Many years ago CMHI had a large working farm. They had many high quality livestock
animals, some of which were champions at the county and state fair. This was the “bullpen”
where the champion bulls were kept. It is now storage for old metal before it is recycled.
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 trail, 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 and pick up all of the caches. 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 98% gravel or small rocks.
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. The CMHI Business Manager
has graciously consented to the placement of this geocache.