Running Across Iowa: Adventures in the Quad Cities and Beyond

Once you do something you thought impossible, nothing seems impossible

Author: Ryan Fogel

If you bring your running shoes with you everywhere, there’s always an opportunity for adventure. I recently had the opportunity to visit Iowa for work, and I couldn't resist taking advantage of the beautiful scenery and warm weather to get in some runs. I was based in the Quad Cities area, which provided plenty of opportunities for running along the flooded Mississippi River. Here are some highlights from my Iowa running adventures:

One of my favorite runs in the Quad Cities was a four-mile out and back along the Mississippi River. I did this route twice, which gave me the chance to enjoy the changing scenery as the river flooding receded. The Mississippi River Trail provided a beautiful path for touring the cities. And with heavy snow melt up north, the river had flooded the trail and many roads, making for an interesting if not challenging run.

I spent quite a bit of time driving around Iowa for work, but I always made sure to pack my running gear in case I had the chance to explore a new area on foot. I enjoyed running in smaller towns and on country roads, where I could take in the wide open fields and rolling hills.

Tulip Festival in Pella: One of the highlights of my trip was spending a day in Pella, Iowa for the Tulip Festival. This charming town is known for its Dutch heritage and beautiful tulip gardens. I started the day with a three-mile run around the town, taking in the sights of the colorful tulips and windmills. Later, I spent the afternoon wandering around the festival, trying Dutch Letters and admiring the traditional Dutch culture.

On another morning, I set out for an eight-mile run along the Mississippi River Trail and across Arsenal Island. It was already hot and humid by the time I started, but I was determined to log my weekly miles, hitting 19 this week. The trail was flat and offered moments of shade, which helped me stay cool despite the heat. I even spotted a bald eagle soaring overhead, which was a welcome distraction from the heat.

My time in Iowa was filled with memorable runs and adventures. I loved exploring the Quad Cities area, meeting friendly people, and experiencing the charming town of Pella. If you ever find yourself in Iowa, I highly recommend lacing up your running shoes and exploring the beautiful scenery on foot.