Our Story
Building Trails, Connecting Communities
The Linn County Trails Association (LCTA), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit run by dedicated and passionate volunteers since 1990.
Our journey began and ended quickly with a proposed 12-mile trail along the Old Interurban Line from Bever Park to Mt Vernon. There was so much opposition to the trail that we refocused on building a paved trail through the city of Cedar Rapids.
In 1993, we were inspired by a similar fledgling group in Lincoln Nebraska and followed their lead by creating a Metro Area Trails System Committee.
This group was sanctioned by Cedar Rapids. Both groups worked together to promote trails, and we were successful! We expanded our board of directors and general membership and began meeting regularly.
Today we continue to grow our board, members, volunteers, and trails and are dedicated to making our community more accessible and connected through trails in Linn County!
TIMELINE
Our History
2018
Determined to make a greater impact, we raise $225,000 for three high-priority segments: Morgan Creek Trail and the Grant Wood Trail in Marion and Cedar Rapids. Every dollar makes new connections possible.
2017
LCTA boosts trail connections even further with $100,000 to support the Grant Wood Trail extension through Cedar Rapids up to Council Street. We also contribute $75,000 for the Highway 100 Trail by Rock Island Preserve, soon to be named the Morgan Creek Trail.
2015
Yet another leap forward as LCTA raises $100,000 to pave the Cedar Valley Nature Trail from Schultz Road through Center Point, making recreation more accessible than ever.
2010
Our advocacy catches on! LCTA raises $55,000 in matching funds to acquire, build, and pave the Lindale segment of the Grant Wood Trail. On the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, we raise $96,000+ to pave the busy stretch from Boyson Rd to Lafayette, ensuring families have great places to ride, walk, and connect.
2005
We gift the county section of the Grant Wood Trail to Linn County Conservation. With county help this big step continues the dream of an east-west paved connector trail!
2004
We raise $50,000, pushing the Cedar River Trail extension north to Hiawatha, closer to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and south into Linn County, making the backbone of the trail system even more accessible.
1999
The first 3.25 miles of the Grant Wood Trail open to the public! LCTA’s volunteers work relentlessly, negotiating land purchases, fundraising, and pouring their time and energy into the trail. Between 1997 and 2005, LCTA raises $250,000 for the Grant Wood Trail right of way purchase.
1997
The same year, we hear from the Grant Wood Trail Association, a newly created group in Jones County —opportunity knocks as the historic Milwaukee rail line nears abandonment. LCTA steps up and secures 7 miles of the 10-mile right-of-way, determined to connect the entire 10 miles from Marion to Martelle!
1997
LCTA celebrates a huge achievement with the completion of the Cedar Lake segment of the Cedar River Trail (CRT). To accomplish this, our all-volunteer team raises nearly $170,000 and coordinates state and federal grants. We tirelessly promote trails making sure that they remain a priority at the city, county, and state level.
1993
Facing obstacles with the Interurban line, LCTA switched gears and focused on building a paved trail system in Cedar Rapids. Working alongside the newly created Metro Area Trails System Committee, a plan for future trail connections across the region was set in motion.
1990
Linn County Trails Association (LCTA) is born! A small group of dedicated volunteers
comes together with a big dream—to build a 12-mile trail on an abandoned utility/rail line, The Interurban. Meeting incredible opposition, we refocus to a trail through the city, inspiring even bigger ambitions, an entire system of connecting trails!
2019
Morgan Creek Trail is taking shape with an additional $25,000 donation.
2020
LCTA recognizing that many trail surfaces create amazing recreation, donates $25,000 to the Linn Area Mountain Bike Association (LAMBA), a major trail partner and advocate.
2020
We upgrade our database system. During the Covid 19 Pandemic we see trail use soar to new heights
2022-2025
We expand partnerships, member outreach, and grant writing and raise $660,000 in matching funds to spark projects like the Cedar River Trail 4th St segment, Grant Wood Trail, Lucore Bridge Trail, Morgan Creek Trail, and most fitting of all, the restoration of the Interurban Trail. The dream that started it all continues, full circle.
2019-2021
Partnership powers progress! LCTA donates $50,000 to ConnectCR to help revitalize Cedar Lake and create a signature trail connection from Cedar Lake to the iconic Alliant Energy Lightline Bridge.