Northeast Iowa Bike Guide

Overview

There are more than 200 miles of paved, granular, soft, and single-track trails spread across seven counties in Northeast Iowa. This extensive public trail network make Northeast Iowa a premier biking destination in Iowa and the Midwest and is a significant economic engine for local communities. Regional tourism partners report that bike trail maps are among the most requested items at trade shows, the Iowa State Fair, and in visitor centers. 

The Northeast Iowa Tourism Association (NEITA) consists of county-level tourism officials who collaboratively promote tourism across Northeast Iowa. NEITA identified the need for a region-wide map of bike trails to supplement and enhance the diverse maps that exist for individual trails. A regional map enables visitors to view the entire landscape of bike trails. It increases awareness of all trails, encourages extended stays by visitors to experience multiple trails, and provides a map for smaller trails for which producing an individual map is cost prohibitive. 

Northeast Iowa RC&D worked with NEITA to produce a 22.5″ x 34.5″ folding map of 28 bike trails in seven counties in Northeast Iowa (Allamakee, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek). Trail maps include mileage, difficulty, surface type, trailhead parking, and amenities like fix-it stations, restrooms, and water stations. The map also includes a “Best Ride-Worthy Stops” section that highlights parks, welcome centers, bike shops, and other features on or close to the trails. 

The Northeast Iowa Bike Guide is now available for free at at welcome and tourism centers in Northeast Iowa and is distributed at events and tradeshows, including the Iowa State Fair. It can also be downloaded or ordered directly from Northeast Iowa RC&D or NEITA. 

 

Project Partners

 

 

 

This guide was developed by Northeast Iowa RC&D on behalf of the Northeast Iowa Tourism Association. Major funding was provided by Travel Iowa, with additional support from Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative and Dairyland Power Cooperative. Additional contributions and support was provided by the following organizations: