The Great Western Trail: An Adventure for Everyone
For a pdf brochure on the Great Western Trail, including a map, click here.
This 16.5 mile journey can be a step back into time as travelers witness a few remaining prairie and wetland remnants. The recently paved trail, managed jointly by the Warren and Polk County Conservation Boards, preserves some of Iowa’s endangered plants, those plants that had been wiped out in other parts of the state as land-use changes were made.
The Great Western trail heads are located across from the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse on Valley Drive in Des Moines and at Inwood Street in Martensdale. Your trip along the Great Western Trail is a journey into history. It will take you through the site of Lida, past the munitions train derailment and fire near North River and across the Churchville Prairie.
In 1914 no point in Iowa was more than 12 miles from a railroad. They served many small-town elevators and coal yards. The track was opened in 1899 by the Chicago, St. Paul and Kansas City Railroad. The Chicago & Northwestern was the last train company to use the rail line which originally ran from Des Moines to St. Joseph, Missouri. A few concrete mile markers giving the distance between the marker location and Kansas City can still be found standing as sentinels from the past.
The trail is full of adventure for the nature enthusiast, the history buff, and for those who simply wish to leave the noise and congestion of the city. Put on your hiking boots or hop on your bike and enjoy the trail.
Services
Restaurants and restrooms are available near the Des Moines and Martensdale trail heads and Cumming. Picnic mini shelters and water are located at Gear Street north of Martensdale, Coolidge Street south of Cumming and a picnic mini shelter is located south of 72nd Avenue in Polk County.
Trail Use Guidelines
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• Respect private property.
• Trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
• No horses are allowed.
• No motorized vehicles are allowed.
• Stay to the right of the trail - pass on the left.
• Do not park your bike on the trail.
• Observe all traffic signs — it’s the law.
• Complete rules are posted at trail head parking lots.
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For more information, contact:
11407 NW Jester Park Dr.
Granger, IA 50109
(515) 323-5300
15565 118th Avenue
Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 961-6169
Information on the Great Western Trail and more than forty other recreational trails in Iowa can be obtained from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Visit them at Iowa by Trail.
