Celebrate the Opening of the High Trestle Trail on April 30

The five towns, four counties and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation welcome you to celebrate the grand opening of the High Trestle Trail!

Below is the short list of activities planned for The Grand Celebration. You will also find food, beverage and entertainment. Most activities are free and no registration is required. This event is planned rain or shine. Each community is planning some indoor locations in case of inclement weather.

Click on the towns name to find more details, along with local attractions and events along the trail all year.

Ankeny – Pancake breakfast, trail dedication, Kids bike ride

Sheldahl – Antique engine display, Kids bike rally, Face painting, Hobo camp, Bake sale, Gospel music

Slater – Pancake breakfast, Art in the park, Band and beer tent

Madrid – Vintage bicycle show, Car show, Bike rodeo, Quilt show, Coal mine replicas, DJ & live music, Bike & horse meet’n’greet, High Trestle Trail Artists at Snus Hill Winery

Woodward – Farm animals, Art displays, Civil war demonstrations and styles, Drum line performances, Quilt show

The Oasis – Music, food, games and special “give away”

Click to download a High Trestle Trail Map

A souvenir Grand Celebration Passport will be available prior to the event (details pending) or in the trail towns on April 30. Plan to have yours stamped along the way! Commemorative High Trestle Trail shirts are available now in each community or to order online.

The High Trestle Trail exists today because of the broad community support from the cities and counties along the trail, state and federal agencies, elected officials, corporations, individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Thanks to all – including the many Grand Celebration volunteers!

Facts about the High Trestle Trail and bridge

• The High Trestle Trail is built on a former railroad bed, previously owned by Union Pacific Railroad.
• The 25-mile long trail connects the communities of Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward.
• The trail was designed by Snyder & Associates. The bridge was designed by Snyder & Associates and Shuck-Britson, Inc.. The bridge art was designed by RDG Planning & Design. 
• There are six overlooks on the bridge with interpretive panels that highlight the region’s cultural and natural history.
• The 13-story high bridge over the Des Moines River was completed in 1973. The concrete piers replaced the original 1912 railroad trestle.
• The decking was removed by Union Pacific Railroad in 2004/2005 and moved to the Kate Shelly High Bridge west of Boone.
• At each end of the ½ mile long bridge are four 42’ tall artistic towers. The dark bands represent geologic coal veins found in area limestone deposits.
• 41 steel “frames” over the bridge represent support cribs within an historic coal mine.

For more information about High Trestle Trail-related events or to volunteer for the Grand Celebration, e-mail Andrea Chase at INHF, phone 515-288-1846.

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