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Why it’s great: This crushed limestone trail through the scenic Loess hills of western Iowa hosts a number of <anchor>bike events</anchor>, like the Taco Ride and regular MTB and road rides. There are a few parks along the route that offer free camping for bike tourists, but there is a minimal fee to ride the trail, which helps offset maintenance.
15+ Things To Know About Wabash Trace Trail (Plus Taco Ride Tips) – Oh My! Omaha
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# 15+ Things To Know About Wabash Trace Trail (Plus Taco Ride Tips)

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Omaha has a pretty decent amount of paved and mountain bike trails, but every so often, we come across a trail that outshines the others. I’m talking about the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which yes, isn’t in Omaha, but it’s close enough. Let me tell you about this long trail in southwestern Iowa.

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## Where is the Wabash Trace Nature Trail?

The Wabash Trace Trail is a rails-to-trail path in western Iowa stretching from Council Bluffs to Blanchard. It’s 63 miles of crushed limestone and, for the most part, it’s pretty straight and flat (being a former railroad route and all).

Girl riding a bike in the fall on the Wabash Trace Trail in Iowa

Most people that I know, ie. those living in the Omaha metro area, start in Council Bluffs. The access point in Council Bluffs is on the south end of town, not far from Iowa School for the Deaf. There’s a park near the trail where you can leave your car, as well as a Lewis Central School District school parking lot.

I’ve biked this trail mostly, but there are quite a few runners and walkers on the trail, as well.

## A few things to know about the trail

This trail is maintained by two nonprofits and volunteers, not taxpayer money. So, it’s extremely important to pay the minor trail pass fee so surfaces and bridges can be maintained.

And so trees and debris can be removed from the path.

A fallen tree blocks the path on the Wabash Trace Trail in southwest Iowa

The last I’d checked, the fee is $2 per day for anyone between the ages of 12 and 64, or an annual pass of $20. You simply drop your fee or donation in the collection poll at any trailhead. Annual bike passes are available at local bike shops.

The northern half of the trail, where I’m most familiar with, offers vistas of the Loess Hills. I’ve yet to make cover the entire distance. If you want to, there are places to stay overnight, making it a manageable overnight or weekend trip.

## Must-stop on the trail: Mineola

Most Omaha bikers of any skill level can make the out-and-back trip to Mineola. It’s not easy — it’s nearly 20 miles in all — but it can be done.

Why Mineola? It’s the first town stop on this trail when you depart from the Council Bluffs trailhead. And it’s home to one of the first restaurants that’s a short ride off the trail: Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse.

Exterior of Tobey Jacks Mineola Steak House in Iowa

It’s located at 408 Main St., so about a block or so from the trailhead in Mineola. The town isn’t huge, so it should be fairly easy to find.

What to like about it? Outdoor seating and lots of it!

We ordered a few appetizers to split, but there’s also a kid’s menu and much heartier fare to choose from.

## Riding with kids on the Wabash

There is a Wabash trail map you can check online to see the distances between each stop. We rode the Council Bluffs to Mineola leg of the trail with two kids ages 7 and 9.

Mom and daughter on the Wabash Trace Trail in southwestern Iowa

My kids are fairly seasoned bikers for their young age, so the 9.6-mile one-way ride wasn’t too difficult, but it did require us a stop to rest each way.

The good news about that route:

- – It’s mostly shaded. I love a good route with towering trees.
- – There are a few bridges to cross, which are always fun for kids. There’s also a tunnel.
- -It’s pretty straight and flat, so kids who aren’t that sure on their two wheels don’t have sharp turns or steep downhills to worry about. While it looks flat, you will occasionally notice a slight incline, though.
- – I enjoyed the scenery. It’s very easy to feel removed from the rest of the world and yet you’re not very far from the city.
- – There’s at Mineola restaurant called Tobey Jack’s to look forward to at the turnaround point. You can order food or get a frozen treat out of the cooler. Grown-ups, there is also beer on the menu.

Boy biking on a bridge on the Wabash Trace Trail

The bad news about that route:

- – The path is made of crushed limestone, so if you own a road bike, you’re not going to want to take it on this trail.
- – My kids became bored with the trail being so straight.
- – The route does involve crossing a few country roads. They aren’t busy roads, at least, but you just have to be ready to stop occasionally to look both ways for cross traffic.
- – Water fountains are not found along this route. We refilled at our mid-way point.
- – Bathrooms are also not a given on this trail. You may just have to use the great outdoors, mostly. We did find a port-a-potty at Margaritaville, a funny little picnic area not too far from Mineola. If you can hold it, wait until you get to the restaurant in Mineola, though.

Wabash Trace trailhead

## The popular Taco Ride on the Wabash Trace Trail

Perhaps you’ve heard of a Thursday night bike ride called The Taco Ride. It’s the exact same route I took with the kids, from Council Bluffs to Mineola.

Margaritaville during the day is just a quiet picnic area to rest on the Wabash Trace Trail. During the Taco Ride, it's packed with people.

This popular weekly event draws hundreds and sometimes thousands of cyclists, and it’s a lot of fun. While you may just breeze by Margaritaville on a day trip, it’s a must-stop during the Taco Ride.

It’s been going for decades now, and the Taco Ride got its name because the original restaurant you’d stop at offered discount tacos and beers on Thursday nights. The name stuck even when it turned into a steakhouse.

There is no set-in-stone start and end time, but most people head to the trail shortly after work ends on Thursday. Consider it the bike rider’s happy hour.

An Iowa microbrew beer served at Tobey Jack's Mineola Steak House

Is it kid-friendly, you might wonder? Well, I’ve been on the ride a few times in my younger days with friends and rarely saw a kid riding with a parent. I’d say kids wouldn’t be shunned, it’s just not the scene I’d want to bring a kid to.

But if you do want to bring kids, go early in the evening and head back before dusk.

The first view of Mineola heading south on the Wabash Trace Trail 

There are some risks to the Taco Ride, if you aren’t prepared. Here are a few tips:

- – The trail is not lit with street lights, so the bike ride back from Mineola is super dark. Bike lights are a must. Be on the lookout for those without bike lights. While you’re at it, don’t wear dark-colored clothes at night.
- – Wear a helmet.
- – It is pretty common for people to bring beers for the ride and/or partake in a few drinks in Mineola. Expect a few people to not be riding the straightest line.
- – Warn others behind you of fallen tree limbs and cross streets.
- – The Taco Ride in the summer can be pretty hot, but other times in the year, the temperatures will drop after the sunset. Bring layers.
- – Bring water for yourself. And for others.
- – Bring a repair kit for your tires and others who may encounter bike troubles along the way.

Link to more stories about Iowa

Find more things to do in Iowa by reading a few of my favorite posts:

14 Unique Trails In Iowa

Tips for biking the Wabash Trace Trail in southwest Iowa, a dirt path running more than 60 miles. What to expect if you bring kids, where's a good place to stop for lunch, and what's the big deal about the Thursday night Taco Ride. #Iowa #outdoors #Midwest #bikeride

Explore rural southwest Iowa with a bike ride along the Wabash Trace Trail. It's a kid-friendly trail, but this post includes tips for what to expect if you take kids. And if you haven't heard about the popular Taco Ride, this post explains what that is, too. #Iowa #bikes #familytime #trails #Midwest #ThisIsIowa

By Author Kim

Posted on Published: May 21, 2020

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Kevin Sweeney

Wednesday 15th of September 2021

I rode it yesterday on a road bike and had no problems.

Kim

Wednesday 15th of September 2021

Consider yourself lucky. My road bike seems to find the smallest pebble and would pop on the kind of trail.



### Hi there, I’m Kim

I'm a mom, wife, writer & coffee addict. I love my hometown, Omaha, but cannot resist the thrill of travel. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. With any luck, I'll inspire you to think the same. Email me at [email protected]

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