Recreation Trails
Prairie Farmer Recreation Trail
The Prairie Farmer Recreation Trail stretches from Calmar to Cresco, following the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad line. Walk, jog, or bike along the trail and take in the views of native prairies and woodland wildlife!
Quick Facts
- Length: 20 miles
- Surface: Asphalt
- Hours: Year-round
- Cities: Calmar, Ridgeway, and Cresco
- Uses: Biking, hiking, jogging, nature viewing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (select stretches)
Access Points
- Calmar: Parking and access at intersection of Highway 52 and railroad crossing, just north of Highway 150/52/24 intersection
- State Highway 325: Parking and access at State Highway 325, north of Calmar
- Ridgeway: Parking at Ridgeway Trailside Park on east edge of town; Snowmobile access begins in Ridgeway and extends to near Cresco
- Howard-Winneshiek County Line: Parking and access on county road 345th Avenue, approximately 2 miles from Cresco trail terminus
- Cresco: North side of Highway 9
- Users may also access the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail at any road crossing, though parking may not be available
Click here for a map of the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail
Trout Run Trail
The scenic Trout Run Trail winds through historic and picturesque Decorah and the surrounding area, passing along dikes, abandoned rail beds, and private farmlands. The trail offers views of forested limestone bluffs, rare algific talus slopes, and the beautiful Oneota Valley and Upper Iowa River.
In addition to biking, walking, running, and cross-country skiing opportunities, the trail provides safe, non-motorized access to trout streams, the Upper Iowa River, and local parks, campgrounds, and businesses. Users might also choose to stop at the Decorah Fish Hatchery, home to Siewers Springs (the second largest natural spring in Iowa) and the famous Decorah eagles!
Quick Facts
- Length: 8 miles currently; 12-mile loop to be completed Fall 2012
- Surface: Asphalt
- Hours: Year-round
- Cities: Decorah
- Uses: Biking, hiking, running, fishing, nature viewing, cross-country skiing
Access Points
- Will Baker Park: West edge of Decorah off Pulpit Rock Road
- 5th Avenue Bridge: West edge of Decorah off Pulpit Rock Road
- Wold Park: Near Sumner Street east of Decorah High School
- Trout Run Park: East edge of Decorah off Highway 9, near Old Stage and Trout Run roads
- Decorah Fish Hatchery: 2325 Siewers Spring Road, south of Highway 9