Discover Rhodes: Forest, Trail, and History

Rhodes brings together nature, a longer recreational trail, and local history. In town are the 61-acre Rhodes Timber Wildlife Management Area and a section of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail; Hoy Bridge is nearby, between Collins and Rhodes. Local events also offer a glimpse of the area, with specific programs from 2025. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Rhodes, you can plan your trip around whether you’re most interested in the forest and trail, a historic structure, or festival culture.

Woodland and Trail Views

The Rhodes Timber Wildlife Management Area covers 61 acres of woodland and is accessed from the east. The Rhodes Trailhead on the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail offers expansive views. These provide two distinct ways to experience nature: a named woodland area and the wide-open vistas at the trailhead. When planning your trip, consider whether the woodland or the views are more appealing. Both offer a unique way to experience Rhodes’ natural side.

A Trail with a Wider Reach

The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail is a 33-mile recreational trail from Melbourne to Slater that also passes through Rhodes. Its length connects these places and makes Rhodes part of a longer route. The trail is also part of the American Discovery Trail (ADT). It can therefore be viewed from two perspectives: as a specific trail with the Rhodes Trailhead, and as part of a broader network of routes. If you enjoy placing individual destinations within a longer trail connection during your stay, this second perspective is a special aspect of the trail.

Hoy Bridge and Its Construction History

Near Rhodes, users of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail cross Hoy Bridge between Collins and Rhodes. The concrete arch bridge was built in 1912 to carry a double-track railroad over Clear Creek. It is 212 feet long and 60 feet high. Its construction date and purpose connect the structure with railroad history and the crossing of Clear Creek. For travelers interested in infrastructure history, Hoy Bridge offers a distinct experience alongside the woodland and trail; its location between Collins and Rhodes is part of its context.

Events Tied to Specific Years

Rhodes Pride Days were held for the third time in 2025. That year’s program included food, games, children’s activities, a parade, and a cookie contest. The Rhodes Fall Festival returned in 2025 and included a fall market at Memorial Park. The two examples offer different highlights: Pride Days brought together several activities, while the fall market gave the Fall Festival a seasonal focus. For families, the games and children’s activities from that year offer a specific glimpse of the Pride Days program. If you’d like to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates and program for your travel year.

Choose Your Location Based on Your Travel Interests

When choosing a vacation rental in Rhodes, consider your own priorities. The trail and woodland are associated with Rhodes; Hoy Bridge is nearby, and events should be planned with the relevant year in mind. If you’re considering Rhodes as a place to stay, first think about whether the town’s nature attractions fit your travel plans and whether a festival date will actually fall during your stay.

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