If spring is a time to breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun radiate warmth into your body, what better way to do that than to go for a long bike ride? With over 50 miles of paths, such as the Clear Creek and Willow Creek trails, both paved and in the woods, there’s endless options for finding the perfect trail. Be sure your destination rewards you for all your hard peddling; stop at a cafe to get a fresh smoothie, at your favorite ice cream shop or bike downtown and walk through the pedestrian mall, where something is sure to capture your interest. For those who want something a little more adventurous with a slightly dangerous appeal, drive to Lake Macbride, where the rugged trails in the woods are marked for all levels of difficulty.

Gear into 

Action 

If you’ve already discovered everything there is to see in the Iowa City area, a perfect place for you to branch out into surrounding areas is at the New Bo City Market, located in Cedar Rapids. With an ambiance similar to that of a farmer’s market, it is home to a diverse spectrum of vendors, ranging from farmers and artisans to food start-ups. Whether you come to try some locally made food or one of the many weekly events, there is much to see and do here. Come to browse the stalls, try some bread from Saucy Focaccia, or check out one of the Market’s weekly events to promote healthy activities such as Happier Hour and Meet Me at the Market, an event where people meet to do different types of exercise. For a more complete schedule of events, visit their website or take a drive down to the Market yourself and see what’s on that day’s agenda.

Madness

Market

Trekking the 

Trails

Many people groan and grumble at the mention of the word ‘hike.’ It’s a lot of work to climb up a never-ending incline and enjoy your surroundings at the same time. There are plenty of trails to explore around Johnson County that may just change your opinion on how enjoyable hiking is. Some popular favorites that many a foot have journeyed through are the Woodpecker Trail in Iowa City, Hickory Hill Park and the trails at Lake Macbride. Hickory Hill Park’s trail is more paved, while the others are maintained but more rustic. No matter the trail you choose, they all provide opportunities to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Pack a picnic, get your family loaded into the car and take a day to enjoy the calmness that seeps into you as you observe nature.

Out on a 

Limb

If you and your friends are looking to fulfill your adrenaline needs, the University of Iowa’s challenge course is definitely a must go-to. With obstacles both close to the ground and much higher up, the course is enjoyable for everyone. Low obstacles, at most seven feet off the ground, are fun team-building challenges to overcome with friends and are geared more towards problem-solving techniques. At a towering 30 feet off the ground, high elements include more physically challenging obstacles and are a great way to push your limits. Have you ever wanted to paddle board on the Iowa River? How about trekking through Iowa’s renowned Effigy Mounds or bouldering at Governor Dodge State Park? Even if you’ve never considered these daring ideas until now, this spring is the time to try something new. Through the University of Iowa’s adventure trips, you can sign up for a variety of one to two-day outings and spend the whole time outdoors. With most trips welcoming all experience levels, everybody can find something that piques their interest.