New book invites Iowans to rediscover one of the state's oldest journeys - and one of its most scenic drives.
Iowa is full of routes worth exploring, but few have the history of the Historic Dragoon Trail.
University of Northern Iowa history professor Kevin T. Mason recently shared the story behind his new book, Retracing the Dragoon Trail in Iowa: Environmental Transformation on the Des Moines River, during a presentation at the Cascade Public Library.
Released on April 1, the book retraces the 1835 expedition of the First U.S. Dragoons, one of the earliest organized military explorations of what would become Iowa. The expedition documented the state's rivers, prairies, wildlife, soils, and Native American communities while helping shape future transportation routes and settlement across the region.
A Journey That Helped Shape Iowa
The expedition was led by Stephen Watts Kearny, with Nathan Boone- youngest son of legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone—and engineer Albert Miller Lea playing key roles.
Their 1,000-mile expedition crossed much of Iowa at a time when the landscape looked dramatically different than it does today. Their journals recorded not only what they encountered, but also what they believed Iowa could become.
Nearly two centuries later, Mason set out to better understand that journey by walking approximately 371 miles along the expedition's original route, averaging 15–18 miles per day over 21 days.
Exploring the Dragoon Trail Today
Today's Historic Dragoon Trail is designated as a scenic driving route spanning roughly 200 miles from the Fort Dodge area to Lake Red Rock between Pella and Knoxville.
Unlike many of Iowa's bicycle trails, the Dragoon Trail follows a combination of state highways, county highways, paved county roads, and streets through several Iowa communities. While portions of the route travel on lower-volume roads that can be enjoyable to ride, other segments include higher-speed highways that may be less comfortable for many cyclists.
Because of that, cyclists considering the route should carefully review maps, traffic volumes, and shoulder widths before riding. Many sections are suitable for experienced road cyclists, while others may be better enjoyed by vehicle with opportunities to stop and explore communities, parks, and historic sites along the way.
A Different Way to Experience Iowa
Whether you're traveling by car or bicycle, the Dragoon Trail offers a fascinating way to experience Iowa through the lens of history.
The route winds through rolling countryside, river valleys, historic towns, and landscapes that continue to tell the story of Iowa's transformation from frontier to farmland, and eventually to the vibrant communities we know today.
For those who enjoy combining history with exploration, Mason's work provides another reason to get out and discover parts of Iowa that often go unnoticed.
BIKEIOWA NOTE
At BIKEIOWA, we're always looking for new ways to explore Iowa.
While the Historic Dragoon Trail isn't a dedicated bicycle route, it offers countless opportunities to discover historic communities, scenic backroads, and attractions that can easily be incorporated into a weekend ride or road trip. Sometimes the destination is only part of the adventure - the stories you uncover along the way are what make the journey memorable.
History has always been part of the ride.
RIDE. STAY. PLAY.