February 2026 Trail News
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
February is the month, 2026 the year that Clarence Boesenberg turns 100!
Nikki Northrup, our roving LCTA Board member, caught up with Clarence biking on the trail today. Clarence is a long-time trail supporter (who did his first RAGBRAI at 86!) and is an inspiration to us all to just get out there and do it! Please wish him a Happy Birthday!
In this edition:
CeMar Trail and Alliant LightLine Bridge
A Surprise!
Cedar Rapids awarded SILVER Status as a Bike Friendly Community!
NEW FEATURE Trail Connections Story: Gravel, Fat Bike & More in Cedar Rapids
Trail report: Dows Maniti Trail – engineering work has begun
Opening in 2026
The CeMar Trail will connect Cedar Rapids to Marion! And the Alliant Lightline Bridge will be open in 2026! Okay it may be towards the end of the year but we are excited to welcome both of these major connections to the Linn County Trail System!
The Surprise!
Exciting news for passage going from the LightLine Bridge east to Prairie Park and the Sac and Fox Trail. A 12’ wide paved trail will be built with a Flood Control project between the Alliant Energy Substation, Cargill and the River. The trail will be integral to the flood wall. Construction is expected to start this year, with completion in 2027.
Bicycle Friendly Community Award (SILVER)
The City of Cedar Rapids was recently awarded SILVER status as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The City has been at BRONZE status since 2012, so this is a significant accomplishment. Iowa City is the only other City/Town in Iowa with this designation!
Trail Connections: Gravel, Fat Bike & More in Cedar Rapids
By Michael Plagge
Looking for a great gravel route in Cedar Rapids?
Need a fat bike–friendly option for winter riding?
This flexible 16-mile loop has it all — gravel, optional MTB singletrack, winter fat biking, and even a stop by a petting zoo.
The route begins in NewBo, starting with a short road spin from 12th St & Otis Road to Prairie Park. From there, you’ll roll through the park and onto the scenic Sac & Fox Trail. Stick to the main trail for a smooth gravel cruise, or branch off onto light singletrack for a little extra fun.
When snow permits, the singletrack is groomed specifically for fat biking by the awesome crew at LAMBA — making this a fantastic winter option.
At the end of the Sac & Fox, connect to the Interurban Trail, which leads you to Bever Park. Along the way, you’ll pass the Waterfowl Center and Old MacDonald’s Farm — a unique and family-friendly highlight.
From there, it’s just about a mile on Bever to 3rd Avenue, where bike lanes guide you to 3rd St SE and back to your starting point in NewBo.
Bonus: NewBo makes the perfect spot for a post-ride beverage or bite to eat.
Whether you're riding gravel, bringing the fat bike out for winter miles, or mixing in some singletrack, this route delivers variety and fun year-round.
Dows Maniti Trail plans
Engineering is starting for the Dows Maniti Trail. Exciting news as we learn that this major north south trail connection will link the Sac and Fox Trail and Interurban Trail to Wanatee Park and the Grant Wood Trail.
Cedar Rapids Mountain Bike Club
Check out the local single-track trails and bring the kids/grandkids! For those interested in signing up for the CR Mountain Bike Club there will be a Parents Kick-off Meeting, Marion Public Library 6 PM on March 12!
Trails are in good shape, weather dependent. Single-track Trails can be found adjacent to the Sac and Fox Trail, Seminole Valley, Beverly Park, Creek Confluence (close to the Boyson Trail), Pinicon Ridge and Wanatee Park.
Projects on hold:
Grant Wood Trail between Council Street and Center Point Rd is on hold due to ongoing conversations with the rail company. Dropping down to 51st St is the alternative path, but we are still hopeful the route will remain on the rail line.
Engineering design work revealed that the Edgewood Road Trail from Glass Rd NE to 42nd Street NE may need to be on the East side of Edgewood Rd. Alternatives are being reviewed.
Business Donors 2025 and so far into 2026!
A HUGE THANKS to our amazing business donors in 2025 and into 2026! We appreciate your support to leverage trail dollars - many federal and state trail grants require an 80/20 community match. This is one of the many reasons why Cedar Rapids is now a SILVER Bicycle Friendly Community!
