Gladbrook to Gifford, IA

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This line, about 22 miles long, connected the C&NW line at Gladbrook with the Minneapolis & St. Louis (ex Iowa Central) mainline at Gifford. Not much of the line's history is known. According to the Iowa Office of Rail Transportation, the corridor was abandoned in segments: the line west of Conrad was abandoned between 1970 and 1979, while the line east of Conrad was abandoned between 1980 and 1989.

Towns along the line from Gladbrook are Beaman, Conrad, Whitten and Gifford.

Here is evidence of the line in Conrad. This view is looking wes... — Here is evidence of the line in Conrad. This view is looking west. Photo by Jeremy Harris, 5/25/2008.

Same location in Conrad as previous picture, looking east. It is... — Same location in Conrad as previous picture, looking east. It is presumed that the right-of-way follows the power lines in the distance. Photo by Jeremy Harris, 5/25/2008.

In Beaman, IA, the line is evident as the Comet Trail. This is l... — In Beaman, IA, the line is evident as the Comet Trail. This is looking west toward Conrad, IA. Photo by Jeremy Harris, 5/25/2008.

Looking east in Beaman, IA, more grain elevators on the line can... — Looking east in Beaman, IA, more grain elevators on the line can be seen. It is regretful that the rails are no longer present, as this would have made a great ethanol route. The passenger depot in Beaman was located just to the left of the truck. Photo by Jeremy Harris, 5/25/2008.

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