It can be hard to find the energy to get out and exercise when winter rolls around, but luckily, Iowa’s got some great motivators! Take the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, for instance. Not only is this one of the most beautiful trails in Iowa, but a short trek or bike ride will take you to one of our finest small town restaurants.
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is one of Iowa’s most famous hiking and biking paths.
Facebook / Wabash Trace Nature Trail
This rails-to-trails conversion spans 63 miles from Council Bluffs to Blanchard.
Facebook / Wabash Trace Nature Trail
While the trail is popular year round, on Thursday nights, it’s something special.
Flickr / Christine Warner Hawkes
For most of the year, each Thursday night is Taco Ride night on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail!
Facebook / Taco Ride, Margaritaville
Stop by the “Margaritaville” rest area to take a break and have a drink on your way from from Council Bluffs to Mineola.
Facebook / Taco Ride Margaritaville
Once you get to Mineola, park with the rest of the cyclists and head to Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse!
Google Local / Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse
Most hikers and cyclists just grab a seat on the patio, but if it’s cold, head on in to warm up.
Facebook / Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse
Grab a seat at the bar and order up! They have a good beer list and a great selection of cocktails.
Google Local / Stephen Busick
You can also have a seat in their quieter dining room if you want to take your time and relax.
Google Local / Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse
The Taco Ride is named for their Thursday Taco specials, and you won’t regret ordering a whole bunch. After all, you’re just going to cycle off those calories on your way back!
Google Local / Athom Sfere
If you’re not a taco fan, or just hiking the trail and stopping to dine on a different day, no worries! Tobey Jack’s has a menu featuring burgers, salads, steaks, and more.
Google Local / Tyler Prebenno
While the Taco Ride is certainly something every Iowan should experience, any day hiking the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and dining at Tobey Jack’s is a day well spent.
Facebook / Wabash Trace Nature Trail
It’s easy to find a trailhead along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, but if you’re looking to join the Taco Ride, head to the intersection of Highway 92 and Highway 275, near Lewis Central School. Scenic countryside soon takes over your view, and soon you’ll be at Margaritaville! From there, it’s all downhill until Mineola, where you’ll easily find the steakhouse at 408 Main St, Mineola, IA 51554, just a few blocks off the trail.
Facebook / Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Flickr / Christine Warner Hawkes
Facebook / Taco Ride, Margaritaville
Facebook / Taco Ride Margaritaville
Google Local / Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse
Facebook / Tobey Jack’s Mineola Steakhouse
Google Local / Stephen Busick
Google Local / Athom Sfere
Google Local / Tyler Prebenno
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