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Located in the gorgeous Iowa Great Lakes region, the Tatonka Ska Trace is a developing rail-trail that will be 37 miles when complete. The trail's name comes from the Lakota Sioux language, meaning "white buffalo." The name was chosen as the result of a contest held at a rally event to build support for the project. The rail-trail is ADA compliant and during the winter it is open for snowmobiling
Following an abandoned stretch of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, the rail-trail winds through Osceola County and Dickinson County—connecting the communities of Allendorf, Ocheyedan, Harris, Lake Park, Montgomery, Spirit Lake, and Orleans, ending just west of Superior. At its western end in Allendorf, the trail will connect with the Ed Winkel Memorial Trail.
As of 2023, the paved multiuse trail is about 11 miles, running between Spirit Lake and Lake Park. In the city of Spirit Lake, the rail-trail connects to the popular Iowa Great Lakes Trail at the Tatanka Ska Trailhead, which has restrooms, picnic tables, benches, a drinking fountain, a bike repair station, and a charging station.
The County Trails Board is actively working on expanding the trail and has already renovated a series of historic bridges and culverts along the railroad route in anticipation of the future trail.
As it grows, the Tatonka Ska Trace will provide a great means of recreation and transportation across a wide stretch of northern Iowa, giving residents and visitors alike a chance to get out and experience the history and beauty of the region.
No dedicated parking is available for this trail as of yet; parking may be available at nearby local businesses. Be sure to follow any posted parking signs and regulations. Trail users can also utilize the trailhead for the Iowa Great Lakes Trail at Lincoln Avenue and 23rd Street in Spirit Lake, and follow that trail to connect with the start of the Tatonka Ska Trace.
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