Iowa Underground Railroad Bike Ride

Illuminating Iowa’s History

What is the Iowa Underground Railroad Bike Ride?

The Iowa Underground Railroad Bike Ride explores parts of the Underground Railroad that runs through Iowa. The National Association of Social Work- Iowa Chapter, Ankeny Acupuncture, Better Way Forward, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, and other invested volunteers and partners have a shared vision: Iowans would know the history of the Iowa Underground Railroad. 

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early to mid 1800s. Its purpose was to help enslaved African Americans escape from slavery in the South to freedom in the North and Canada.

The inaugural Ride of 2023 was a huge success, however, the Hitchcock house in Tabor had to close due to unsafe conditions. After the renovation, it is now open for people to visit. The Iowa Underground Railroad Bike Ride will move along the route in the coming years to continue to highlight the historical landmarks and share stories of the brave Freedom Seekers and the Iowans who risked helping them to freedom. 

This ride is one of endurance, introspection, celebration and community. Check back for future rides! We hope you will join us.