Prairie Farmer Rec. Trail (Winneshiek County Trail):
Iowa
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Description:
The Prairie Farmer Rec. Trail (a.k.a. Winneshiek County Trail) was named for a radio show once broadcast throughout the Midwest. The trail occupies the right-of-way of the former Milwaukee Railroad, which ran between Calmar to Cresco through these parts.

The trail is unique in that much of it passes among the few remaining of Midwestern prairies, home to rare native species that once flourished throughout the now-vanishing ecosystem.

The trail also passes among wooded areas and farmland. Nearby parks include Chimney Rock and Kendallville, both offering canoe access to the Upper Iowa River, with its bluffs and limestone cliffs. West of Calmar Lake you'll find Meyer Park, which has picnicking, boating and camping.

As you journey along the Prairie Farmer Rec. Trail, imagine what the first settlers might have encountered. Stop by the charming communities along the way and meet their descendants.

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Parking & Trail Access:
Parking areas are located at the trailheads in Calmar and Cresco. At an approximate mid-point of the trail is Ridgeway Park another convenient parking area. Additional parking can be at any road crossing located approximately every mile.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
Snowmobiling in winter months, of course. Only the portion from near Cresco to Ridgeway is reserved for snowmobiles.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Smooth Paved Trail
By timbee in June, 2010
This trail is now paved and it's very smooth. I started in Cresco where there isn't a clearly defined trailhead; heading eastward you ride on a wide concrete sidewalk for a mile or 2; then after turning south it turns into asphalt the rest of the way. Most of the way small trees & bushes shield you from the prairie winds; the scenery is pretty much farm buildings, fields & pasture. I passed only one other biker and a county guy spraying weeds who was very friendly. About half ways you go thru tiny Ridgeway on poorly marked streets; at the southern end of Ridgeway there is a nice trailhead (except the bathrooms are terrible). There are benches, parking & a water pump (which I didn't try).

Onward towards Calmar & it's more of the same except for the last few miles which are a little hilly with more trees. The trailhead in Calmar is an old railroad depot. There's a "Mom & Pop" restaurant directly across the street from it (with many old photos displayed). Both Calmar & Cresco seem to have lots of older buildings & history worth investigating. This trail is only 20 miles or so south of Harmony, MN with its famous "Harmony-Preston/Root River" trails; definately worth a side trip for something new.
Nice surface, low traffic
By turn2 in August, 2009
My wife and I had an opportunity to ride this trail on a hot, windy August Saturday. Traffic was very low, we were well buffered from the wind in most places and the trail was in excellent shape.

Pros:

* Great new asphalt surface.
* Just enough cover to dampen the wind in an otherwise exposed area.
* Pretty Northeast IA countryside and farmland beyond trail.
* More butterflies than I have seen on any trail.
* Not crowded at all.

Cons:

* Lots of road noise between Cresco and Ridgeway.
* Not enough mature cover for much wildlife.
* Forced to the streets going through Ridgeway.
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