The Prairie Spirit Trail is a relatively new trail. The section from Richmond to Welda opened in 1996, and from Ottawa to Richmond opened in 1998. The section from Welda to Iola is now completed, for a total of 50 miles.  The trail surface is hard-packed limestone screenings in rural areas, and asphalt paving within the towns of Garnett, Iola and Ottawa. The trail passes over several bridges, including the Marais Des Cygnes River and Pottawatomie Creek. Trailheads provide benches, restrooms, and picnic areas in each community along the trail.  Scenery along the trail is a mixture of rural farmlands and hardwood forest with stands of hickory and oak.