[The proposed Mississippi River Trail] ... will stimulate tourism, bringing an estimated additional $20 million to Iowa's economy each year. Restaurants, shops and other businesses are expected to open along the route. A study on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, in southwestern Iowa, found it brought $600,000 in annual economic benefits to the area. Trails encourage people to spend money purchasing everything from bike helmets to trail passes.
--- Des Moines Register Editorial, Feb. 25, 2007
The Mississippi River Trail, coursing along America’s backbone, the Mississippi River, from its headwaters in Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, offers approximately 3,000 miles of on-road and bike/pedestrian pathways for the recreational enjoyment, health, conservation, and tourism development of river communities, river states, and the nation.
Since the establishment of the Mississippi River Trail Project in 1996, the general public’s regard and desire for trails has mushroomed. Communities without trails are clamoring for them, communities with trails want more. The desire for long distance trails is steadily increasing. While their appeal to the adventuresome is important, the connectivity between rural areas, communities, and major metropolitan regions is something that is no longer “just desirable,” it is necessary to the economies of scale that support alternate transportation and natural resource conservation. Beyond these key needs, improving opportunities for tourism, the nation’s third most important and quickly growing industry, can be found in the development of trails and trail systems.
Over 60% complete, the Mississippi River Trail is calling you for support, involvement, and participation through Mississippi River Trail, Inc. – the trail’s most ardent creator, friend, supporter, and manager.
We invite you to explore the trail, read about our history, plan a trip, review our maps, link to our partners, supporters, and friends, find advocacy information, share your trail experiences, and become part of who we are as a member, supporter and friend.
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