad



What do ya say? Are you game for a good time, exploring Iowa? Come on over, and I'll show you around (and be sure to bring your bike). 


**This post has been sponsored by Iowa Lottery. All opinions are entirely my own.
**Be sure to check out their Instagram and Facebook pages!

Have you been to Iowa? If so, have you ever checked out the trails? Have you explored your state, via a bike trail? 

I'm linking this with MichelleReneeDarleneJenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.


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18 comments:

  1. Excellent, thank you for this! I do try to explore my city and we have a Keys to the City artwork to explore this summer, getting access to secret and weird places. I've already run to the university to their geology museum!

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    1. It's fun being a tourist in your own locale! It's definitely something I take for granted.

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  2. How awesome that these are so close to where you live! It's amazing what we take for granted when we live so close to places. That was my biggest take-home during the pandemic - we discovered so many wonderful places close to home that we had never been to because we were always looking for things to do further afield!

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    1. Right? There's so much to see and do and explore, without needing to travel very far ;-)

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  3. These look great.

    It's funny how before I became a runner, I had no idea about bike paths and trails nearby...

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  4. I am definitely guilty of not taking advantage of all that my area has to offer. You have some great bike trails to explore. fingers crossed you win the lottery!

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    1. The bike trails are so nice! I'm glad we have access to them ;-)

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  5. Wow, that is very cool you have all these amazing trails nearby. And to think... if you hadn't had that stress fracture, you may never have discovered them! I'm definitely guilty of taking my own state for granted. After reading your posts and Michelle's today, I think I need a stay-cation to explore South Florida!

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    1. No kidding! I'm glad I finally got a clue (LOL) and discovered these trails. The thing is, I've barely scratched the surface...

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  6. You have some really lovely trails nearby! I do run on bike paths near to me a lot. And no, I've never been to IA -- although my sister did live there for a few years. Obviously I did not visit her then.

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    1. The trails really are a nice option for biking, but also for walking and running.

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  7. So funny that you mention this...I've been meaning to explore my state for years and this is the summer that I'm finally doing it. I've taken a little day trip every weekend since the start of the summer and I feel like I've barely scratched the surface. So much neat stuff in my kind-of backyard.

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    1. That's awesome! It's amazing what's available nearby if we just go looking for it ;-)

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  8. You really have some wonderful looking trails around you! I have definitely been guilty of not exploring what's in my "own backyard" - but I'm working on changing that :)

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    1. Good for you! It's easy (and I'm SO guilty) of not taking advantage of what all is out there...and a lot of it is closer than we think.

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  9. I'd love to bike with you through Iowa! As you know I'm a big fan of the bike and have definitely had my share of kilometers through different parts of the country. To be fair though, we have 12 provinces and I think I've only biked through 5 of them! So guess I need to pump my tires and get going!

    I once did a road trip from Portland to Chicago (then down to Memphis and back to PDX) and purposely stopped off in Strawberry Point to see the "World's Largest Strawberry". :). I had a colleague at the time from there so I had to see it for myself. Oh and have strawberry pie of course. ha!

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