Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Northern End, Wabash Trace
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a 63-mile long converted railroad right-of way that goes from Council Bluffs to Blanchard. It is managed by the volunteers from Southwest Iowa Nature Trails (SWINT), and a small work crew. The crushed limestone surface and very slight grade make it a leisurely ride that hikers, runners, cross-country skiiers, families, beginning riders, and avid cyclists can enjoy. Imogene is nestled 36 Miles from the Northern End and 27 Miles from the Southern End, and is an especially popular destination for riders from Shenandoah, only 9 miles away. The bicycle racks, outdoor patio area, and good food & drinks at the Emerald Isle make Imogene a great destination or resting point. If you're more self-sufficient, the Morrison Bridge, located just on the Northern edge of Imogene on the Trace, is a well-shaded peaceful area to take a break during your ride or hike.
A new restroom and shower facility will make camping at the Imogene trailhead more enjoyable. This facility is uniquely located inside an old grain bin, meshing well with the landscape of the Imogene corridor. The project was funded mostly by a grant from the Fremont County Community Foundation and is a joint undertaking by the Wabash Trace and the Sons & Daughters of Imogene. We have had much volunteer help on this project, especially from Gee Building Systems, Jeff Slater Construction, and Corby Fichter on the donation of the structure.
More information is available at: www.wabashtrace.org
A new restroom and shower facility will make camping at the Imogene trailhead more enjoyable. This facility is uniquely located inside an old grain bin, meshing well with the landscape of the Imogene corridor. The project was funded mostly by a grant from the Fremont County Community Foundation and is a joint undertaking by the Wabash Trace and the Sons & Daughters of Imogene. We have had much volunteer help on this project, especially from Gee Building Systems, Jeff Slater Construction, and Corby Fichter on the donation of the structure.
More information is available at: www.wabashtrace.org
There are many organized bicycle rides that pass through Imogene throughout the year, as well as any of the casual rides that occur throughout the nicer months.
First Saturday in June: Wabash Warm-Up, Malvern to Shenandoah. Ride begins at the Classic Cafe in Malvern at 10:00 AM. A bus leaves the Depot in Shenandoah at 8:00 AM for those wanting a ride to Malvern. Along the 22 mile journey we have live music and refreshments on the bridges, about 3 miles between stops.
August: Meteor Shower Ride, Council Bluffs to Izaak Walton (South of Shenandoah). This two-day bicycle ride features a camp-out at the Izaak Walton, and a late-night ride to the impressive Tarkio Creek Bridge to view the Persied Meteor Shower. Food, drink, and musical entertainment are provided at the campsite. The ride begins at the Council Bluffs Trailhead Saturday Morning, your camping gear is transported (if needed), and then Sunday you ride back to Council Bluffs.
September: WARTS Ride (Wabash Annual Ride To Shenandoah), Council Bluffs to Shenandoah. A bus provides transportation from Shenandoah to the Council Bluffs Trailhead, then we enjoy the scenic ride to Shenandoah, with stops in Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Strahan, and Imogene along the way, all coming to an end in Shenandoah, where the town's celebration, ShenFest, wraps up the day.
Tuesdays during the Summer: Taco Tuesday ride from the Depot Deli in Shenandoah to Imogene & Back. Riders meet at the Depot at 5:30 for the leisurely ride to Imogene, for $1 Tacos and $2 Fat Tire Pints & Cans of Beer. Bring your lights! Many times we ride back in the dark.
More ride info: www.bikeiowa.com
First Saturday in June: Wabash Warm-Up, Malvern to Shenandoah. Ride begins at the Classic Cafe in Malvern at 10:00 AM. A bus leaves the Depot in Shenandoah at 8:00 AM for those wanting a ride to Malvern. Along the 22 mile journey we have live music and refreshments on the bridges, about 3 miles between stops.
August: Meteor Shower Ride, Council Bluffs to Izaak Walton (South of Shenandoah). This two-day bicycle ride features a camp-out at the Izaak Walton, and a late-night ride to the impressive Tarkio Creek Bridge to view the Persied Meteor Shower. Food, drink, and musical entertainment are provided at the campsite. The ride begins at the Council Bluffs Trailhead Saturday Morning, your camping gear is transported (if needed), and then Sunday you ride back to Council Bluffs.
September: WARTS Ride (Wabash Annual Ride To Shenandoah), Council Bluffs to Shenandoah. A bus provides transportation from Shenandoah to the Council Bluffs Trailhead, then we enjoy the scenic ride to Shenandoah, with stops in Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Strahan, and Imogene along the way, all coming to an end in Shenandoah, where the town's celebration, ShenFest, wraps up the day.
Tuesdays during the Summer: Taco Tuesday ride from the Depot Deli in Shenandoah to Imogene & Back. Riders meet at the Depot at 5:30 for the leisurely ride to Imogene, for $1 Tacos and $2 Fat Tire Pints & Cans of Beer. Bring your lights! Many times we ride back in the dark.
More ride info: www.bikeiowa.com
Matt Cox and John Rogers at the Morrison Bridge, Wabash Warm-Up 2009
Riders for the Wabash Warm-Up, June 6, 2009