Des Moines River – Bridge Over Des Moines loop from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Des Moines River – Bridge Over Des Moines loop from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Moderate

5.0

(3985)

11,285

riders

Des Moines River – Bridge Over Des Moines loop from Iowa State Fairgrounds

02:34

51.5km

140m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 29, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 26.1 km for 105 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

12.9 km

Riverview Lake & Park

Highlight • Lake

Check out the revamped Riverview Park. Once an amusement park, it's now a municipal park with a playground and permanent bandstand. Despite delays due to COVID-19, the project was completed in fall 2020.

Tip by

13.3 km

Neal Smith Trail at Riverview Lake

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the Neal Smith Trail skirts right along the river. It's very quiet and a nice ride. With no traffic to worry about, it's an ideal place to escape the city!

Tip by

14.7 km

Des Moines River

Highlight • River

Along the Des Moines River, Iowa's largest river, you'll find a wealth of culture, tradition, and recreational opportunities. Here, and along most of the trail, you'll enjoy stunning views, making it perfect for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tip by

15.0 km

Bridge Over Des Moines

Highlight • Bridge

At the Bridge over the Des Moines River, where the Inter Urban Trail crosses, you'll find a serene spot perfect for a rest and enjoying the view. Take a break here and soak in the tranquil atmosphere along the riverbank.

Tip by

19.4 km

Sycamore Wildlife Area

Nature Reserve

22.4 km

Johnston Interurban Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Johnston Interurban Trail is a short asphalt surfaced trail of 1.7 miles. Its southern end begins at Beaver Creek, where the Trestle to Trestle Trail access over the river …

Tip by

28.7 km

Northview Wetlands

Nature Reserve

32.6 km

Trestle to Trestle Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Trestle to Trestle Trail goes from Des Moines to Johnston. It is a fairly short trail at 3.7 miles long but it is a very good connector trail. It …

Tip by

42.0 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile trail through Des Moines along the Des Moines River. It is fully paved and traffic free, so it is a great way to move through the heavily populated city.

Tip by

43.4 km

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

This iconic bridge spans the Des Moines River, linking the east and west sides of the city at the northern edge of the riverwalk loop. This single-arch pedestrian bridge features …

Tip by