Carlson Park Bike Trails Hope to Lift Decorah Tourism

DECORAH — In a bid to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and stimulate economic growth, plans are underway for the construction of a cutting-edge system of natural, soft surface, single-track trails at Carlson Park. This development, spearheaded by Schubbe Consulting and LRE, aims to revolutionize the outdoor experience in Decorah. In 2019, the Dave and Rick Carlson families donated the 110 acres of land to the City of Decorah to create Carlson Park. The formal planning process was completed in 2021 with the JL Bruce Company, The City of Decorah and plenty of input. The resulting Carlson Park Trail Development Fund was established with support from the Winneshiek County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The fund aimed to create bike-optimized trails and amenities for all abilities within the park. The plans came in partnership with the Decorah Park and Recreation Department and the City of Decorah. Preliminary projects included professional planning and construction of the Northwest Feature Trail. The trail allows for pedestrian and bicycle traffic into the park, as well as novice and intermediate trail systems. These trails may also lay the groundwork for an approved Scholastic (High School) Mountain Biking Course as well as additional hiking, running and snow sports trail systems. The proposed trail system aims to cover between 4 and 4.5 miles of terrain, according to Jon Schubbe of Schubbe Consulting, who is spearheading the project in Decorah. "The distance of completed trail will vary, because the trail builders will have the creative freedom to meander along the routes that Schubbe Consulting and LRE established," Schubbe said. "This does not include the length of trail designed for Phase 1A." Unlike traditional grassy trails, these bike-optimized pathways will feature earthen surfaces with compacted mineral soil or embedded rocks for tread. This choice ensures durability and sustainability over time. Designed to cater to biking enthusiasts of all skill levels, the trails will boast insloped (banked) turns, berms, rollers and other features to provide riders with a thrilling "roller coaster-like" experience, according to Schubbe. Additionally, the trails will be single-track, typically 2-4 feet wide, promoting a sense of immersion in nature while accommodating users in a single-file format. One of the key highlights of this project is its emphasis on environmental preservation. Trail construction will prioritize the avoidance of mature trees greater than 6" in diameter. This choice was made in recognition of the value of these natural assets, while minimizing labor-intensive removal efforts. "Mature trees are an asset to a trail network, and they are also very labor intensive to remove, so we try to minimize the number of trees removed for those reasons," said Schubbe. Furthermore, trail builders will employ a meticulous approach to minimize erosion risks. Employing proper drainage and compaction techniques will maintain trail integrity and environmental sustainability. "Trail work typically proceeds in a conveyor belt fashion, with a mini excavator breaking ground and shaping the trail, one or two hand workers following behind with hand and power tools [to] finish the tread by removing rocks and roots, complete rock armoring, and compact the trail using a plate compactor," said Schubbe. "Constructing trails using this method reduces the size of 'open jobsite' and therefore reduces the risk of significant erosion. [Because] the builders are leaving behind a finished, properly drained product as they move along." The anticipated impact of these trails on Decorah's tourism and economy is substantial. While the current trail length falls short of some benchmarks, the addition of a bike skills and session park, along with the 4+ miles of singletrack, is poised to attract visitors and enhance community engagement. The connection of Carlson Park to the Minowa Heights neighborhood through a concrete sidewalk ensures accessibility for residents and visitors alike. "A professionally planned, designed and constructed modern trail network of 20-30 miles has had profound affects on many communities across the Upper Midwest," said Schubbe. "Ten to twelve miles is also often cited as a benchmark for a trail system to successfully draw people into the community." Similar trail projects in other communities have demonstrated significant economic and social benefits. Cities like Crosby, Ironton and Duluth in Minnesota have experienced revitalization through well-planned trail networks, drawing visitors, fostering local businesses and enhancing resident quality of life. "Trail users will occasionally encounter logically placed 'hubs' or enlarged intersections," said Schubbe. "These are encouraging places to take a break. [And] often places where riders of all ages and abilities engage socially with each other, helping to build community and a sense of pride through common, positive experiences in nature." Achieving similar success in Decorah will require a sustained, long-term commitment. With proper planning and investment, Decorah has the opportunity to become a more vibrant trail town, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. "Decorah has all the ingredients of the recipe to achieve similar success of trail towns like Crosby, Beaver Bay and Bentonville," said Schubbe. "This includes amazing natural terrain, a vibrant, small college town culture and access to world-class breweries. Achieving the success of these other communities will require a sustained five to ten year initiative, which will include a planned and comprehensive city-wide approach." The upcoming soft trails of Carlson Park represent a significant step forward for Decorah's outdoor recreation scene. "Carlson Park has the potential to be a gateway project for the community," said Schubbe. "This could be the first of several trail projects that could bring the total mileage of new or updated trail in the area into a range more typically associated with the most successful trail destinations." Beyond their economic and tourism potential, these trails aim to cultivate a deeper connection to nature, foster community spirit and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.