ABOUT THE LOOP
After serving as a railroad right-of-way beginning in the 1800s, the Raccoon River Valley Trail now attracts more than 350,000 Iowans and tourists every year.
HISTORY
The Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) follows a former railroad corridor built in the late 1800s, originally connecting Des Moines to northwest Iowa. The rail line opened in 1881 and became part of the Milwaukee Road, serving passengers and freight for decades before passenger service ended in 1952 and rail operations ceased entirely in the 1980s.
In 1987, the former rail corridor was preserved through a partnership between the Central Iowa Power Cooperative, local conservation boards, and trail advocates, paving the way for a multi-use trail. The first section opened in 1989, with the original 34-mile route completed in 1990. Over the following decades, the trail expanded through Greene County and east to the Des Moines metro, eventually forming an 89-mile paved loop—the longest paved loop trail in the United States.
The RRVT takes its name from the Raccoon River, which winds alongside much of the trail. In 2006, the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association was established to promote, preserve, and enhance the trail, while Iowa State University students designed the trail's recognizable raccoon logo.
The trail has earned statewide and national recognition, including designation as one of Iowa's Great Places in 2015 and induction into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame in 2021.
Recent years have brought continued investment, including public art, restored depots, improved signage, trail amenities, and the restoration of Adel's iconic lighted bridge. In 2024, a new nine-mile connection between Perry and Woodward linked the RRVT to the High Trestle Trail, creating 86- and 118-mile loop options for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Today, the RRVT continues to connect the same communities it served more than 140 years ago. What was once a railroad fueling local economies has become one of Iowa's premier recreational destinations, bringing visitors, supporting local businesses, and preserving the history and character of the communities along its route.
SUPPORT
THE RRVT!
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) relies on the support of many individuals and organizations to promote and enhance our historic and Hall of Fame trail for enjoyment by local and nationwide trail enthusiasts.
The RRVTA is an all-volunteer operated organization, and we are thankful for your consideration of joining us to continue improving the trail experience for its local and national users!