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A Bike Trail Runs Through This Iowa Town And It’s The Ultimate Outdoor Playground

The Great Western Trail in Iowa offers a scenic 16.5-mile bike ride through Des Moines and small towns like Cumming, featuring unique restaurants and distilleries.

Published Jun 13, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

It's summer, and that means it's the perfect time to hop on the bike and go for a ride! Iowa's state parks and small towns have no shortage of places to ride and take in the state's natural beauty, but there's nothing like a truly epic bike trail in Iowa. The Great Western Trail isn't solely an Iowa institution - it's actually built on Chicago's old Great Western abandoned rail bed - but its Iowa section travels through the heart of the state. You can ride through Des Moines, to some of the state's top attractions, but the trail also weaves through some amazing small towns. One of these is Cumming, a town of only 436 and one of the smallest towns in the greater Des Moines Metropolitan Area. It's home to some unique restaurants and distilleries that make for the perfect finish to a day of cycling.

For bike riders, the Great Western Trail is one of the holy grails. This trail is 16.5 miles long, and it runs from Water Works Park in Des Moines to Martensdale.

Sign for the Great Western Trail with cyclists riding on a path in the background, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Travel Iowa

While it used to be a rail trail, it's now paved with asphalt and makes for an amazing ride for all skill levels.

A winding path through a tree-lined area, covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by greenery.
Tim Kiser/Wikipedia

Along the way, you'll pass beautiful grasslands and informational placards on the history of the region.

A bicycle rests beside a sign for Cumming Prairie Remnant at sunset, with lush greenery in the background.
Tyler Stanley/Google Local

When you pass through the town of Cumming,make sure to stop and explore - unless the town is overrun by RAGBRAI cyclists!

A vibrant crowd of people in colorful attire gathers at an outdoor event, with tents and trees in the background.
Cumming, Iowa

This tiny town has a big fanbase thanks to the legendary Cumming Tap, an old-school watering hole.

A brick building with a green awning reading "Cumming Tap" and an "ATM Inside" sign, with benches outside.
Emmet Mross/Google Local

You can stop in for a pint and a bite to eat, and if you're lucky, there might even be some live music!

A band performs outdoors near a brick building, with string lights and picnic tables in a lively atmosphere.
Michael Curry/Google Local

Today, though, the hottest spot in town might be the Iowa Distilling Company, a craft spirits concern.

A brick building with "Iowa Distilling Company" sign, parked cars along the street, and a clear blue sky.
Travel Iowa

Not only does the company bottle its own brand of small-batch spirits, but you can have custom cocktails made.

A collection of bourbon whiskey bottles arranged on a circular display.
Iowa Distilling Company/Facebook

Have you visited Cumming, Iowa, or taken a ride on the Great Western Trail? Let us know about your ride on this famous bike trail in Iowa in the comments section! You can learn more about this small town on the official Cumming, Iowa website, and make sure to check out the website for Iowa Distilling Company to see what it's brewing up next! For another adventure in the area, why not visit this underrated botanical garden?

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