7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Iowa

Iowa offers an impressive range of biking opportunities, with many of the state’s most interesting small towns especially eager to extend a warm welcome to cyclists. Visit any of these Midwest destinations, and you’ll find everything from scenic trails that traverse rolling hills, farmlands, and river valleys to pleasant urban paths through charming downtowns and along historic routes. In fact, there are more than 2,500 miles of trails to explore here.

A great way to experience the state’s passion for cycling is to participate in the annual RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), the world's longest-organized ride. Best of all, this fantastic eight-day rolling festival of food, music, and cycling stops at numerous welcoming small towns along its 434-mile route. Check out these seven most bike-friendly towns in Iowa for tips and tactics regarding well-developed trails, clubs, and businesses that support cycling culture across the Hawkeye State.

Pella

Pella, located about an hour east of Des Moines, is as famous for its Dutch heritage as it is for its bike-friendly status. Pay a visit with your two-wheeled traveling companion, and you’ll find a charming town with an extensive network of bike trails that appeal to both casual and experienced riders. The best, the Volksweg Trail, stretches for 17 mostly paved miles along scenic Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake, with new sections planned. Cycle in town, and you’ll find popular attractions like the Vermeer Windmill, which towers over the downtown area and is easy to get to by bike.

A great time to visit is during the town’s Tulip Time Festival, an annual springtime celebration that attracts many visitors and celebrates these beautiful flowers, Pella’s Netherlands connections, and the town’s passion for cycling. Local businesses like Iowa Bike Co. provide equipment rentals and repair services, making it easy for visitors to explore Pella on two wheels. At the same time, the Pella Cycling Club organizes regular rides and promotes biking safety within the community.

Cedar Falls

One of Iowa's most bike-friendly towns, Cedar Falls makes for an excellent base for those wanting to make their biking adventure here a multi-day affair. How so? Well, this pleasant town is at the heart of the scenic Cedar Valley area, with direct access to the 100-plus mile Cedar Valley Trails system. This network of interconnected paved and unpaved trails weaves its way through Cedar Falls and neighboring Waterloo, offering cyclists access to diverse landscapes, including lovely riverfront paths along the Cedar River, as well as wooded areas and scenic urban routes. The trails are well-suited for casual riders and long-distance cyclists alike, with popular routes like the Cedar Prairie Trail and the George Wyth State Park Trail also providing access to popular local attractions.

Cycling events such as the Cedar Valley Cyclists’ weekly group rides and tours through the Cedar Valley Trails network help bring the local cycling community together and are great opportunities for newbies and out-of-towners to get acquainted with the area. Local businesses like Bike Tech in downtown Cedar Falls offer a range of biking gear, rentals, and repair services, supporting locals and visitors eager to explore the town by bike.

Decorah

Located in the northeast corner of Iowa, Decorah offers some of the state’s most scenic landscapes for biking enthusiasts to explore. The Trout Run Trail is an 11-mile loop known for its picturesque views of the Upper Iowa River, along with some steep climbs and even opportunities to stop and do some wildlife spotting as the area’s known for its bald eagle population. The town's charming (and ridable) downtown area is home to the famous Vesterheim: The National Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School, offering a chance to stop and explore the region’s Nordic roots while cycling through this laidback town.

Decorah Bicycles, a well-respected local shop, supports cycling in the area by offering rentals, sales, and repairs. At the same time, the Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT) group works on maintaining around 26 miles of trails for local runners and mountain bikers to enjoy.

Waverly

Waverly is a peaceful town located along the banks of the Cedar River that offers riders some great biking opportunities. Popular routes include the Waverly Rail Trail, part of a larger network of bike paths that run through the town and stretches for more than seven miles along former railroad tracks. This level route connects with the Cedar Valley Trail network, providing even more biking options for visitors and residents alike.

Cycling events include the weekly rides hosted by the Waverly Bicycle Club, an active local group dedicated to promoting fitness and well-being through bike riding (the group welcomes bikers of all skill levels). Waverly’s laidback, bike-friendly atmosphere and connection to regional trails make it a perfect spot for a leisurely ride through Iowa’s countryside.

Le Mars

Known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” for its immense manufacturing capacity of this sweetest of treats (Wells Ice Cream has been produced here since 1913), Le Mars has also made a name for itself as a great biking town. The town's Plywood Trail is a newly developed bike path that will eventually connect Le Mars with Sioux City 26 miles to the south. Currently, the Le Mars to Merrill section is open and gives riders around seven miles of level, scenic trails to enjoy.

Local businesses like Bike Central provide the necessary gear and services for cycling enthusiasts, including tune-ups and sales services. Le Mars is also home to cycling events such as the annual Tour de Plymouth, which offers routes of varying lengths through the town and surrounding countryside.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a popular tourist destination that’s especially popular with fans of two-wheeled, pedal-powered modes of transportation. A highlight of a bike excursion here are the Trolley Trail and Clear Lake Biking Loop, both offering scenic paths for riders around the lake after which the town is named. These fun trails also connect to Clear Lake State Park, a 290-acre natural oasis that’s also fun for a hike.

Cyclists also enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the town and its nearby attractions, such as the legendary Surf Ballroom & Museum, a historic venue for live music. Lakeside Cyclery supports local and visiting riders with sales and repair services, while the Clear Lake Cycling Club also organizes events like the fun Moonlight Bike Ride, a unique cycling experience under the stars.

Fairfield

Fairfield is a unique destination for both cycling and wellness enthusiasts. Known for its progressive arts community and the Maharishi International University, the town also boasts excellent biking infrastructure. A favorite route, the Fairfield Loop Trail, is a 16-mile pathway that circles the town, offering scenic views of wetlands, prairies, and forests along the way.

Local organizations such as the Fairfield Park and Recreation Department promote biking through events like group rides and cycling clinics. In contrast, groups like Ride Fairfield actively advocate for safe cycling routes and host regular social rides. Need sales or repair services? Local shops like The Ride...Bicycle Sales and Service provides everything needed to keep you pedaling.

The Final Word

While Iowa’s small towns may not immediately come to mind when considering top biking destinations in the Midwest, they do have plenty to offer riders looking for something new and different to experience. Featuring diverse, scenic, and well-maintained trails ideal for cyclists, each of these towns has developed its own cycling culture with bike paths, clubs, and local businesses that support both local and visiting riders. From riverside routes to lakefront trails and scenic paths along old railway lines, these seven most bike-friendly towns in Iowa look forward to seeing you and your bike.