Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail

Rest stop along Prairie Farmer Trail Prairie Farmer Trailhead in Calmar, IA Walking dog along Prairie Farmer Trail in Ridgeway Prairie Farmer Trail with fall colors Bike art along Prairie Farmer Trail in Calmar Railroad Loop Interpretational Signs along Prairie Farmer Trail Winneshiek County Freedom Rock along Prairie Farmer Trail

Discover Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail in Calmar

The Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail stretches from Calmar to Cresco, following the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad line. Walk, jog, or bike along the trail and take in the views of native prairies and woodland wildlife.

Quick Facts

  • Length: 20 miles
  • Surface: Asphalt
  • Hours: Year-round
  • Cities: Calmar, Ridgeway, and Cresco
  • Uses: Biking, hiking, jogging, nature viewing, and cross-country skiing  
Access Points
  • Calmar: Parking and access at intersection of Highway 52 and railroad crossing, just north of Highway 150/52/24 intersection
  • County Road B16: Parking and access at County Road B16, north of Calmar
  • Ridgeway: Parking at Ridgeway Trailside Park on east edge of town; Snowmobile access begins in Ridgeway and extends to near Cresco
  • Howard-Winneshiek County Line: Parking and access on County Road 345th Avenue, approximately 2 miles from Cresco trail terminus
  • Cresco: North side of Highway 9
  • Users may also access the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail at any road crossing, though parking may not be available

Click here for a map of the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail. (Map on Page 1)