NE Iowa Conditions?
- Thread starter jedoyle
- Start date
Where the have been groomed they are flat, fast and hard. Good riding to be had, fresh snow tonight and tomorrow should perk them up considerably. Talked to a buddy who rode up form West Union to Waukon, Decorah and back, all pretty good. Also sounds west of Decorah towards Cresco got more snow than rain last week. I'm not sure how far north and east you are looking to go, but for the drive from Ely I'd say its worth the shot.
LoveMyDobe
Active member
you guys make me cry, we lived in IA and yes, it's hard to get a trail report, day to day. Guess what kids, we moved up north Iron River WI 7 years ago, we are SO involved in atv/snow trails clubs, don't have time to enjoy it here. I miss Ia SOOOO MUCH, way to $ up here. Yep we trailed to Ely back in the day. Do what you can afford, it doesn't get cheaper!
and I'm not making sheet outta ya, I LOVE IOWA GO TEAM MYERS POLARIS FAIRBANK
and I'm not making sheet outta ya, I LOVE IOWA GO TEAM MYERS POLARIS FAIRBANK
600_RMK_144
Active member
Coming from Des Moines, if anyone has good info on where to unload, where to hook up with trails, etc. Please let me know.
Sonsaditches
Member
Cresco has a really sweet setup for sledding. They have a nice area plowed out at the fairgrounds for trailer parking. Nice marked route to get you though town also.
600_RMK_144
Active member
Thanks for the update, guys. Really looking to try and get the first ride (ever) in with the boy this yr. No chances around here, so thinking about coming up early Saturday and ride double with him for a couple hours. If anyone has been out this week and knows conditions (or someone I can call) please let me know. Thanks!
I would go no further than Osage, IA. They have a "Motel" on the east side of town, called the Staff. They have a huge parking lot and I've seen trailers dump there. (go in and ask for permission and a map) Chances are you'll see sleds sitting there, it's the motel on the north side. Once unloaded, go straight west toward town, cross the road by the John Deere dealership and head north. There are many stops along the trail system and you'll get a variety of riding. I promise you'll find what you're looking for. Have fun!
bigriverjeff
New member
8 inches of fresh in lansing this morning
bigriverjeff -
We love the Lansing area but had some difficulties with the icy hills last weekend. That 2/20/14 storm dropped more rain/ice there than snow. Further west and north received more snow. Also, Des Moines, to Lansing, is a long trip. Osage would be a perfect drop for the poster. My 2 cents
We love the Lansing area but had some difficulties with the icy hills last weekend. That 2/20/14 storm dropped more rain/ice there than snow. Further west and north received more snow. Also, Des Moines, to Lansing, is a long trip. Osage would be a perfect drop for the poster. My 2 cents
Really, 8" around Lansing. Wow! The Cedar Rapids area got zip.
Hey guys, I must admit I really like to see all of the Iowa updates & information. Granted we don't have UP like trails but there is decent riding to be had for a short drive if willing to trailer. The rest of this year, which isn't much, and next year let's keep up the informative posts on Iowa.
BTW, trailer up to Manchester last Sunday and rode through Backbone Park. Riding was really pretty decent. Was going to head up to Cresco area but was worried about roads being slick. Now I am worried all of the snow is going to melt with the big warm-up coming. Jim
Hey guys, I must admit I really like to see all of the Iowa updates & information. Granted we don't have UP like trails but there is decent riding to be had for a short drive if willing to trailer. The rest of this year, which isn't much, and next year let's keep up the informative posts on Iowa.
BTW, trailer up to Manchester last Sunday and rode through Backbone Park. Riding was really pretty decent. Was going to head up to Cresco area but was worried about roads being slick. Now I am worried all of the snow is going to melt with the big warm-up coming. Jim
jedoyle -
I beg to differ...when NE Iowa & SE Minnesota have good snow, the Mississippi River Bluff Country is pretty incredible. We've taken many quick get-a-ways to the Lansing, IA area and have had some tremendous riding in and around there. We normally take a day and do the Yellow River Forest, but then spend most of our time touring the SE MN trail system, right out of New Albin. Again, when there's good snow it's really incredible.
I beg to differ...when NE Iowa & SE Minnesota have good snow, the Mississippi River Bluff Country is pretty incredible. We've taken many quick get-a-ways to the Lansing, IA area and have had some tremendous riding in and around there. We normally take a day and do the Yellow River Forest, but then spend most of our time touring the SE MN trail system, right out of New Albin. Again, when there's good snow it's really incredible.
Wherever you go please make sure and report back...along with some pics of the little man in action!
600_RMK_144
Active member
You got it. Been trying to get him out all season, but never worked out. Hopefully the snow will hold up north this weekend and we can get a little ride in. Been looking forward to it for a few yrs now.
I have a friend that I go to work on my sleds that lives right on the edge of the Yellow River S.F. leave from his back property and I'm on the trail. Rode it last year and what a great area! Almost like it more than around my home area even though we have the same terrain, but I think it was the lack of riders.
Need to get more people from the Lansing/Waukon areas to help post from that area to keep the updates going. Decorah and Cresco are other areas I'd like to see. So, does anyone have gps data for the trail system down there to help figure out where to load/unload and to plan rides?
Need to get more people from the Lansing/Waukon areas to help post from that area to keep the updates going. Decorah and Cresco are other areas I'd like to see. So, does anyone have gps data for the trail system down there to help figure out where to load/unload and to plan rides?
In New Albin, IA, just park the trailer in the big open lot, (east side of the road) dump the sleds, head west and you're in the SE MN trail system. In Lansing, IA, go to the ball diamond, find a spot to park and dump the sleds. If your head toward their alley way and down past the football field you'll have some options as to what direction you want to ride. If you went south you'd be heading toward the Yellow River Forest. Continue West, out of town, and you can either go to New Albin, or to Waukon. Either direction would give you a nice loop.
Drive up to Marshalltown, Albion or Conrad. Central Iowa snowmobile club is grooming and should have everything in good shape. 150+miles of trails and hooks to Tri-County club also maps are found on iowasnowmobiler.com region 8. Maps are also located at several bars.