The Trout Run Bowstring Bridge Park project is complete

Big improvements have been made to Trout Run Park off of Highway 9 near the Bowstring Bridge as part of a joint project of the Iowa DNR, the City of Decorah and the Winneshiek County Conservation Board.
 
The purpose of this multi-faceted construction project was to stabilize the banks of the Upper Iowa River, improve safety, and provide better accessibility for boaters, fishermen, trail users, and motorists.
 
According to Iowa DNR Engineer Mandi Aldrich Peters, the project was scheduled to begin last September, but due to the flooding in the fall, the start was delayed until the winter of 2017. This delay extended the completion date from May 15, 2017 to June 23,2017. Skyline Construction was awarded the winning constuction bid for $279,581.21.
 
The project includes a new and improved raised park entrance which will improve the safety of  motorists entering and exiting the park. The canoe and kayak launch area has been expanded and designated handicap parking has been added to the enlarged, concrete parking lot. In addition, a handicap accessible fishing area has been added and the banks of the Upper Iowa River have been stabilized to help prevent future flooding in the area.
 
"The funding for the project was 100% Marine Fuel Tax which is generated by users who purchase fuel for recreational boating. This fund is used for acquisition, development, and maintenance of recreation facilities associated with recreational boating," says Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Terry Haindfield.   
 

 

The new raised park entrance/exit

The expanded canoe/kayak launch

The new handicap accessible path to the river

The enlarged concrete parking lot includes designated handicap parking and space for vehicles with trailers to turn around