What is a Shell Ceremony? It is an American Pilgrims custom to confer a shell (symbol of Santiago) and traditional pilgrim’s blessing upon first-time pilgrims who will be walking or cycling the Camino in the coming months. All local pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be are welcome to join us for this gathering! This Shell Ceremony will take…

Walk with us along Central Iowa’s Chichaqua Trail to the small town of Santiago (Iowa)! We’ll meet at the NE 88th St trailhead parking lot north of Bondurant, IA. We plan to walk approximately 11 km (about 7 miles) round-trip to the Santiago United Methodist Church and back. Please bring water and, if you choose,…

Experienced pilgrims share their advice on the specific clothing and gear options best suited for those planning to walk the Camino de Santiago. Because pilgrims aim to carry as little as possible as they trek from town to town, walking any portion of the Camino can be challenging. We share our best tips for packing…

Is this Spain? No, it’s Iowa: Madrid, Iowa! Join us on Saturday, Aug. 24 for our annual five-mile round trip hike from Madrid (IA) along the High Trestle Trail to the bridge. We will arrive just as the bridge’s blue lights are illuminated! We’ll meet near the restrooms at the trail parking lot in Madrid,…

Are you planning to travel the Camino de Santiago or would you like to learn more about it? Join members of the Iowa Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino to learn how to plan your pilgrimage. We’ll provide a brief overview of the basics and will also spend time on questions/answers, advice, discussion —…

We will meet at 10 AM to hike along the Sycamore Trail in Johnston, Iowa. There is a small gravel parking lot at the trailhead on NW 66th just on the west side of the river and the south side of the street. This is a soft dirt trail and we should be able to…

The Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500 acre, nonprofit land trust dedicated to providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public, improving and protecting the land through conservation, and demonstrating sustainable farming methods. There are over 40+ miles of hiking, running, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Our group will meet at the far south end at…