Bonnifield Lake

Are you ready for a day of adventure and relaxation in the beautiful outdoors? Look no further than Bonnifield Lake, located in Waterworks Park! Nestled within the peaceful slopes of the Jefferson County Loop Trail, this stunning lake offers endless opportunities for fun with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to swim, kayak, fish, or hike, Bonnifield Lake has got you covered. And don’t forget to bring your fishing rod – the lake is home to an abundance of catfish just waiting to be caught! Bonnifield Lake gets its name from the Bonnifield cabin, the oldest two-story cabin in Iowa, which sits inside the park. While the inside of the cabin is off limits, the exterior is still worth a visit, as it provides a close-up view of historic craftsmanship.With so much to see and do, Bonnifield Lake is a fun destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Bonnifield Lake

N B Street
Fairfield, Iowa 52556

Pleasant Lake

Discover the perfect outdoor getaway at Pleasant Lake! Catch a fish amidst the stunning scenery or bask in the sun with a delicious picnic at the gazebo. For a scenic stroll, explore the picturesque trails around the lake. This retired reservoir has been transformed into an exciting water playground, perfect for kayaking or fishing – come join the fun! Conveniently located off Pleasant Plain Road just north of Fairfield, Pleasant Lake is your ticket to a revitalizing outdoor adventure.

Pleasant Lake

Pleasant Plain Road
Fairfield, Iowa 52556

Whitham Woods

Get ready to explore Whitham Woods and take in the fascinating array of plants that have grown to maturity over time in this green wonderland.

In addition to the colorful flora, Whitham Woods boasts a whopping 100 species of trees! Plus, don’t miss the four-acre prairie plot and one-acre fishing pond for some extra outdoor fun. And for those looking to burn some calories, the Fairfield Loop Trail winds through the southern half of the park. Get your adventure on at Whitham Woods!

Created in 1889, as the original site of the C.W. Whitham Nursery, many of the original nursery plantings have grown to maturity creating an interesting diversification of plant materials at Whitham Woods. includes more than 111 different species, including oak, hickory, conifers, and fruit trees such as apple, peach, pear, and plum. Many of the original trees have matured and created an interesting and diverse habitat area. The land hosts deer, squirrels, rabbits, and songbirds. Whitham Woods also sports a four-acre prairie plot seeded with Big Blue Stem, Little Blue Stem, Indian Grass, Side Oats Grama, Switch Grass, and various native forbs.
Whitham Woods now boasts trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, plus access to a one-acre fishing pond, and a four-acre prairie plot for photography and general nature appreciation. The Fairfield Loop Trail winds through the southern half of the park.

Whitham Woods is located about 1 mile west of Fairfield on Highway 34.

Whitham Woods

1893 Business Highway 34
Fairfield, Iowa 52556

The Ride

Everything you need to get on the road… New bikes, accessories, and repair.

The Ride… is currently open Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM-5PM. Winter hours are Saturdays only from 10AM-5PM. You can reach The Ride… at 641-472-1719. Stop by the store and check out their inventory, or dust off that bike in the back of the garage and get a tune-up.

Owner Mark Smith has been many things in his life but meeting people through the world of bikes is what draws him to a business that keeps people pedaling.

The Ride organizes weekly bike rides, weather permitting. Join the group for more details.

123 N. Court St
Fairfield, IA 52556

Fairfield Loop Trail

15.9 Miles of Pure Iowa Outdoors
Whether you’re a weekend wanderer, a family on a mission to burn some energy, or just need to breathe in something other than your inbox—Fairfield’s Loop Trail has you covered.

Spanning 15.9 miles around town, this scenic trail winds through prairie, wetlands, woods, and lakes, linking all of Fairfield’s parks in one unforgettable loop. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and full of surprises—no two miles feel the same.
Why Locals and Visitors Love It
It’s scenic, peaceful, and never boring. You’ll pass through prairie winds, forest shade, lakeside calm, and small-town charm—all in one loop. Come for a walk, stay for a while.

Fairfield Loop Trail Map Online

Start Your Adventure at the Barns
📍 Located at Maasdam Barns (next to Jefferson County Health Center, Hwy 1 & US 34)
Marked every 1/4 mile, the trail is easy to navigate whether you’re out for a full loop or just a quick stroll. Start at Mile Marker Zero and follow the trail clockwise to explore it all.

Trail Highlights by Segment
DOT South Segment
This 5.7-mile stretch parallels Hwy 34 but feels like another world. You’ll find wooded curves, prairie views, and wetlands, making it a favorite for birdwatchers, bikers, and wanderers alike.

Whitham Woods
Once a tree nursery, this shady retreat is home to unique plant life and gentle hills. It’s a peaceful place to walk, think, or cool off under a canopy of green.

Northwestern & Rock Island Railroad Segments
Built along historic rail beds, these flat and fast segments connect you to Dexter Soccer Park and the town’s north side. Keep your eyes open for railroad remnants and local history beneath your wheels.

B Street to the Lakes
Follow the trail past Bonnifield, Pleasant, and Walton Lakes—retired reservoirs now perfect for fishing, strolling, and lake-gazing. The vibe here? Peaceful, open, and totally Instagrammable.

Louden Bridge
One of the trail’s most beloved features. This 246-foot bridge is lined with 171 ceramic plaques made by Fairfield High School students, showcasing images from Louden Machinery blueprints. Art meets industry. Vibes meet views.

Crow Creek & Neff Wetlands
Winding through lowlands and wildflower-dotted woods, this segment feels magical. Three creek crossings, a wetlands dike, and a boardwalk through Lamson Woods State Preserve make this one of the most scenic sections of the loop.

Mint Boulevard Link
This is the trail’s only on-road section and includes a gravel hill with a bit of bite—but it connects you back to Mile Marker Zero and the full experience.

More Than Just a Trail
Trail Scavenger Hunt
Every summer starting Memorial Day, grab a card and hunt for 10 punch locations across the trail. Great for families, friend groups, or anyone who loves a little challenge with their walk.

Trail Drive (October)
Once a year, a portion of the trail opens to cars—so grandma, toddlers, or non-hikers can enjoy the scenery too. It’s one of Fairfield’s favorite fall traditions.

Art, Parks & Hidden Gems
The Loop Trail connects every city park and is dotted with bridges, art, and natural escapes. Take a detour. Stop at a picnic table. Spot a heron. Or just sit and listen.

Plan Your Trip
Trail Type: Multi-use (walk, run, bike)

Distance: 15.9 miles

Surface: Mostly paved with some gravel sections

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Trailhead: Maasdam Barns, Hwy 1 & US 34

Parking: Available at several parks along the trail

Family-Friendly: Yes

Pet-Friendly: Yes (on leash)

Access points for the trail include:
Whitham Woods
Cedar View Trail
Maasdam Barns
Mint Blvd Parking Lot
Lamson Woods
Neff Wetland
Chautauqua Park
Pleasant Lake
Bonnifield Lake

Main Location

Fairfield, IA 52556

Website

Chautauqua Park

One of our most full-featured parks. Playground areas, restrooms, shelter houses you can reserve, restrooms, picnicking, walking trail that links to the Fairfield Loop. Games: horseshoe courts, disc golf course.

The Chautauqua Complex comprises three interconnected areas – Chautauqua Park, the Community Orchard, and the Eastman Wetland. Chautauqua Park is a favorite among visitors who revel in its majestic trees, extensive playgrounds, and picnic areas that have served as a picturesque backdrop for countless memories. Families, couples, and friends alike relish its serene ambiance, perhaps engaging in a leisurely game of disc-golf or swinging away on the playground. The Fairfield Loop Trail, which provides access to extensive hiking opportunities, runs through the park and connects to the Community Orchard. Established in 2012 with support from Alliant Energy’s Hometown Rewards Program, the Orchard boasts a range of fruits, including American Persimmon, Chestnut, Mulberry, Asian and European Pears, and multiple varieties of Apples. During harvest season, visitors enjoy the opportunity to pick their own fruits. Beyond the Orchard lies the Eastman Wetland, a 24-acre mitigation site, with a restored wetland of 5 acres. Once farmland, the site now teems with abundant wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, crayfish, mussels, and insects that rely on the wetlands for feeding, nesting, and spawning. With endless possibilities for exploration, the Chautauqua Complex is truly a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Disc Golf Map Chautauqua Park Disc Golf Course Map

Main Location

Hwy. 34 East on E. Burlington Avenue.
Fairfield, IA 52556

Website