The residents of Gowrie and the surrounding area now have nearly two miles of new trail that they can use for walking, running, bicycling or skating.

It’s called the Freedom Trail, an appropriate name for a path in a town known for its spectacular Independence Day celebrations.

Like all trails, this one took years of planning. But its origin also has a moving story behind it.

Some 20 years ago, Andrea Kuhn was helping to care for her sister, who was suffering through the ravages of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Kuhn was not alone in her efforts. She had support from friends and neighbors in Gowrie.

After her sister passed away, Kuhn thought about ways to thank her community for its support. She thought a trail would be a good way to express her gratitude.

Her idea finally came to fruition this summer, when the 1.75 mile Freedom Trail debuted. The trail connects Laurel Park with the area around the swimming pool and the Southeast Valley High School football stadium.

The trail resulted from work by Gowrie officials, the Webster County Board of Supervisors, Webster County Conservation, Snyder & Associates and Howrey Construction, of Rockwell City.

The planning started in 2021. Construction started in July 2024.

We’re awed by the vision of Andrea Kuhn, who thought of a trail as a thank you present to her community all those years ago.

We thank all the partners who came together to make that trail a reality.

Perhaps the trail can be extended some day. And there may be opportunities for local groups to do something like putting up a flag pole at the trail head.

But all of that is for sometime in the future. For now, people should enjoy the new trail just as it is.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of the trail to get outside and get some exercise.