From river valleys to rolling farmland, these overnight towns set the tone for RAGBRAI LIII
RAGBRAI LIII will be held from July 18-25, 2026.
Total Miles: 391.4 -This is officially the shortest route in RAGBRAI's 53-year history.
Total Elevation: 16,027 -10th hilliest ride ever.
RAGBRAI's Official Route Page
- Miles: 0 - RAGBRAI Expo Day!
- Elevation: 0 ft
- Population: 2,906
- Last hosted: 2018, 2004, 1995, 1987, 1983, 1977
- About: Perched above the Missouri River floodplain in western Iowa, Onawa is the county seat of Monona County and one of the state’s westernmost communities.
- Must See: Take in views of the Missouri River floodplain and explore Onawa’s compact downtown, one of the westernmost communities in Iowa.
- Local Bicycle Shop: none
- Eating & drinking establishments: 10+
- Convenience Stores: 7
- Social: coming soon!
Day 1 - Sun, July 19th - Onawa to Harlan
- Miles: 58.5
- Elevation: 3,465 ft
- Population: 4,893
- Last hosted: 2013, 2008, 2000, 1994, 1983, 1976
- About: Harlan is the Shelby County seat and a regional hub in west-central Iowa, known for its strong downtown, community pride, and rolling surrounding farmland.
- Must See: Visit Harlan’s lively town square and historic Shelby County Courthouse, a centerpiece of the community since the late 1800s.
- Local Bicycle Shop: none
- Eating & drinking establishments: 20
- Convenience Stores: 8
- Social: coming soon!
- Miles: 53.9
- Elevation: 3,554 ft
- Population: 1,593
- Last hosted: 1983, 1974
- About: As the county seat of Guthrie County, Guthrie Center sits along the Middle Raccoon River and is closely tied to nearby state parks and outdoor recreation.
- Must See: Check out the Middle Raccoon River corridor and nearby Springbrook State Park, a popular spot for camping, hiking, and paddling.
- Local Bicycle Shop: none
- Eating & drinking establishments: 8
- Convenience Stores: 4
- Social: coming soon!
- Miles: 59.5
- Elevation: 1,503 ft
- Population: 12,460
- Last hosted: 2011, 1998, 1988, 1975
- About: Boone is a historic railroad town and Boone County seat, best known for its proximity to the Des Moines River Valley and the iconic Kate Shelley High Bridge.
- Must See: Don’t miss the Kate Shelley High Bridge, one of the tallest and longest double-track railroad bridges in the United States.
- Local Bicycle Shop: none
- Eating & drinking establishments: 35
- Convenience Stores: 10
- Social: coming soon!
- Miles: 62.2
- Elevation: 1,563 ft
- Population: 27,886
- Last hosted: 2012, 2004, 1994, 1974
- About: Marshalltown is a diverse central-Iowa city and Marshall County seat with a strong manufacturing base and a revitalized downtown following recent recovery efforts.
- Must See: Explore the Fisher Community Center and downtown Marshalltown, a key gathering place that symbolizes the city’s resilience and renewal.
- Local Bicycle Shop: Black Tire Bike Company
- Eating & drinking establishments: 70
- Convenience Stores: 18
- Social: coming soon!
- Miles: 81.4
- Elevation: 2,713 ft
- Population: 6,064
- Last hosted: 2014, 2007, 1982
- About: Independence, the seat of Buchanan County, is located along the Wapsipinicon River and features a walkable downtown and extensive park system.
- Must See: Ride or walk along the Wapsipinicon River and explore Independence’s riverfront parks and scenic trail connections.
- Local Bicycle Shop: Circle Eight Cyclery
- Eating & drinking establishments: 25
- Convenience Stores: 8
- Social: coming soon!
- Miles: 42.2
- Elevation: 1,441 ft
- Population: 4,477
- Last hosted: 2007, 1989
- About: Dyersville is a Dubuque County community best known as the home of the Field of Dreams movie site and its strong ties to Iowa’s baseball and farming heritage.
- Must See: Visit the iconic Field of Dreams, one of Iowa’s most recognized landmarks and a must-stop photo opportunity.
- Local Bicycle Shop: none
- Eating & drinking establishments: 20
- Convenience Stores: 6
- Social: coming soon!
- Miles: 33.7
- Elevation: 1,788ft
- Population: 58,987
- Last hosted: 2010, 1993, 1983, 1974
- About: Dubuque, Iowa’s oldest city, sits along the Mississippi River and combines river bluffs, historic architecture, and a vibrant downtown riverfront.
- Must See: Experience Dubuque’s Mississippi Riverfront and historic bluffs, where river views, museums, and downtown energy come together.
- Local Bicycle Shop: Free Flight Bikes and Bicycle World Inc, The Bike Shack
- Eating & drinking establishments: 120
- Convenience Stores: 25
- Social: coming soon!
From quiet rural miles to vibrant overnight towns, each community along the route adds its own flavor, making RAGBRAI LIII a dynamic cross-state ride through Iowa.
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For RAGBRAI LIII, the Community Fund will support Iowa’s Community Bicycle Shops, directing funds to six organizations working year-round to remove barriers to bicycling across the state. Beneficiaries include
Together, these groups share a common mission: making bicycles accessible to everyone. From refurbishing and distributing bikes to unhoused and underserved riders, to youth education, skill-building, and advocacy for safer bike infrastructure, Iowa’s community bike shops play a vital role in strengthening local cycling culture far beyond RAGBRAI week.
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Well done RAGBRAI Team !!
The pass-through communities will be announced in April!
Here are some other News we've posted with LOTS more details!