Flint River Trail

Background

The Flint River Trail begins along the riverfront in downtown - at the Port of Burlington.  This trail travels north through Riverside Park to the North Bottoms area nearly 4 miles.  The trail is paved and grade separated from traffic.  

When fully complete, the Flint River Trail will be approximately 18 miles in length and will extend from downtown Burlington to Big Hollow Recreation Area in Des Moines County. It will connect the Mississippi River Trail, downtown Burlington, the Port of Burlington, Riverside Park, Star's Cave Park and Preserve, Hickory Bend Recreation Area, Historic Zion School, and Big Hollow Recreation Area through the Flint River Valley. Within the City, the trail will be primarily separated from the roadways for safety and the enjoyment of the users.

Current Trail Phase Map

Progress

  • Riverfront, Main Street: Completed from Port of Burlington to Angular Street, along Main Street  in 2023
  • Bluff Road, N 8th Street to Cash Street: Expected to be complete by summer 2024 (funding on-hand)
  • Riverside Park RR Track Crossing/Connection to Bluff Road: Expected to commence spring 2024 (pending funding)

Funding

Funding support is necessary to complete a trail project of this scope.  Trail grants have driven continued development of the Flint River Trail as further connections continue.  The following grants have helped to fund portions of the Flint River Trail:

  • State Rec Trails
  • Federal Rec Trails
  • Iowa DNR - REAP
  • Transportation Alternatives Funding
  • Statewide Enhancement
  • LAWCON
  • Vision Iowa
Riverfront Trail