Dr. Tom Dieker was the Superintendent for CMHI for a number
of years. Tom was a very caring person. He cared deeply
for his patients as well as all those who worked here. He has
since retired and left the area. Those of us who worked for
him have many good memories and still see signs of the good
work he did here. This small tract of forest was named in his
honor after his retirement.
The CMHI Business Manager, has graciously consented to the placement of this geocaches. The Cherokee Mental Institute was opened in 1902. The many building on the grounds are of interesting architecture. In 1995 a Walking Trail, open to the public, was built around the remaining campus. The trail is approximately 2.7 miles in length. There are wooded, as well as prairie, areas along the entire route. There is also a great deal of wildlife along the trails, especially in the northeast area and the south central area. The ideal course would be to park at the main trail parking lot and then head north and follow the path until you get close to the cache. There is minimal bushwhacking necessary off of the main trail and the mosquitoes are virtually non-existent, at least during daylight hours. Major bushwhacking not recommended. Due to the number of deer, what appear to be “geotrails” probably aren’t. The trail is now 98% small rock and gravel. Both edges of the trail are mowed in most places though. This is state property so the following simple rules are in effect:
1. Respect the privacy of hospital patients, as required by state law. (Code of Iowa, Chapter 228.)
2. This trail is unsupervised. Trail users are responsible for their own safety.
3. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.
4. Remove all litter, and place it in the containers located at the trail shelter. (In other words please practice CITO.)
The coordinates for the main trail parking lot are: N 42° 45.350 – W 095° 34.128 There are other hard surface parking lots around the grounds that you may park in, just do not drive on any roads that are not hard surfaced.