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In 2001, Jerry and Tina Talsma started with an idea that would take five years before turning into a full-fledged business adventure for the family of four. The couple had been looking for another source of income because it did not make sense for Tina to get a job in town which would require daycare and the back and forth driving while the couple had two small children. It was not until 2005 after overcoming several hurdles in order to start taking their trail idea to the next level that the Talsma’s and members of an ATV club develop the trails system to make Talsma’s Trail Park a reality in 2006 when it was first opened to the public. The business is the equivalent to a private park, which means there were many hurdles for the Talsma’s to overcome in order to get the business off the ground. One of the biggest hurdles being securing insurance for the business. As their business is considered high risk, it was more difficult to get the kind of insurance the trail park needed at an affordable price in comparison to what they charge for admission to the trail park. There were also the legalities associated with the business along with regulations that had to be followed for this type of private park versus a public one. Talsma’s Trail Park sits on 1500 acres of land featuring over 80 miles of trails that is located south of Avon right along the beautiful Missouri River bottom. Jerry and Tina are fourth generation ranchers. The Talsma’s main business is being a Hereford cattle ranch, so throughout the trails cattle can be seen grazing and sometimes are on the trail itself. The trails that the Talsma’s would use to check their cattle were the original trails for their trail park. The park features a variety of terrain including trees, creeks, brush, mud, sand, rocks, hills, river bluffs and open prairie. In having these different types of terrain, the Talsma’s have created three different levels of trails for their riders including easy, difficult and extreme. Most of the trails in the park are considered easy, with the difficulty level increasing with the level of steepness, or the trails through creek terrain with rocks, holes, etc. that would require a rider to navigate around and through in order to continue. In addition to the trails there are also mud play areas for those wishing to partake. This is why the Talsma’s definitely recommend coming to the trail park with an extra set of clothes as some adventurers have had to leave the park in nothing but their underwear. Talsma’s Trail Park is a bring your own vehicle type of park. The types of vehicles that are allowed on the trails include side by sides, ATVs, electric bikes, mountain bikes, dirt bikes, horses and is open to hikers. There are no vehicles on site that can be rented or used. It is important that all riders know their vehicle and how to handle it well because even though the trails are monitored for safety and pass ability, they are in a very primitive state as the couple wants to keep them as natural as possible. There are some very important rules that have to be followed when using the trail park. The biggest rule and one of the most important is that all drivers are required to remain on the trails, as the ranch is first and foremost a cattle business. The grass needs to be saved in order for their cattle to feed and graze. Some of the other rules include no alcohol, no glass, no smoking, no campfires and no dogs. As it is a working cattle ranch, the Talsma’s have their own working cattle dogs as well as people taking their own pets on trail rides could result in the rider and or animal being injured as well as having a negative impact on the Talsma’s cattle. Safety is an important aspect of Talsma’s Trail Park and the Talsma’s take it very seriously. The Talsma’s and their volunteers are available if issues arise. They will help in any way that they can should there be vehicle break downs or getting stuck in the mud areas. There is also an age limit of 12 years of age to operate an age-appropriate vehicle on their own with a parent/guardian present with them on the trails. Helmets and eye protection are required for riders under the age of 18 years old. All safety equipment must be brought with the those wishing to ride the trails. Over the 18 years that Talsma’s Trail Park has been in operation, the Talsma’s have added a few amenities to the park including an onsite plumbed bathroom in the parking area and a small family campground slightly north of the property. The family campground features five electrical hook ups for campers as well as many dry areas for tent camping. The campground is only open to trail park riders and it is best if anyone interested in using the campground calls ahead for reservations. The Talsma’s are in the process of adding a bathroom with showers to the campground area. It should also be noted that there is no onsite food or beverage available for purchase, so trail riders need to bring their own. The season for Talsma’s Trail Park begins in the spring once the trail conditions allow and proper trail maintenance is completed. The season usually lasts until the last weekend in October weather permitting. Anyone interested in using the trail park can follow their Facebook site in order to keep up with trail conditions. Due to the different weather conditions as well as the trails being needed to check cattle, there are times that riders are not able to use the trails in order to maintain the integrity of the trails The Talsma’s also have several special events throughout their trail park season including their customer appreciation celebration in August; Hope Haven, 4-H and cancer benefits in September; and their annual Halloween Ride in October. Unfortunately, this was their last year working with Hope Haven as their connection to the group has since retired, but the Talsma’s plan to continue to do a fundraising event with proceeds likely to go to the local 4-H group. The big annual event for the park is the Halloween ride. This year’s Halloween ride will take place this Saturday, October 5th at the trail park. The park is open all day except for at 5 pm the trail will close to get the trail ready for the night ride that will offer a guided ride through about five miles of the trail park where there will be spooky surprises. There will also be a donation chili feed at 5 p.m. until gone. One of the most unique and amazing aspects of this trail park are the different terrains and fantastic views of the river that can be experienced at different points throughout the park. While given a guided ride by the Talsma’s, it felt like being in a state park. The views are unimaginable, having the wind blowing through your hair and the feeling of peace and serenity experienced while out on their nature trails are unparalleled. Talsma’s Trail Park is definitely a special adventure and experience for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.