At the Great Western Trail, remnants of prairie and wetlands meet traces of local history. The landscape is home to some of Iowa’s endangered plant species. The paved trail is 16.5 miles long. Its route passes the site of Lida and the site of the ammunition train accident and fire near North River; it also runs through Churchville Prairie.
Prairie, Forests and Trails
The Summerset Trail follows an abandoned railroad corridor for 11 miles between Carlisle and Indianola. North of Banner Lakes, an observation platform along the trail is a good spot for birdwatching and a rest during a walk. Parking is available in Carlisle, at Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park, and in Indianola. The trailhead in Indianola has restrooms with running water; Carlisle and the park have vault toilets. Check the facilities before your trip.
The site of a former coal mine was transformed into Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park in 2004. Rolling Thunder Prairie State Preserve offers another view of the prairie: a 140-acre preserve is connected to an 80-acre northern parcel, forming a contiguous 220-acre wildlife management area. The management configuration may change. The southwestern 140 acres have never been plowed and contain high-quality prairie plant species.
Woodland Mounds State Preserve encompasses 340 acres of upland and bottomland forest. The forests provide habitat for many wildlife species, including neotropical migratory birds. A series of conical earthen mounds runs along the ridge; they are associated with burial sites or religious ceremonies of the Woodland culture. Here, the natural landscape and a carefully passed-down cultural interpretation lie close together.
Water, Forest and Wildlife Watching
Annett Nature Center is located in the 160-acre ANC Park on a hillside above a six-acre pond and a ten-acre wetland. The center and its surrounding park have a seven-mile trail network through forest and wetlands that leads to an observation tower. Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing are possible at Lester Pond in Annett Nature Center Park. The trails, observation tower and water activities offer different ways to spend time in the park.
Ballooning, the Stage and History
The National Balloon Museum provides a comprehensive understanding of ballooning and its history through exhibits and collections. During the National Balloon Classic, more than 100 hot-air balloons float across the sky above the horizon; check the event dates when planning your trip. The Summer Art Festival in Indianola takes place every year during the National Balloon Classic.
The stage and local history also shape the events calendar. Des Moines Metro Opera holds its summer season in the 467-seat Pote Theater at the Blank Center for the Performing Arts in Indianola; schedules vary. The annual Warren County Fair traces its history to the first fair, held October 1–2, 1855. Lake Ahquabi State Park was dedicated in 1936. Several park structures, including the stone lodge and picnic shelters, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
The Warren County Historical Society Museum was built around the home where George Washington Carver lived while studying at Simpson College; he studied there from 1890 to 1891. The Warren County Historical Society’s Heritage Center presents a one-room schoolhouse, a log cabin, historic shops and churches as records of everyday life in Warren County.
Local Produce and Places to Savor
Summerset Winery in Indianola produces Iowa wine from locally grown grapes from central Iowa. Wine tastings and tours are offered; visitor details may change, so check the current offerings in advance. The Drink Local Tour in Warren County brings together locally made wine, beer and spirits with food and music in rural areas and small towns. Participating businesses and dates may change, so check them if you’re planning your trip around the tour.
In Cumming, Iowa Distilling Company is located in a hundred-year-old brick building near the Great Western Bike Trail. Distilling equipment is visible from the lounge. Along with wine tastings and the Drink Local Tour, these places add local drinks to your nature and cultural explorations.
Explore more destinations: Indianola, Ackworth, Lucas County, Lee County, Decatur County, Mahaska County, Black Hawk, Buena Vista County.
View the main travel guide: Iowa.
