The High Trestle Trail Bridge near Woodward is one of the crown jewels of the route, which starts in Ankeny. Photo: Travel Iowa
The High Trestle Trail is one of Central Iowa’s most beloved bike routes. It spans 25 miles, from Ankeny to Woodward, and boasts the iconic High Trestle Trail Bridge. And it’s about to become even more intriguing. A new report proposes adding more high-profile amenities along the trail, according to the Business Record.
The expansion, built on a 4.1-mile stretch in Ankeny, would include artwork, some of which could be interactive. One of the proposed installations includes a sculpture over the trail that could be climbed and biked under. Other sculptures include large animals and meadows showcasing plants and trees native to Iowa. The goal of the expansion is to attract more users to the trail, providing a boost to Ankeny businesses.
“One of the things this plan is going to help us accomplish is making Ankeny more of a destination or launching off point for the High Trestle Trail,” Derek Lord, Ankeny’s economic development director, told the Business Record.
According to the Business Record, “the report includes proposed sculptures and other public art from artists across the country. The proposed artwork ‘authentically expresses Ankeny’s most-loved characteristics,’ the report said.”
Read the Business Record’s full report here.
