The best cycling routes in Dallas County

Eat fresh.

They've got this thing locked down. A trail closure sign is accompanied by a large, wrap-around chain link fence. The locals say a few teenagers lit fireworks under the bridge, which is made of wood, and set it ablaze. I was hoping to pass through to Waukee, but that doesn't appear to be an option until funding comes through.

This trailhead boasts several benches and tables, a bike rack that looks like bicycles, educational signage, and an interactive music garden. As you come through town, there are multiple signs throughout that point you to various things (historic tour, interactive mural, etc.). It is well maintained and features a brick pathway. PSA: multiple portions of this trail are closed. There is adequate signage but I'm used to ignoring them, as other places tend to leave them up long after the work is finished. This is not so with Adel. If you're trying to pass through, you won't make it.

A portion (or segment) of the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) between the towns of Dallas Center and Waukee; the trail links to several other multi-use pathways throughout central Iowa.

A portion (or segment) of the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) between the towns of Minburn and Dallas Center; the trail links to several other multi-use pathways throughout central Iowa.

The Freedom Rocks are a fun, patriotic tourist attraction throughout the state of Iowa that began in 1999. In all 99 counties, you’ll find a large rock painted with portraits of soldiers and local history. The Artist, Bubba Sorensen, describes the project as “a unique 99-piece mural”. This particular rock is for Dallas County. You can learn more (and access the tour guide) here: thefreedomrock.com/iowa-fr-tour

Colby Park is a large recreational area planted beside a church and tucked into a multi-use paved trail. They have a MASSIVE playground for kiddos, wide open grassy areas, picnic tables and benches, and a stage for live music. It seemed busy in the evening when we were there.

There’s a group called BCycle Bike Share (owned by Bicycle Transit Systems). They have these stations along the trail (Clive Greenbelt) that allow you to rent traditional or electronic bikes. It’s managed on a free app, where you can purchase by the minute, hour, or opt for an annual pass. The whole process was smooth sailing. The bikes (while needing some tune ups — like the front break, for instance) were decent road bikes and fun for the family to try something new! We went over the hour we booked them for, and they only charged us for the time we used instead of clocking a full second hour, which was very generous. They seem to be a hit around here, as they have several locations and all have bikes that are out. Unfortunately, as far as iowa goes, this is the only city they’re in. I’d love to see them other places along trails — in some of our rural areas. I think their presence could teach kids about alternative transportation and open doors by giving them an experience they won’t have otherwise.