Length
89 total miles*
Surface
Concrete or asphalt
Grade
1% to 2%
Fees
$2.00/person per day**
*Length: 89 total miles, with a 72-mile interior loop. **Annual Fees: Jan-Dec $10.00 Free: Age 17 and under
THE COMMUNITIES YOU WILL BE EXPERIENCING
Following are brief descriptions of the communities on the Raccoon River Valley Trail. We are updating our lists of businesses, services and attractions in each of the trail communities, so please let us know about changes and improvements.










Population: 8,009
Services for trail users: Trailhead parking, restrooms, water, food and Raccoon River Valley Bicycle Company, shop is just east of the Hotel Pattee on Willis Avenue.
Nearest public restroom: Center of town, west across the street from GEP’S Caboose Park at the trailhead, restrooms and water.
Don’t miss: Formerly a major railroad junction, Perry is home to the historic Hotel Pattee, with themed rooms including many related to the railroad. The hotel is fully restored, caters to trail users, and includes interior art collections and unique outdoor public art spaces. Located just east of the caboose & trailhead, on Willis Avenue.
Town slogan: “Make Yourself At Home!”
Most famous son/daughter: Dwight D. Opperman (1923-2013), CEO of West Publishing; V.T. Hamlin (1900-1993) cartoonist, creator of “Alley Oop.”

Population: 224
Services for trail users: Water, food establishments, two bars, cold drinks in machine outside Community Center, picnic tables, bike racks and shelter house.
Nearest public restroom: Two food establishments in town – one on Main Street and one east of Main Street on Railway Street.
Don’t miss: Near Jamaica is an octagonally-shaped barn built in 1881, one of seven in Iowa to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The metal band Slipknot filmed the music video “Psychosocial” and recorded their fourth album “All Hope Is Gone” at the barn.
Town slogan: We haven’t found one yet but would like to suggest, “Welcome, Mon!”
“Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I want to take ya Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego Baby why don’t we go Ooooh I wanna take you down to Kokomo!”
Most famous son/daughter: The Corn Kings, a local band who played toe-tapping music atop a Model T Ford in parades across Iowa and the U.S. including in Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Denver, Dallas, Las Vegas,

Population: 131
Services for trail users: Restrooms, water, cold drinks. City park west of depot and one block north of trail.
Nearest public restroom: At the Dawson Depot, a restored Milwaukee Railroad Depot, adjacent to trail, restrooms and water there, cold drinks in machine across the street. The depot is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from May 1 through October 31.
Don’t miss: Sportsman Park cabins east of Dawson one block from trail. Call Dallas County Conservation Board at (515) 465-3577 to inquire about renting.
Town slogan: We haven’t found one yet but would like to suggest “Everything’s Awesome in Dawson!”
Most famous son/daughter: Colton Morman, who was 18 at the time, won the 2009 election for mayor of Dawson.

Population: 1,755
Services for trail users: All services, east end of business district, restrooms, food and cold drinks at nearby businesses. For emergency bike parts, visit Rosalea Gallery at 1408 Walnut Street, west of Triangle Trailhead or call John at (515) 710-9375.
Nearest public restroom: Portable toilet, picnic tables and water fountain along trail at Triangle Trailhead.
Don’t miss: Farmers’ Market at Mound Park (west of trail on Walnut Street) from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday nights from June to September; Art in the Park on June 6 at Mound Park; Fall Festival August 28-29, 2015.
Town slogan: “Quietly Progressive.”
Most famous son/daughter: Current Pittsburgh Pirates baseball pitcher, Tony Watson.

Population: 365
Services for trail users: Restrooms, food establishments, bar and water.
Nearest public restroom: At newly renovated depot building on west side of U.S. Highway 169. Will open in June 2015 with restrooms and water in north end and restaurant in south end. Also restrooms at fire station west of trail near Baker and Chestnut Streets.
Don’t miss: Outdoor roller skating rink and Meek Park Shelter west of trail at corner of Baker and Chestnut Streets.
Town slogan: “Little Town With a Big Heart!”
Most famous son/daughter: Billionaire Harry Stine, seed genetics entrepreneur and owner of Stine Seed Company; Warren Allen Smith, author and journalist in New York City.