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Focus Term: Tourism and Economic Development


Blog
Taters and Trains: The Great Big Baked Potato and the Northern Pacific Line
November 09, 2021

In 1908 Hazen Titus was the new superintendent of dining cars for the now-defunct Northern Pacific Line when he overheard a conversation.

Sheet music image | Courtesy University of Colorado, Music Library
Blog
The Build Back Better Act Could Create New Opportunities for Trail and Active Transportation Funding
November 05, 2021

The Build Back Better Act includes programs that address critical transportation and infrastructure issues, such as economic development, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and equity.

Georgia's Silver Comet Trail | Photo by Seth Holladay
Blog
Close Ties: Louisiana Bootlace Trail Network
October 25, 2021

Trail advocates in Louisiana are coming together with a vision to create a 100-miles-plus trail network loop that will lace together a dozen parishes.

Part of the developing Louisiana Bootlace Trail Network, New Orleans’ Wisner Trail is nestled between two popular recreational amenities - City Park and Bayou St. John. Photo by Jennifer Ruley, courtesy City of New Orleans.
Blog
Iowa’s Raccoon River Valley Trail
September 09, 2021

In pastoral west-central Iowa, the Raccoon River Valley Trail has won this year’s blue-ribbon prize: entrance into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

Perry's depot along the Raccoon River Valley Trail | Courtesy Raccoon River Valley Trail Association
Blog
Connections of Land, Sea and Sky: Olympic Discovery Trail
September 06, 2021

The Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) is a showcase of some of the most renowned cultural and natural assets on the North Olympic Peninsula.

The Elwha River Bridge in Port Angeles along the Olympic Discovery Trail has two decks—one for vehicles and one (below it) for pedestrians and bicyclists. | Photo by John Gussman
Blog
Southern New Mexico’s Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail Preserves Unique Piece of Railroad History
July 25, 2021

The Cloud-Climbing Trestle Trail is one of a network of trails rooted in the history of the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway (A&SM), also known as the Cloud-Climbing Railroad.

The 122-year-old Cloud-Climbing Trestle, also known as the Mexican Canyon Trestle | Photo by Cindy Barks
Blog
Michigan Trail System Makes Connections From Lake to Shining Lake
July 03, 2021

By summer 2022, the Michigan Air Line Trail will complete the final 2.5 miles of its 8-mile total, and enthusiasm among Wixom’s residents and business owners is high. But even more exciting than the trail’s completion is the news that the route will join the larger Great Lake-to-Lake Trails network. Because now, rather than merely attracting Detroiters, Wixom will be able to advertise itself to cross-state roadtrippers.

Michigan's Kal Haven Trail on the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route 1 in South Haven | Photo by C.M. McGuire
Blog
What’s It Like to Ride the Great American Rail-Trail? Just Ask These Trail Trekkers.
May 06, 2021

RTC talked to several long-distance bicyclists who have taken on the Great American Rail trail alread.

Washington's Olympic Discovery Trail | Photo by John Gussman
Blog
Great American Rail-Trail: Long-Distance Adventures
May 06, 2021

RTC talked to several long-distance bicyclists who have taken on the Great American Rail trail alread.

The stunning 22-mile NorPac trail in Idaho and Montana, is a host trail of the 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail. | Photo by TrailLink user cstineyb
Blog
Arizona’s Santa Cruz River Park Trail
April 11, 2021

Starting in the centuries-old birthplace of Tucson in the south, the Santa Cruz River Park Trail follows the sandy and mostly dry riverbed.

The Loop | Photo by Gerry Loew, Pima County Communications