In the News
The Union Pacific Railroad Connection
In 2017 Marshall County Connection purchased a stretch of property from the Union Pacific Railroad that will become the trail right-of-way. It is the final link in a hiking/biking trail between Marysville, Kansas and Lincoln, Nebraska, a distance of 74 miles. The UPRR connection will connect the trail from the current south trailhead of the Blue River Rail Trail at 7th and Jayhawk Rd to 7th and North St in Marysville. Work is under way on this beautiful section of trail along the eastern edge of the old UPRR railyard. Once the trail reaches town it is just a short distance to the historic Union Pacific Depot that is currently undergoing renovations that we hope will include restrooms and showers for trail users. From the depot, walkers and riders will travel south to connect to the beautiful 7th street corridor trail at the Pony Express sculpture in downtown Marysville.
Bike Racks Coming soon to Marysville
The Marysville City Council has approved placement of bike racks at three locations in Marysville. They will be placed near the Pony Express statue, along the 7th street corridor and at the tent camping area in the city park. The racks have arrived and should be installed by spring.
Chief Standing Bear Trail
Our neighbor to the north, the Chief Standing Bear Trail, was featured in the October 2017 Rails to Trails magazine. There's even a nod to our own Blue River Rail Trail!
Abandoned Railroad Lines Becomes Recreational Paths
Peter Greenberg (CBS Morning News) May 2015
Our very own Blue River Rail Trail was mentioned in a segment by Peter Greenberg on the CBS Morning News today!
A Fourth of July List - Top 10 Rail-Trails for American History
Jake Lynch (Rails-to-Trails Conservancy) July 2013
Established as a trading post and ferry terminal in 1851, the city of Marysville in northern Kansas was a remarkable hub of migration and exploration, located on the Oregon Trail, the Mormom Trail, the route of the Pony Extress, the St. Joe Road, the Overland Stage, the Military Road, and the Otoe-Missouria Trail. The old Pony Express Station there still stands. British Explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton, who stopped there in 1860, once called Marysville "a country-town which thrives by selling whisky to ruffians of all descriptions." Don't let that deter you. In honor of Independence Day, Marysville will throw "An Old Fashioned 4th of July" party, which includes a Walk-Ride-Run along the Blue River Rail Trail. This 8.7 mile rail-trail meanders along the course of the Big Blue River, the origin of the city's settlement.
Young Farmers Big Fans of Kansas' Rail-Trail Aspirations
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy July 2012
For many years, farmers and agricultural landholders were among the most fervent opponents of converting unused rail corridors into public trails in Kansas. A number of farmers argued that the land they once sold to the railroads should be returned to them, fearing that opening the corridor to bikers and walkers would expose them to vandalism and crime, and lawsuits should a trail user be injured.
Despite the failure of these concerns to materialize, agricultural opposition to rail-trails persists, with groups such as the American Farm Bureau Federation sponsoring legal opposition to rail-trail conversions.
But now it appears a new generation of farmers is developing a fresh appreciation of what rail-trails can bring to their community.
Best Kansas Trails for Biking, Hiking, and Horseback Riding
Gina Kaufmann, Matthew Long-Middleton & Patrick Quick (89.3 FM) April 2015
Spring is finally here and outdoor enthusiasts around the Midwest are ready to hit the trails and take in some fresh air. According to authors Jonathan and Kristin Conard, the Great Plains offers a wide variety of hiking, biking, and horseback-riding trails, ranging from simple beginner paths to more advanced ones.
Jonathan and Kristin Conard shared their favorite outdoor spots with Central Standard's Gina Kaufmann in anticipation of their upcoming book, Kansas Trail Guide: The Best Hiking, Biking and Riding in the Sunflower State.