Very few things are as impressive as Mother Nature herself, but the High Trestle Trail in Iowa is a man-made sculpture element that blends well within a natural environment. And the nightly illumination of the 13-story high structure is a tremendous draw.
Opening to the public in 2011, the trail has won numerous awards, traversing 25 miles through four counties and drawing more than 200,000 visitors annually to the trail.
“The trail has won various awards for planning, design and construction” said Lisa Hein, Senior Director for Conservation Programs for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “The planning awards were a result of the collaboration among nine public agencies and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, juggling over 20 different funding sources including multiple state and federal grants, and the project coming in under budget.
“The design awards are because of the unique art and sculpture placed on the bridge; the interpretive panels, and the design of the bridge structure overall with the multiple overlooks and additional lighting,” she continued. Finally, the construction award recognized the concrete bridge decking that required work from below as well as the need for the concrete trucks to back up across the bridge to pour sections. Lisa pointed out, “There’s also concrete work in the four large monoliths at each end, and the former bridge abutment that is now a scenic interpretive overlook.”
The paved ADA compliant trail is closed to motorized vehicles but welcome to pets and bikers. Built on a former railroad bed, the trail is mostly level with gentle grades and crosses the Des Moines River. The modern structure which provides both a structure element as well as an artistic element is illuminated at night, allowing for use even in the non-daylight hours.
“We knew early on, even before the purchase of the corridor, that the Des Moines River crossing was a special place,” Hein said. “The Des Moines River corridor in this section is protected with public lands on both sides so there are tremendous scenic views, wildlife habitat, plus it’s a major migratory bird flyway. The railroad bridge crossing was at blufftop level so the views up and down the river valley extend several miles.
Incorporating art into the trail design was inspired by similar projects in Fairfield, Iowa and projects in Tucson, Arizona.
“The bridge art is designed to reflect the coal mining history of the region,” Hein said. “The monoliths are designed like layers of soil and coal, and the steel bridge cribs are based on the entrance framing into a coal mine. The blue lights are situated over the main river channel.”
While there is no preferred direction recommended, parking and access points are in each community the trail traverses. The areas closest to the bridge are located on QF Lane west of Madrid, Hein said.
“The most used section for walking is QF to the Bridge,” Hein said. “It’s possible to do a 50-mile round trip bike ride from any starting point.”
The High Trestle Trail and bridge crossing over the Des Moines River. [Photo/INHF]
Several interpretive kiosks at each of the bridge’s bump-outs, at the main overlook, and along the trail provide additional information. This trail connects to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater, Iowa.
“Ankeny is extending the trail south through town, and at Woodward we are working on connecting to the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Perry,” Hein said. “There are also bike lanes from Slater to Ames on county road R38.”
Executive Director of the Boone County Conservation Board Tanner Scheuermann said, “When the High Trestle trail and bridge were finally completed, I don’t think anyone from the surrounding community had any idea how immense the popularity of the trail would become.” The Board constantly receive calls from people nationwide who are either commenting on the spectacular artwork and view that the High Trestle Trail bridge has to offer or who are planning on visiting the trail in the future. According to Scheuermann, this attraction has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state of Iowa with tens of thousands of visitors annually. “I believe that the people in the surrounding community embrace this and are very welcoming,” she admits.
The High Trestle Trail not only draws in visitors to the region, it has impacted local economies and brought new amenities for trail visitors.
“It plays a key role in connecting small communities together through active recreation,” Fendrick said. “Many bike rides on the High Trestle Trail begin in one community and end in another community passing through several more communities along the way. This gives people the opportunity to stop and visit these small towns they typically do not get to visit. As a result, small businesses have established themselves in these small towns such as bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. A 2017 Economic Impact Study performed by Iowa State University claims that the High Trestle Trail brings in $7.7 million dollars of economic benefits annually”
Hein said the trail has allowed local communities to develop a “community identity.” One example is the town of Madrid, which changed their town logo their wayfinding signs and community amenities (like bike racks) have the HTT bridge design elements.
“Woodward has seen tremendous changes to surrounding land uses,” Hein explained. “A mostly abandoned trailer park was replaced with a new restaurant and bar that generates increased property tax revenues. Slater has a new restaurant and bar along the trail. Ankeny has developed their Ankeny Market Pavilion site at the trail terminus along with numerous new businesses and brew pub. Ankeny is working to be the trails hub for central Iowa and have developed a community plan to improve their trails, trail communication, bicycling, walking, wayfinding, etc.”
Scheuermann agreed. “There have been a number of economic opportunities that have been created, not just in Boone County but also in the other communities that serve the trail as well. The Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid and the Whistlin’ Donkey Sports Bar and Grill in nearby Woodward are two that immediately come to mind as they have probably benefitted the greatest from the trail. These two establishments sit directly adjacent to the trail where trail users frequently stop in for a bite to eat or to grab a cold beverage while on their way to and from the High Trestle Trail Bridge.”
Other examples of nearby amenities include Snus Hill Winery which Scheuermann said is only a short jaunt off the trail to the east of Madrid and Trailside Rentals & Guest House in Madrid which offers bike rentals.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the growth of economic development along the trail and surrounding communities and will continue to grow as the ever expanding trails network in central Iowa begins to broaden into the outer reaches of the state,” Scheuermann said.
A frequent visitor to the trail, Scheuermann said his organization hosts free public programs on the trail including snow shoe hikes, birding events, night hikes, and tours for local school groups, scout troops, and senior citizens on and around the High Trestle Trail annually.
“These events and the amount of time spent here have given myself and our staff a greater appreciation of the High Trestle Trail and its surrounding landscape when we interact and educate the public on the history of the trail, bridge, and the many ecosystems that encompass the trail,” he said. “My recommendation is for those who have not had a chance to come and visit the High Trestle Trail to grab the camping gear, throw in the bikes and plan a weekend and see for themselves all that this attraction has to offer.”
For those RVers on a day trip to the High Trestle Trail, two access points near the bridge offer the easiest access and parking for RVs.
“Delander Park Trailhead off Hwy 17 in Madrid and at the Ankeny trailhead off 1st Ave. These two trailheads have ample parking and turnaround space,” Hein said. “They are not RV campsites, though.”
For longer accommodations, visitors to the area have several RV parks to choose from. RVs and travel trailers can enjoy the trail and the hospitality of the region at Swede Point Park, a 128-acre wooded site managed by the Boone County Conservation Board. This is located less than two miles from a trailhead on QF Lane. There are 16 sites with gravel pads, modern fire rings, and 30-amp electrical hookups as well as several group sites that can accommodate RVers as well, Scheuermann said.
“Although these sites are not full hookup sites, there are plenty of hydrants where visitors can fill holding tanks as well as a dump station for wastewater, he explained. “There is also a modern shower/restroom facility for park visitors that is open from April through October.”
Plans are underway to build a trail spur that will eventually link Swede Point Park with the High Trestle Trail.
“Once completed we plan to increase and upgrade our current campground and facilities at Swede Point Park,” Scheuermann said. “This spur is also part of a larger trail plan to eventually connect the High Trestle Trail to the city of Boone, approximately 16 miles to the north.
Other campgrounds in the area include Ledges State Park, which is located approximately 10 miles north of the High Trestle Trail, with approximately 70 electric sites (15 full hookup), two modern shower facilities, and a dump station.
“Ledges is also one of the most visited state parks in Iowa and offers a landscape that is unlike anything found in central Iowa. Nearly four miles of trails allows access to the sandstone cliffs and spectacular views of the Pea’s Creek Canyon that make Ledge’s famous,” offered Scheuermann.
“Twelve miles to the south in Polk County, Jester Park offers 80 electric sites and two shower facilities,” Scheuermann said. “Jester Park is perfect for visitors who want close access to the High Trestle Trail as well as the amenities that the Des Moines metro area have to offer.”
Fendrick offers another alternative at Saylorville Lake Reservoir. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers in Polk City. there are four different campgrounds open to RVs.
Those in charge of the High Trestle Trail encourage people to stop in to visit and take in the artistic and award-winning design and visit some of the other local attractions.
“Boone County is home to one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes that can be found within the State of Iowa,” Scheuermann said. “For those who want to venture off of the beaten path, there are thousands of acres of wetlands, prairies, and forested areas that are open to the public throughout the Des Moines River valley and surrounding area.”
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