Upcoming Events on the Trail Bacoon Ride – June 20 The Bacoon Ride returns on June 20 and continues to be one of Iowa’s most popular and unique cycling events. This fun, social ride takes participants through several Raccoon River Valley Trail communities, with themed bacon stops along the way that have become a signature part of the experience. Riders can choose their distance and pace, making this event accessible for a wide range of participants—from casual riders to more

Upcoming Events on the Trail The Raccoon River Valley Trail was busy the first half of May with two major events bringing riders and runners to the region. Gary’s Annual Brain Cancer Bike Ride on May 16 drew participants from across central Iowa for a meaningful day of cycling, community, and support in the fight against brain cancer. Riders traveled from Waukee to Dallas Center along the trail, finishing with a celebration downtown. The event once again highlighted how the t

RRVTA Celebrates 20 Years Chuck Offenburger receives Trail Champion Award The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association’s 20th Anniversary Banquet was a tremendous success, bringing together one of the largest crowds in the event’s history for an evening of celebration, connection, and support for the trail. Held at Country Lane Lodge in Adel, the banquet highlighted not only the growth of the RRVT over the past two decades, but also the strong community that continues to rally

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 will be especially meaningful as we celebrate 20 years of volunteer leadership and support for the Raccoon River Valley Trail . A highlight of this year’s celebration will be the presentation of the Trail Champion Award to Chuck Offenburger , the well-known Iowa journalist, storytell

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. Matt 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

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

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

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

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

RRVT Trail Infrastructure Updates Bridge Us Back Campaign This is the latest update on the repair of the Lighted Bridge in Adel, which...

Two Major Trail Projects Need Your Support The Raccoon River Valley Trail is facing two significant infrastructure challenges, and we...

Fire-Damaged Lighted Bridge in Adel Faces Long Road to Reopening The beloved Lighted Bridge in Adel, a key feature of the Raccoon River...

Celebrate Trails Day Draws Riders and History Buffs to the RRVT Over 50 bicyclists gathered on April 26 to commemorate the national...

Celebrate Trails Day Bike Ride on the RRVT - April 26 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Location: Yale, Iowa Start Time: 12:00 PM...

Annual RRVTA Banquet The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet took place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the...

Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 Join us for the annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet on Saturday,...

Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet is set for Saturday, February...

Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 Mark your calendars! The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet is set...

Annual RRVTA Banquet – February 15, 2025 Mark your calendars! The annual Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) Banquet is set...

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...