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February 2026 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Tickets Now on Sale: Join Us for RRVTA's 20th Anniversary Banquet Tickets are now on sale for the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Annual Fundraising Banquet — and this year’s event is extra special as we celebrate 20 years of the RRVTA. Mark Phippen, Director of RAGBRAI The banquet brings together trail supporters from across central Iowa for an evening of community, storytelling, and support for one of the nation’s iconic trails. Proceeds help advance trail a
1 day ago6 min read


January 2026 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Matt Phippen of RAGBRAI Named Featured Speaker for RRVTA Banquet The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is excited to announce that Matt Phippen, Director of RAGBRAI, will be the featured speaker at our 2026 Annual Banquet on Saturday, April 11, at Country Lane Lodge in Adel. Matt Phippen, Director of RAGBRAI Matt became Director of RAGBRAI in 2022, stepping into leadership of one of Iowa’s most iconic traditions. At the banquet, Matt will share insights from his years wi
Jan 126 min read


December 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Now Accepting Nominations: RRVTA Trail Champion Award Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the Raccoon River Valley Trail? Since the first segment of the trail opened in 1989, countless people have helped transform the RRVT into one of Iowa’s premier destinations for outdoor recreation. The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA), now celebrating 20 years of volunteer-led support, is honoring those trailblazers who have made a lasting differe
Dec 16, 20257 min read


November 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Lighted Bridge Repairs Set to Begin - Fundraising Goal Surpassed! The long-awaited repairs to the Lighted Bridge in Adel are officially on the horizon! Dallas County will enter into construction contracts in December 2025, marking an exciting milestone for one of the most recognized landmarks along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Project Overview The total cost for the bridge restoration — including construction, engineering, and a 10% contingency — is currently estimated at
Nov 24, 20256 min read


October 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Trail Rides Raises Support for Bridge and Resurfacing Projects The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association wrapped up September with two successful fundraising rides — “Bridge Us Back” on September 20 and “Pave the Way” on September 27. Nearly 100 riders joined in the fun over the two weekends to support two major trail improvement projects: the rebuilding of Adel’s iconic Lighted Bridge and the resurfacing of the North Loop between Yale and Winkleman Switch. Each event combin
Oct 17, 20256 min read


September 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
RRVT Trail Infrastructure Updates Bridge Us Back Campaign This is the latest update on the repair of the Lighted Bridge in Adel, which...
Aug 22, 20255 min read


July 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Two Major Trail Projects Need Your Support The Raccoon River Valley Trail is facing two significant infrastructure challenges, and we...
Jul 21, 20254 min read


June 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Fire-Damaged Lighted Bridge in Adel Faces Long Road to Reopening The beloved Lighted Bridge in Adel, a key feature of the Raccoon River...
Jun 10, 20255 min read


May 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Celebrate Trails Day Draws Riders and History Buffs to the RRVT Over 50 bicyclists gathered on April 26 to commemorate the national...
May 14, 20257 min read


April 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Celebrate Trails Day Bike Ride on the RRVT - April 26 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Location: Yale, Iowa Start Time: 12:00 PM...
Apr 3, 20254 min read


March 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Annual RRVTA Banquet The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet took place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the...
Mar 3, 20256 min read


February 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 Join us for the annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet on Saturday,...
Feb 10, 20253 min read


January 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet is set for Saturday, February...
Jan 24, 20254 min read


December 2024 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 Mark your calendars! The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet is set...
Dec 16, 20243 min read


November 2024 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 Mark your calendars! The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet is set...
Nov 21, 20243 min read


October 2024 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Great News! The “Lighted Bridge” on the east edge of Adel which has been closed for repairs and updates for the past few months will be...
Oct 21, 20244 min read


September 2024 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
At Long Last, They Are Connected The long-anticipated connection between the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) and the High Trestle Trail...
Sep 5, 20246 min read


August 2024 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Raccoon River Valley Trail and High Trestle Trail Now Connected: Opening Aug. 17! We are happy to report that the extension of the High...
Aug 1, 20245 min read


Raccoon River Valley Trail and High Trestle Trail Now Connected!
We are happy to report that the extension of the High Trestle Trail to connect with the Raccoon River Valley Trail will now be completed...
Aug 1, 20241 min read


Raccoon River Valley Trail Itineraries
The Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is an enchanting 89-mile paved trail traversing four counties in Central Iowa, meandering through...
Jul 17, 20247 min read

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