Whether you enjoy camping, swimming, farmers markets, art exhibits, good food or hiking, biking or cross-country skiing, you’ll encounter them all and more along the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail. Come on, join us – you deserve a little fun!
EVENTS CALENDAR *Changes may occur
Ongoing Events
Trailhead Welcome Center Open – Saturday & Sunday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Memorial Day – Labor Day
The Welcome Center is an 18th Century restored pioneer church eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It houses sculptures of Isabel Moore Kimball and fossils of the archeologist Glenn Crossmann.
The Welcome Center is a cool reprieve on a warm day. Let one of the trail committee members welcome you to the area or catch-up on what’s new with you. Information, trail maps, a gift shop, ice cream sundaes, root beer floats, rest room and gracious hospitality available. Volunteer ran, so volunteer dependent.
Pie Sunday at Trailhead Welcome Center – 1st Sunday of June, July, August, and September from 2:00-5:00 p.m PLUS a bonus Fall Pie Sunday, October 13th
Enjoy your neighbor or a new acquaintance’s company along with a nice slice of homemade pecan, raisin-crème, strawberry-rhubarb, apple, cherry, pumpkin, peach, etc. – you get the picture – PIE!
Farmers Market – Saturdays May 27th – Aug 26th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Located at 203 West Main Street along Hwy #9 (one block west from the WGWL Trailhead)
Farmers Market – Riceville is an enhancement of the WGWL Trail. Find luscious produce, fresh eggs and honey, handmade jewelry and wooden bowls, barn quilts and pastries galore. Support local farmers and producers for a better environment, economy and a healthier you.
Summer Art Show – Sunday, June 2nd – Sunday, September 1st
Located in the lower-level of the WGWL Trailhead Welcome Center. For more information please visit our Featured Artist page.
Special Events
Saturday, February 10th – Luminary Sweetheart Ski/Stroll 4-8 p.m. | Chili Supper $5/bowl
Bring your family, your sweetheart, your loved ones to the annual Sweetheart Ski at the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail (WGWL Trail). On February 12th let your feet glide and your heart soar on a groomed rural trail surrounded by trees, waterways and gentle slopes.
Skis and snowshoes are available at the WGWL Trailhead at no cost courtesy of the Mitchell County Conservation Board or bring your own. Refreshment of hot cocoa available.
If the weather is balmy and no snow exists, still come for a nature walk.
Sunday, February 11th – Fat Tire to McIntire | A 12 mile out and back route from 10 A.M.-2 P.M.
April – Trail Work Days | At your convenience: 9:00 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Supporters of WGWL come together to plant flowers, clean the Trailhead Welcome Center, mulch, weed and spruce up the trail. Eager hands are welcome to help and are appreciated. Please contact us if interested in being a helping hand anytime during the trail season. To learn more, visit our Contribute page. Thank you!
Saturday, May 4th – IronHorse Full, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K 6:30 a.m.-Noon
This USATF sanctioned race takes place on the Northern Branch of the WGWL Trailhead Welcome Center (110 East Main Street, Riceville) and is chip timed. Strollers are not allowed. Register online early for Early-Bird pricing.
Saturday, May 11th – Private Reservation Graduation Reception (available)
Saturday, May 18th – Private Reservation Graduation Reception (available)
Sunday, June 2nd – Golf Cart Day and Pie Sunday at Trailhead 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Opening of Summer Art Show – Cheryl Pearson
Golf cart passes available only for this day ($12 fee) at Welcome Center. Carts must be driven only by a holder of an official car license. Bring your own cart or rent one from Riceville Golf Course (641-985-2447). Begin and end your golf cart adventure at the Trailhead by registering, picking up your pass, and then returning the pass after your ride. Please carry a cell phone so help can be sent in case of an emergency. No golf carts allowed in Lake Hendricks/campground area. Registration fee supports Trailhead maintenance.
Wednesday, July 3rd – CABARET in Riceville by Cedar Summerstock | Seating limited to the first 75. Tickets available at Riceville Public Library and Welcome Center when open on weekends.
Sunday, July 7th – Pie Sunday at Trailhead 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Saturday, August 3rd – Wapsipinicon Festival Events
5:45-6:15 a.m. Wapsi Wiggle Half Marathon Same Day Registration. Pre-register online.
6:30-9:00 a.m. Half Marathon Registered participants receive a free breakfast. Medals for 1st and 2nd place male and female finishers in their age category. Age categories are: Under 18, 18-25, 26-35, 36-49, 50-64, 65+.
7:00-8:45 a.m. Wapsi Wiggle 5K Same Day Registration. Pre-register online.
7:30-10:00 a.m. – Community Pancake Breakfast Open to the public- $6 for adults, $2 for children under 4, complimentary to racers
8:00 a.m. – Wapsi Wiggle: 5K Race Registered participants receive a free breakfast. Medals for 1st and 2nd place male and female finishers in their age category. Age categories are: Under 18, 18-25, 26-35, 36-49, 50-64, 65+. See Race Results.
8:05 a.m. – Kids Fun Run For kids 10 years old and younger. No registration required. Gather at the trailhead flagpoles at 7:50 A.M. Ribbon award.
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Treasure Hunt
Sunday, August 4th – Pie Sunday at Trailhead 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, August 21st – Senior Citizens Golf Cart Day
Sunday, September 1st – Pie Sunday at Trailhead Welcome Center 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Saturday, September 14th, 2024 – Border Bike (IA/MN) – The Official Bike Ride to the MN Border and Beyond
Refreshments available at restauranters along the routes (22+, 26+, 56+) and at Bailey snack station. Map provided to registered participants.
Sunday, October 13th – Golf Cart Day and Pie Sunday at Trailhead 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Passes available only for this day ($10 fee) at Welcome Center. Carts must be driven only by a holder of an official car license. Bring your own cart or rent one from Riceville Golf Course (641-985-2447). Begin and end your golf cart adventure at the Trailhead by registering, picking up your pass, and then returning the pass after your ride. Please carry a cell phone so help can be sent in case of an emergency. No golf carts allowed in Lake Hendricks. Registration fee supports Trailhead maintenance.
Sunday, November 10th – Annual Trail Committee Meeting The WGWL Trail Committee’s annual meeting is a time to reflect on the year’s events and the trail’s mission for the upcoming year, to thank our “Friends of the Trail,” to gear-up volunteers for the Christmas Tea events, and to share a potluck meal as a volunteer organization that is working toward the betterment of our community – 5:00 p.m.
