The Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is an enchanting 89-mile paved trail traversing four counties in Central Iowa, meandering through Polk, Dallas, Guthrie, and Greene Counties along a former rail line. Spanning from Clive near Des Moines to Jefferson in the northwest, the trail offers a scenic journey through a tapestry of landscapes including woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and farmland. True to its name, the trail intermittently follows the course of the Raccoon River, crossing historic bridges in Perry, Jefferson, and featuring a lighted bridge in Adel.
The RRVT provides a delightful experience for both one-day excursions and extended rides, with communities spaced approximately 6 miles apart. Along the trail, cyclists and hikers alike can enjoy the amenities offered by the 14 charming communities, each contributing its unique flavor to the trail experience. For those interested in delving into the region's rich railroad history, several stops along the way offer fascinating insights.
One-Day Rides
For a fulfilling one-day ride on the RRVT, there's a myriad of options to explore, but here are three suggested routes spanning approximately 20 to 25 miles each:
Waukee to Minburn
Embark on a picturesque 25-mile journey from Waukee to Dallas Center and Minburn along the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT). Waukee, a thriving Iowa community, boasts the iconic Railroad Pergola: "In the Shadow of the Rails," a striking public art installation marking the trail's gateway. This masterpiece symbolizes a regional vision to elevate RRVT into a premier visitor destination, celebrating shared railroad heritage.
Waukee's trailhead offers abundant amenities, including public restrooms, ample free parking, and a myriad of dining options. As you pedal towards Minburn, bask in the serene prairies and occasional tree canopies, surrounded by the vast expanse of corn and soybean fields during the growing season.
En route, the burgeoning town of Dallas Center beckons with modern trail amenities, including year-round heated restrooms, three well equipped parks and a swimming pool within a few blocks of the trail, the iconic Big Red Chair and two beautiful murals serving as must-see photo spots. Indulge in local eateries, bars, and even an ice cream parlor before continuing your journey.
Finally, reach Minburn, affectionately known as the "Small Town with a Big Heart." Despite its modest size, Minburn welcomes trail users with dining options, a restored depot housing a restaurant, and nearby parks—all against the backdrop of a towering grain elevator. Enjoy a smooth ride on the concrete trail surface.
Linden to Panora to Yale Round Trip
Explore a less-traveled but equally enchanting 25-mile route from Linden to Panora and Yale, unfolding diverse scenery of farmlands, wetlands, and prairies along the RRVT. Begin your adventure in Linden, once a central hub of baseball in central Iowa, where the trailhead provides shelter and parking, overlooking the historic baseball diamond where legends once played.
As you pedal into Guthrie County, Panora welcomes you with its rich history and array of amenities. Discover quaint restaurants, a scenic trailside garden, and the Guthrie County Historical Village—an immersive journey through the region's past.
Six miles from Panora lies Yale, offering a tranquil retreat with public facilities, nearby dining options, and a park adjacent to the trail. Marvel at the distinctive architecture of the Yale High School Gymnasium, a testament to the town's sporting legacy.
Embrace the charm and tranquility of each stop along this captivating round trip, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty and rich history of Iowa's heartland
Herndon to Jefferson
Riding the RRVT from Herndon to Jefferson promises cyclists a delightful 25-mile round trip journey through the heart of Iowa's picturesque countryside. Commencing in Herndon, cyclists can conveniently park at the trailhead and embark on their ride northward towards Jefferson.
Approximately six miles from Herndon lies the quaint unincorporated town of Cooper, home to the historic Cooper Way Station. The building once served as the office and scale house for the Milligan Bros Grain Company. Recently refurbished, this station now boasts vibrant murals adorning its outer walls and provides amenities such as public restrooms, park benches, and green space.
Continuing onward, cyclists encounter Winkleman Switch, named after the pioneer farmer Jacob Winkleman. Though never evolving into a formal town, this area housed railroad scales and served as a pivotal shipping point for grain and cattle. Noteworthy is the challenging railroad section featuring a steep grade, where trains were often split to ascend the hill. The trail then leads cyclists through a serene canopy of trees until reaching its highlight—the 600-foot-long trestle bridge spanning the North Raccoon River.
Arriving in Jefferson, cyclists are welcomed by the historic former Milwaukee Road depot. Jefferson caters to cyclists with a plethora of amenities, including dining options, beverages, and overnight accommodations. Moreover, the downtown area boasts a captivating attraction—the Mahanay Memorial Tower—offering visitors a panoramic view of the picturesque surroundings.
Two-Day RRVT Cycling Adventure
Embark on a memorable two-day cycling journey along the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT), renowned for its status as the longest paved loop trail in the United States spanning 73 miles. While completing the entire loop in a single day is feasible, opting for a more leisurely pace over two days allows for a richer exploration of the trail's diverse offerings.
One can start the loop anywhere on the trail. Overnight lodging is available in Waukee, Perry, Jefferson, Panora, and Adel. Camping is also available in those communities as well as Dawson. Here is one option with an overnight stay in Perry.
Day One: Adel to Perry (Approx. 25 miles)
Commence your journey from Adel, the county seat of Dallas County. Adel welcomes cyclists with its vibrant downtown adorned with a new mural featuring 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick. Along the trail, encounter scenic highlights such as the illuminated bridge and the inviting Rotary Plaza. Fuel up at one of Adel's many dining options, conveniently located near the trail. For overnight accommodation, Big Blue, a charming bed and breakfast, awaits just steps away from the trail.
Continuing eastward towards Waukee, pedal through the remnants of Ortonville, once the winter home of the Orton Family's traveling circus. In Waukee, the largest city along RRVT, indulge in a variety of amenities including dining options, lodging facilities, and the iconic "Railroad Pergola: In the Shadow of the Rails" art installation, a whimsical testament to the region's rich history. Each RRVT trail town has a small replica of this piece of art.
Journey onward to Dallas Center a vibrant community that has recently added new amenities for cyclists and with more on the way. It is also home to the iconic "Big Red Chair" which offers delightful photo opportunities amidst a backdrop of colorful murals in the downtown. Recharge at local restaurants and an ice cream shop conveniently situated along the trail.
Six miles further lies Minburn, a town boasting parks, a restored depot housing a restaurant, and other food and drinking options. Refresh and refuel before continuing towards Perry, your final destination for the day.
Perry, the second-largest city on the trail, beckons with a plethora of amenities including dining, shopping, and overnight accommodations. Immerse yourself in the town's vibrant arts scene, adorned with murals and public art pieces. Unwind at the historic Hotel Pattee, offering a well-deserved respite after a day of cycling.
Day Two: Perry to Adel (Approx. 48 miles)
Resume your journey westward from Perry, passing through Dawson, home to the largest restored depot on the trail, now repurposed as a trailhead with interpretive displays offering insights into the area's rich railroad heritage. There are no restaurants or stores in Dawson but camping, including two all season cabins, is nearby in Sportsman’s Park.
Traverse into Guthrie County from Dawson, pausing at Jamaica, a town with a unique origin story rooted in a mayor's blindfolded selection on a map. Enjoy a meal at one of the town's restaurant/bars.
Up next is Herndon, an unincorporated town with a population of fewer than 50 residents. Herndon marks the intersection where the RRVT will be crossed in the years to come by the east-west American Discovery Trail and the Great American Rail Trail. These two cross-continental trails aim to establish a coast-to-coast biking route across the United States by linking existing or newly constructed trails. It's important to note that Herndon lacks any services for cyclists.
Continuing towards Yale, where a round building steeped in history once served as a high school gymnasium and later a theater and concert hall. That gymnasium once hosted the Harlem Globetrotters and is on the National Register of Historic Places and a couple blocks off the trail. Yale has a restaurant/bar and a public restroom in a park adjacent to the trail.
Pedal onwards to Panora, a cyclist-friendly city boasting a myriad of amenities including dining options, lodging facilities, and the intriguing Guthrie County Museum. Take a moment to admire the trailside garden and the newly installed city sign, exemplifying Panora's commitment to public artwork.
As you bid farewell to Panora, journey through Linden, a small yet historically significant town known for its semi-pro baseball legacy. Pause for a rest at the covered shelter and there is a bar near the trail.
Next up is Redfield where you can immerse yourself in the town's rich railroad history, epitomized by the iconic Redfield Depot and the Grand Army of the Republic Museum. Though a recent fire has temporarily closed the restaurant in Redfield, indulge in treats from the local ice cream shop before commencing the last leg of your journey.
Complete the loop by returning to Adel, where the serene tree-lined path offers a shaded finale to your unforgettable two-day RRVT cycling adventure, culminating in the achievement of conquering the longest paved loop trail in the United States.
For those interested in embarking on a century ride along the trail spanning 100 miles, it's absolutely achievable. Upon reaching Herndon, simply veer northward, pedaling first towards Cooper, then Jefferson, before circling back to Herndon. From there, proceed towards Yale, concluding the loop upon reaching Adel.
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