mormon handcart site

While sitting in our hotel room, my mother came across this trail. The trail is not that long, but it is still nice. The nature in the area is pretty and there are plenty of signs to show you the importance of the little trail. If you are Mormon, this trail may have some significance to you.

Not the easiest place to find, but very interesting if you get there. There is a nice informational stand at the beginning, and maybe one or two other information posts along the way. The path follows the Mormon Trek trail and points out where they camped along the way. A nice pilgrimage for Mormons.

To me, this place was very meaningful, as I had ancestors who actually camped in this location on their handcart trek west. For that, I'd give it the highest rating. For the average person who isn't interested in Mormon Pioneers, it may just be average. We found this place quite on accident while looking for the nearest Dairy Queen in Iowa City. The walk is peaceful and because of the personal connection, I felt like I was walking on sacred ground. There are signs along the path to educate visitors, and even though the bugs were plentiful, they added to the authenticity of the pioneer experience. If I had brought my young children, they wouldn't have appreciated it unless we'd also brought a picnic, but as it was, I loved the short walk down to the pioneer burial ground area.

This short trail leads to another Univ of Iowa extension trail which continues along the creekside trail amongst the trees on the SW corner of Hgwy 6 and Morman Trek Blvd. Markers and signs educate walkers as to this historic trail. Small parking area.

It is right on an excellent bike bath. I stopped one time after riding past in many times. There is not much there but it does make you wonder about the incredible journey that occurred on this same path so many years ago. If you are driving down I-80 and need a place to get out and walk a bit for a few minutes this would be perfect. It would be good for kids as well they could run wild here without fear of cars etc.

In itself, it is just a nature walk but the story of what the Mormons were trying to do with handcarts across the prairie, eventually to Utah is definitely something to contemplate in this natural setting.

Not a bad place for a walk but there is not much to see here and nothing to do. A plaque with the history on it. Around the area are some trails that you walk or bike on.

I'm a Mormon, and I was surprised how much I could learn about the pioneers! This is a really great place! Everyone should go there!