The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs recently redesignated 17 communities as Iowa Great Places, including the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Adel.

The Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce trail committee began the process of getting the redesignation last year, as they sought to acquire grants that would become available. The committee plans to exercise that option now in order to help fund their Kinnick to Raccoon Trail Improvement project, specifically the “In the Shadow of the Rails” art installation. The Dallas County Conservation Board, which owns the RRVT, co-sponsored the Iowa Great Places application, and with the redesignation they can also address funding for all 89 miles of the trail.

Overall, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs recognizes 40 Iowa Great Places communities, as well as eight cultural and entertainment districts.