Great Western Trail (Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Western Trail |
|
|---|---|
The Great Western Trail south of Cumming
|
|
| Length | 16.5 mi (26.6 km) |
| Location | Central Iowa, United States |
| Established | 1992 |
| Trailheads | Des Moines Cumming Martensdale |
| Use | Hiking, biking |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Right of way | Formerly the Chicago and North Western Railway. |
The Great Western Trail is a fun path in central Iowa, United States. It's a special kind of trail called a rail trail, which means it was once a railroad track! This trail is perfect for people who love to hike, bike, or just enjoy nature.
Contents
About the Great Western Trail
This awesome trail is about 16.5 miles long. That's like walking or biking for a long time! It's paved with smooth asphalt, which makes it great for bikes and walkers.
Where Does the Trail Go?
The trail starts in Water Works Park in Des Moines. From there, it winds through different places. You'll see quiet suburban neighborhoods, a golf course called Willow Creek, open fields, and pretty farmland. It even goes through a lovely wooded area near the North River. The trail ends in a town called Martensdale. Along the way, you can also access it from Cumming.
A Path with History
The Great Western Trail follows the path of an old railroad line. This railway was built way back in 1899 by the Chicago, St. Paul and Kansas City Railroad. The trail gets its name from the Chicago Great Western Railway. This company was the last one to run trains on this part of the track, and they stopped in 1968.
Who Takes Care of the Trail?
Keeping the trail nice and safe for everyone is a big job! The Great Western Trail is looked after by the Conservation Boards of Polk and Warren Counties. They work hard to make sure the trail is a great place for outdoor activities.
