The CENTRAL IOWA BIKE ROUTE connects Big Creek State Park, Ledges State Park & Springbrook State Park as it ambles through 14 charming towns, both large and small. The 91 mile route is relatively flat, with a few 'challenging' hills as you make your way across the picturesque valleys of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. Lodging can be found in three towns and campgrounds are available at Ledges State Park and Springbrook State Park..

Bicycle Route Description For details click here Map,*.pdf NOTE: It is not necessary to ride State Hwy 210 to reach Slater. At the intersection of R38 and Hwy 210, proceed north .3 miles on gravel. Turn east and ride .5 miles adjacent to RR tracks. You may ride the paved Raccoon Valley Trail between Yale and just west of Adel. A daily trail pass is required, and can be purchased at the trailhead. Detailed directions for the route between Granger and Polk City or Big Creek: Ride east of Granger on F31 (2.0 miles); turn left or north on NW 121 St.(1 miles); at golf course road, turn right on NW 118 which becomes N. Beaver Dr., which becomes NW 107; at the T, turn left on 106 for .5 miles; turn left at cemetery onto 112th and travel across the mile long bridge over Saylorville Lake. After the bridge, you may either take the bike trail to Big Creek State Park or continue on the road to Polk City. To reach Big Creek State Park, ride .25 miles after the bridge; on the right side of the road there is a paved parking lot at a trail access. This trail takes you to Big Creek State Park.

State Park Bike Routes Pedal through scenic splendor as you travel between Iowa's state parks along four bicycle routes, developed to help you enjoy these places of quiet beauty. Routes are primarily travel paved county highways, with an occasional stretch of bicycle trail. Carry your gear and rough it in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or motel along the route. Gear shuttles are available for some routes. - Central Iowa Bike Route - Northeast Iowa Bike Route - Southeast Iowa Bike Route - Lake to Lake Bike Route

Overnight Vehicle Parking
Arrangements must be made in advance to leave your vehicle in any of Iowa's state parks overnight. Park rangers will direct you to the lot designated for overnight parking, generally a visitor parking lot adjacent to the campground.

Gear Shuttle Service
Some bed and breakfasts, motels and park concessionaires offer shuttle service for gear or luggage at a nominal fee. Reservations for this service must be made in advance and some require a minimum number of persons.

Safety Tips

State Park General Information

Big Creek State Park
Big Creek State Park, is just 16 miles northwest of Des Moines with an 866-acre lake. It is located at the end of the 24-mile Saylorville/Des Moines River Bike Trail, which connects Big Creek/Saylorville Recreation Area and the city of Des Moines. Although the area does not have a campground, it may be a great place to start your biking adventure. The park concession offers bike rentals, several types of boat rentals, as well as food service.

Ledges State Park
Dramatic and beautiful sandstone rock formations are the focal point of this 1,200 acre park. Hiking trails wind up and down steep slopes to scenic overlooks offering breathtaking views of the "canyon" and the Des Moines River Valley. The campground contains 94 campsites, modern shower/restrooms and a playground.

Springbrook State Park
The rolling hills of beautiful Springbrook State Park abound with wildlife, especially deer. Tails lead through the 930-acre area including a trail around the 17-acre lake and a sandy beach for swimming. The large campground has 120 campsites. showers, restrooms and play structures available. There is also basketball court, horse shoe pits, sand volleyball, wireless internet, and a camp store located in the campground.

For further information, contact:

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034
Phone: (515)281-5145