Mahaska Community Trail
The Mahaska Community Trail
The Mahaska Community Recreation Trail started as a dream with the first feet poured in 1999. Today, over 13.6 miles of planned 15 miles are in existence. When fully developed, the ten-foot wide concrete trail will loop around Oskaloosa and University Park in Mahaska County. It follows along old rail right-of-way, winds through scenic woodlands, by agricultural fields, through parks, by two golf courses, offers unique underpasses, and safely accommodates two-way recreational traffic.
Four trailheads, which feature parking, restrooms, and water, are located along the trail: Edmundson Park (11th Avenue West, also known as T39 or the Beacon Road); Full Bloom Brewhouse (1718 Pella Avenue, 641-676-3831); the Lacey Complex (2019 Stadium Drive); and the Environmental Learning Center (2342 Hwy 92, 641-673-9327). An additional trailhead, donated by the Rotary Club, features parking, a rest area gazebo, and a bike rack, located just after the Highway 92 West underpass.
An intiative of the Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation (MCRF), construction of the trail is funded through donations, hotel/motel tax, city and county contributions, and grants including Vision Iowa. Those wishing to make donations to continue development of the Community Trail can make a tax-deductible donation to Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation, 2019 Stadium Drive, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.
Questions regarding the trail can be answered by calling MCRF at 641.672.2499 or by reading the Trail FAQ’s document.
Trail Etiquette
All Users:
- Always show courtesy & respect to other trail users
- Use the right side of the trail when approaching oncoming trail users, blind spots, or trail tunnels
- Pass on the left Follow all trail rules and posted signs
- Respect the rights of property owners
- Keep dogs on a leash and remove pet feces from the trail
- Travel with a buddy and a cellphone in case of an emergency
- Give audible warnings when passing other trail users and listen for audible warnings from others
- Trail users are liable for their own actions
Cyclists:
- Always wear a helmet
- Yield to pedestrians and rollerbladers
- Ride at a safe speed
- Slow down and ride on the right side of the trail in congested/hazardous conditions or reduced visibility
Rollerbladers, Skateboarders, or Similar Non-Motorized devices:
- Travel at a safe speed
- Wear helmets and protective gear
- Be predictable and blade straight
Golf Carts:
- Golf Carts are allowed on the trail and must not exceed 20mph
- Give audible warning (verbal or bell) when passing, rounding a curve or approaching a tunnel or blind spot
- Usage of the trail at night shall require properly installed headlights on the motorized golf cart
Pedestrians (walkers, joggers, runners):
- Watch out for other trail users
- Be especially alert when running and when using ear buds or headphones
- Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail runners, bicyclists, and users to pass safely
Trailheads & F.A.Q's
Trailheads
- Lacey Recreation Complex: 2104 Stadium Drive, Features: parking, restrooms, water
- Mahaska County Environmental Learning Center: 2342 IA-92, Features: parking, restrooms (during open hours)
- Edmundson Park: 11th Avenue West (T39), Features: parking, restrooms, water, play area
- Rotary Gazebo: A Avenue West (Hwy 92) near Gateway Nazarene Church (101 Gateway Dr.) Features: parking only
- Full Bloom Brewhouse: 1718 Pella Avenue (Iowa Hwy. 432 also known as North L. Street), Features: parking, restrooms, water, place to eat & grab a beer
F.A.Q’s
- Is there a fee to use the trail? No.
- What are the trail hours? Sunrise to sunset.
- Is the trail open year round? Snow is not removed during winter months. Caution must be used due to snow and ice.
- Who can use the trail? Walkers, bicyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers, joggers, and nature lovers.
- Are motorized vehicles permitted? Maintenance vehicles, motorized wheelchairs, golf carts, and MCRF Trail Trams are the only motorized vehicles permitted.
- In an emergency, who should I call? Call 911.
- If I need to report a problem along the trail, who should I call? Call the MCRF office at 641-672-2499.
- What is the length of the trail? 13.5 of the planned 15 miles are currently complete.
Trail Trams
The Trail Tram Tour Program first began as a resource to allow opportunities for those who would otherwise not be able to get out in the fresh air, see beautiful scenery, and to learn trail history from the drivers and tour guides. The program has grown from one tram and one volunteer to four trams and numerous volunteer drivers with consistent reservations. Tram tours start at Lacey Recreation Complex (2104 Stadium Drive) in the 8-plex parking lot. With all four trams, there is a tour capacity of 28. To enjoy this 1.5 – 2 hour, scenic drive; please call MCRF: 641-672-2499
Trail Tram Tours take place from May to October on the Mahaska Community Recreation Trail by reservation only.
About
The trail tram tour program first began as a resource to allow opportunities for those who would otherwise not be able to get out into the fresh air, see beautiful scenery as autumn leaves turn along the trail, and to learn the history of the trail from the drivers and tour guides. The program has grown today from 1 trail tram and 1 volunteer driver to 4 trail trams and 14 volunteer drivers with consistent reservations.
Trail Tram Tours take place from May to October on the Mahaska Community Recreation Trail. The trail is currently over 12 miles around Oskaloosa with future plans of expansion. Tours start at the Lacey Recreation Complex (2019 Stadium Drive) in the Little League parking lot. With MCRF running 4 trams a maximum tour capability of 28 people is available. To enjoy this 2 hour, scenic and unique venture please fill in the information below and MCRF will be in contact with you.
History
In 2010 the first of 4 club car shuttles were donated and so began MCRF’s trail tram program. Dedicated volunteer, Charles Argo, coordinated with local nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Oskaloosa. Using the 7 passenger tram mobile residents were able to experience the trail as never before.
In 2011 the trail tram tour project expanded with a purchase of the blue 1937 Ford with an ooga horn. With the additional tram MCRF opened the program to the public. Over 60 tours were given by volunteer drivers: Charles Argo, Rex Blom and Martha Drost.
The program continued to expand in 2012 when the red 1931 Model T tram was added and 3 additional volunteer drivers: Joe Bates, Jane Kauzlarich and Jake Roberts came on board. This allowed MCRF to double the tours offered in the previous year.
In 2013 the Military tram with red, white and blue seats was added as the newest addition to the program. The program continues to see growth and make tours available to more and more friends and neighbors with each new season.
Ready to explore our facilities?
Join us in creating lasting memories through sports and recreation. Our facilities are ready for your next adventure—whether it’s a fun day of playing on our fields or enjoying a scenic tram tour on the Mahaska Community Recreation Trail. Let’s get active and make the most of our community!