Type: Nature Trail
Length: 15 miles
Surface: Mix
In Jan 2014 a Federal Grant of $143,434 will be used to re-surface the entire Old Creamery Nature Trail, from Vinton to Garrison to Dysart. This re-surfacng will include preparing the trail base (grading and spraying vegetation), laying a 2" clean base rock for the wet areas of the trail and to raise it 2" to 4" in height, rip rap around the 9 bridges, laying down a weed barrier, surfacing the trail with lime chip 12 foot across the trail and 4" thick, and grading, rolling and watering the trail to ensure firmness.
Condition
Needs Work
Grade - Unknown
Amenities
Description
The Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad abandoned the track in
1994. It was purchased by the Iowa Trails Council in 1995. Local
volunteers began work on the trail in 2000. The name comes from Iowa’s
only professional theater company, once located in Garrison in an old
creamery, just steps away from the train tracks. The trail is now 14.25
miles of packed limestone with one additional paved mile on the west end
in Dysart. Part of the trail is open, and part is wooded. There was
great damage from the 2011 derecho, as the trail was almost in the
center of the storm’s path. There are nine bridges and each mile is
marked.
In 2010 the trail was donated to the Benton County Conservation. This
has increased the volunteer and maintenance base, improved access to
equipment and services, and provided a savings on insurance. There has
been increased exposure to the public, as well more opportunities to
receive grants and funding. The trail group still meets monthly spring
to fall to support the trail and help with fund-raising.
Activities on the trail include biking, jogging, walking, cross
country skiing, bird watching, nature study, and photography. Two newer
activities are geo-caching, a type of GPS treasure hunting, and
snowmobiling, which was controversial, but proved to be a positive
decision because it packs the trail and decreases vandalism. Snowmobiles
are the only motorized vehicles allowed, except for special events or
maintenance.
Location - Where is this Trail?
Trailheads
Sites & Attractions
History of the Trail
Contributors
The following members have contributed to the above Trail content.
This trail was last edited by ss on Feb 27, 2014.