Ride the edge...
Why River's Edge?
Iowa was once a place of abundant environmental diversity and resources. Development and focus on Iowa’s agricultural advantages led to the Iowa most people know today, with rolling hills of farm production. However, those who experience Iowa over a long time know that hidden natural gems are abundant throughout the state.
For those in east central Iowa, the Iowa River is one of those places. From a distance, agricultural fields appear bisected by tree outcroppings.
Closer exploration unveils an expansive greenway and the quietly flowing waters of the Iowa River.
Those who discover the Iowa River find they get lost in a place that feels unlike most of Iowa. That is where the “River’s Edge” transforms us—where nature comforts us, exploration ignites us, and the experience builds anticipation for us to return.
Those involved in this plan endeavored to create an unforgettable regional trail. The vision, created with the voices of the community, articulates a concept for an experience along the Iowa River—a concept to showcase the unique area of the Iowa River Valley and the communities that emerged because of river and rail. The project team is grateful for the contributions of everyone invested in the planning for Iowa River’s Edge Trail, who gave their time, ideas, and expertise to the creation of this plan. It is only because of their assistance and direction that this plan gained the necessary depth to truly understand the experience desired for the trail, and it is with their commitment that the plan will be implemented.
Vision & Goals
River’s Edge is an experience that….
Accommodates all user groups.
Treats placemaking as economic development.
Ensures continuity among trail elements.
Protects the environment.
Involves locals.
Inspires through art and nature.
Bridges communities of both town and country.
Highlights places of energy and those of quiet contemplation.
Recreation Opportunities
Water is a resource beyond food and hydration.
Transportation routes evolved around water as a resource to ship goods, and the flat topography lent itself to rail transportation. However, the proliferation of the automobile and interstate highway system contributed to significant decline in railroad transportation.
One such railroad line from Marshalltown to Steamboat Rock was decommissioned and abandoned by the federal government. Similar results led to the national “Rails to Trails” movement to transform these former railroad corridors into recreational trails. River’s Edge Trail connects Marshalltown and Steamboat Rock — a total of 34 miles.
Economic Impact
Trails are a new form of economic development and provide many benefits for the communities they serve. Organizers realized the need to create a full-on trail experience to be remembered and talked about. The Placemaking Master Plan was championed to think creatively about all aspects of the trail as an opportunity for a unique experience. This plan was tasked with providing communities and counties along Iowa River’s Edge Trail a guidebook for placemaking.
“It’s like ‘Field of Dreams’—if you build it, they will come. Once you have established a destination, it will be a wonderful trail for people to explore the outdoors. People are noticing. My wife’s sister is a biker and she and her husband are constantly looking for trails to ride on.”
Mike Stegman, Marshall County Conservation
Environmental Preservation
“It’s exciting to see it develop. Once the trail is completed, it’s going to be a real draw for the area—complimenting what we already have; camping, cabins, trails, and river use. I definitely view it favorably and hope we can market it as a mini-vacation/get-away spot.”
Wes Wiese, Hardin County Conservation Director
Education
Trails are a new form of economic development and provide many benefits for the communities they serve. Organizers realized the need to create a full-on trail experience to be remembered and talked about. The Placemaking Master Plan was championed to think creatively about all aspects of the trail as an opportunity for a unique experience. This plan was tasked with providing communities and counties along Iowa River’s Edge Trail a guidebook for placemaking.
Community Development
The dispersion of towns along the trail makes the route particularly appealing for active transportation. With no more than 6.9 miles between each town, users are comforted to know amenities are always close. But these towns add much more than a refuge for trail users. They represent a history of water and rail-oriented development and current agricultural hubs for the local economy. Each town is truly unique and has a special role to play in the River’s Edge experience.
AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL
6,800+ miles of continuous, multi-use trail stretches from Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California. When complete, the trail will pass the south gateway to River’s Edge.
