Plans + Progress
Welcome to the Iowa River’s Edge Trail (IRET) project, an ambitious initiative aiming to create a 34-mile paved pathway spanning seven communities across Hardin and Marshall Counties. At present, significant strides have been made with a 4.8-mile section already paved between Steamboat Rock and Eldora, alongside a portion within Marshalltown. Spearheaded by the Hardin County IRET Board, Trails, Inc. and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the project is actively engaged in fundraising, planning, and pursuing grants to pave the remaining segments of this scenic trail. Stay tuned as we continue to progress towards connecting communities and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities in our region.
Milestones
2017 - Awarded $25,000 from Hardin County Community Endowment Fund (HCCEF) towards the Steamboat Rock bridge rehabilitation project.
2019 - Awarded $15,000 from HCCEF towards the Steamboat Rock bridge rehabilitation project.
2022 - Steamboat Rock bridge completed.
2023 - Awarded $15,000 from HCCEF towards the Eldora trailhead.
April 2024 - Awarded $2 million through Iowa TAP Grant Program for paving from Eldora to Gifford & South Fork Bridge reconstruction.
April 2024 - Ribbon cutting for the completion of the Eldora trailhead.
October 2024 - City of Eldora awarded REAP funding for expansion of the trail loop in Hardin County.
November 2024 - Awarded $745,000 through the Iowa DOT State Recreational Trails Program.
2025 - Bridge replacement & paving from Eldora to Gifford to begin!
