Readers sound off about the tourism impact of Trout Run Trail

On Monday I posted the comments of a friend of mine about the tourism impact of the Trout Run Trail:

"I think the big impact of the Trout Run Trail won't be from tourists, although I'm sure it will attract some tourists.  I think the big impact will be the way it allows Decorah area residents to head out and enjoy the trail at any time.  You can ride your bike on the trail before going to work, or you can use it to take a break and go running at lunchtime.  I think people are expecting a lot of tourists to come to town now that the trail is built, but I'm wondering whether that will be the case."

I asked for your comments about his theory--and you responded:

Karl says:  "I don't think it will hurt tourism, for sure, but I think it won't be the primary reason for tourists' visits.  It's just one more reason to come here for a visit. It adds to the mix of opportunities for bicyclists that include our extensive paved and gravel road networks as well as our outstanding  mountain bike trails. I think it would attract a lot more bicycle tourists if the trail connected to some of the trails in the region. 

Whether or not TRT attracts some, or lots more, tourists, it was worth the investment. As I see it, the primary benefit is that the trail offers a great venue for recreation and alternative routes to get about Decorah for locals and tourists."

Katrina & Kelly say: "Your friend's observations are right on, indeed many locals are out enjoying the benefits of the Trout Run Trail's fresh air and wellness perks any time of the day.  Your friend and others might also enjoy opinions of people from outside the area � take it from the hundreds of faces that would brighten when they approached the Winneshiek County Tourism exhibit at the Iowa State Fair.  The top question asked from visitors in the six hours we volunteered were, "Is the recreation trail open?", "How are the eagles doing?" and "Where are some good places to stay?".  These questions were mostly from people in Wisconsin, Minnesota and all over Iowa.  We'd like to think that the excitement of these people answers your question.  One only has to drive around and look at license plates (near trail entryways) to see that people from all over are out on the trail.
P.S. Non-believers are welcome and encouraged to spend some time at the Winneshiek County Tourism exhibit next year � it's mind-boggling how many people love the area just as much as we do.

Dale says: ". I also rode the trail this past weekend and I purposely counted the bicyclists (64) and the walkers (33). Now where they are from is another question, however I did notice cars in the parking area where we started (the Fish Hatchery) from a couple different states and many Iowa counties. I can only assume as the weather cools  the attendance on the trail will increase, I will certainly ride it again many times. (However I live between Sattre & Decorah, does that make me a "Tourist"?) Word of advice, start at the Hatchery and get the "hills" out of the way right off the bat! :-)"

Pat says: "I already see lots of cars with bikes on the back from out of town.  I think you'll be very surprised how may will come.  Like they say, build it and they will come."

Doug says: "I think that in order to attract a significant amount of tourists to the trail, the city needs to invest in a marketing campaign and consider some amenities such as restrooms, rest areas and perhaps some sort of retail outlet at the trail head that would sell bottled water and biking supplies, i.e. fix a flat, etc."

Ray says: "I think the trail will generate a significant number of tourists, and I have already met several.  Three weeks ago (before the completion of the bridge) a fellow walked in one of the local bike stores on Sunday afternoon, and asked how to find the trail.  They gave him a map, and directions - when he came out I volunteered that I was headed out on the trail if he wanted to join me.  He had driven up from Dubuque specifically to check out the trail, and stated that he would be back to ride the trail when it was officially completed, additionally he wants to try out the mountain biking trails.
 
On another ride I noted a couple who were disembarking from an out of county vehicle.  We passed them a couple times on the trail, and back where they had started I spotted them loading their bikes.  We stopped and chatted.  They drove an hour to ride the trail, and were enthused about finding a house to purchase in Decorah, in no small part because of the trail.
 
Yesterday we met another couple at the crest of one of the hills riding a tandem I've never seen in Decorah, so have to assume they were from out of town.  (we also ride tandem, so I notice them) 
 
Eventually the eagle nest will fall out of the tree, and at that point I have to assume that the trail will be the significant tourist attraction in town.
 
Another huge benefit that I see when out on the trail are the number of folks biking, and I'm thinking particularly of retirement age and beyond, who I certainly have not observed bicycling prior to having a safe place to ride.  I think one of the best observers you might ask about the potential tourist impact of this trail would be Brian Malaise, manager of the fish hatchery, as he observes all the out of county and out of state license plates at the hatchery.  Now that the eagles are not drawing as much attention, I think it a fair bet that many of the vehicles parked near the hatchery may be enjoying the trail."

Thanks for all your comments.  Now, here's one final question: "What do you think needs to be done to attract tourists to the bike trail?"