High Tresel Bridge view from Highway 210
The main purpose of our trip to Madrid and Perry, Iowa, was to visit Beth Ann’s former colleague/friend who had moved back to her hometown. However, when we travel together we usually have little side adventures. This trip was no exception. Madrid is located in the beautiful Des Moines River Valley and is fortunate to be home to the spectacular High Trestle Trail Bridge.
High Trestle Bridge near Madrid, Iowa
Flat Tire Lounge and Frontier Shack along trail in Madrid: great for snacks and a cool-down
The High Trestle Bridge is part of a 25 mile hard surfaced trail which runs from Woodward to Ankeny, Iowa. The bridge is 13 stories high and half a mile long with views north towards the Ledges State Park and south toward Saylorville Lake. The day we visited was ‘melt your elastic’ hot so we waited until closer to dusk to walk part of the trail. This also allowed us to view the bridge in all its blue LED glory.
High Trestle Bridge cloaked in blue glow
Bikers, hikers and family groups were also enjoying the trail in the cooler evening. Something about the night sounds and smells and smiling faces gave me a happy déjà vu childhood feeling.