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Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail
20-mile hard surfaced trail from Cresco to Calmar. A small taste
of the beauty found in other parts of Northeast Iowa can be
found along the Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail. On either side
of the trail, native prairie areas can be enjoyed from early Spring
with the emergence of Prairie Smoke, Puccoon, Alexander, and
Phlox. Midsummer brings about occurrences of Rattlesnake
Master, Yellow Coneflower, Wild Quinine, and Blazing Star. In
the Fall sights of asters, goldenrod, and gentians abound. Please
appreciate the plants in their natural habitat and do not disturb
them so that the next person on the trail can enjoy them also.
Small patches of woodlands, made up of elm, sumac, box
elder, and oak can also be found along the trail. These areas are
homes to many types of birds and other wildlife. These shady
patches are well liked by summer visitors seeking refuge from the
summer sun.
Rest areas, shelters, and picnic tables are scattered along the
trail for relaxing breaks from the trail exercise.
Trail Accesses
Cresco - Access to the Prairie Farmer Recreational trail is
located in Cresco on the north side of State Highway 9.
County Line - A parking area and access is provided
approximately two miles from the Cresco terminus on county
road 345th Avenue.
Ridgeway (in Winneshiek Co.)- The trail is accessible
anywhere within the city limits of Ridgeway. Access is available
at Ridgeway Trailside Park on the east edge of town. The trail
runs through the park, where conveniences of water, pit toilets,
shelter, playground, picnicking, and parking are provided.
Calmar - The terminus is located at the newly renovated
railroad depot at the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and the old
railroad crossing. Parking is available at the depot site.
Accesses are also available at any road crossing along the
trail. Please do not block the trail crossings with your vehicles.
Bigalk’s Trout Stream
A 3 acre tract located two miles east of County Road V-58 on
30th St. Trout fishing skills are put to the test on this special
trout stream. The meandering cold water stream empties into the
Upper Iowa River and is stocked weekly from early spring to late
fall with rainbow and brown trout.
Turkey River Campground
A 6 acre campground located in Vernon Springs Park 2
miles south of Cresco on Valley Ave. The Howard County
Conservation Board is excited to promote their newest
campground area and facilities, the Turkey River Campground
in Vernon Springs Park. Protected by woods and amid the
scenic view of the Turkey River, the campground is located up
a winding country road just beyond the Prairie’s Edge Nature
Center. The campground is open to the public for the camping
season (May through October). The Turkey River Campground
offers campers individual electrical and water hook-ups, camping
pads, a bath/shower house, and playground equipment.
Lake Hendricks Park
A 234 acre park located one mile north of State Highway 9
on County Road T-68. One of the oldest parks in the county
conservation board system, it is also the largest and most popular
park belonging to the Howard County Conservation Board. This
scenic park includes a 54-acre man-made lake and serves as a
multiple use area offering a wide variety of outdoor opportunities.
Activities include fishing, picnicking, biking, camping, canoeing
and boating (electric engines only), a 150-foot beach for
swimming (unsupervised), nature trails, and cross country skiing
along with an archery range, softball diamond, and playground
equipment. The park opens each day at 6:00 am and closes at
10:30 pm and is open to camping from May to October. A park
ranger resides on the premises year-round and may be reached at
641-985-2127.
Iowa’s County Conservation System
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