How to Experience RAGBRAI in Knoxville

RAGBRAI LI will be rolling through southern Greater Des Moines (DSM) this summer and includes visits to cities like Greenfield and Indianola, while riders will be staying overnight in Winterset and Knoxville. Each community on the RAGBRAI route offers a new and unique experience for riders, both returning and new, and opportunities for locals to enjoy the RAGBRAI fun in their backyards. Being a part of the oldest and longest multi-day bicycle touring event in the world is a point of pride for the host communities and Knoxville is revving up as RAGBRAI races through on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

What to Expect at the Knoxville Overnight Stop

Knoxville is ready to host an unforgettable RAGBRAI experience for riders, locals and other visitors. Riders will be coming from the Winterset overnight stop, with Day four pit stops along the way in nearby towns.

The Main campgrounds will be West on Madison Street at the Knoxville Rec Center and Knoxville High School, just a short distance from downtown festivities. There will be four shuttles in operation throughout the city and they will make regular stops near the main campgrounds, charter campgrounds and along the north side of the racetrack, taking riders to and from downtown festivities.

Experiences at Knoxville RAGBRAI

True to the community’s racing heritage, Knoxville’s theme is ‘Racing Thru Knoxville 2024.’ Even as riders race down Highway 14 toward their daily pit stop, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the fun for both riders and locals. There is a lot to see, experience and eat at the Knoxville overnight stop, has a great lineup of entertainment beginning at 1 p.m. with local acts, including;

• Mason Hatch – 1 – 2 p.m.
• Neva Alden – 2:30 – 4 p.m.
• Lucas Beebe – 4:30 – 6 p.m.

The stage heats up that evening with The Punching Pandas from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and ends with an unforgettable, race-to-the-finish performance from Hairball at 9 p.m.

Don’t forget to stop by local classics like the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, Knoxville Speedway and Lake Red Rock.

Support Local Businesses Along the Ride

Peace Tree Brewing Company will also be selling its final supply of beer during the Knoxville RAGBRAI stop. Make sure you stop by the ride and celebrate a great local brewery’s legacy as you cheer on the riders.

You can also support all the other great local businesses in Knoxville during your stay and along your route. There will be several local vendors positioned along the route. Food options will include Carribean, Mexican, Mediterranean, Barbeque, Hawaiian, Napoli, popcorn, refreshments and more. See the RAGBRAI route map for more information on participating vendors.

How to Get Involved

Being a RAGBRAI overnight host is not only rewarding but also takes a lot of effort to make the night a success. Here’s how you can help make the Knoxville RABGRAI event a night to remember:

• Consider hosting riders: The campgrounds are just the beginning but cannot hold all the over 25,000 expected riders visiting Knoxville. There are still riders who need a place to set up camp. The Knoxville RAGBRAI Committee will match riders with willing hosts. If you are interested, learn how to become a host here.
• You can also pick up a volunteer shift throughout the event. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities. Youth volunteers are also able to use RAGBRAI volunteer hours toward earning their Silver Cord. Learn about volunteer opportunities and sign up online.

If you have questions, contact the Knoxville RAGBRAI Committee. You can find RAGBRAI updates on the Knoxville Chamber website.

Indianola RAGBRAI Highlights

Indianola will be expecting riders throughout the city as early as 5 a.m. and a majority between 7 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24, 2024. The city has entertainment and vendors (food and non-food) like planned throughout the day at Indianola Downtown Square. Check out their RAGRAI rider resources page for more information. Note: The National Balloon Classic begins on Friday, July 26 so if you aren't doing the full RAGBRAI ride, consider extending your stay in Indianola to see one of the country's largest ballooning events!

Follow Experience Indianola on social media for updates on RAGBRAI activities, road closures and more throughout the day.

The annual RAGBRAI events are a great opportunity to explore the cities throughout our region and support our local communities throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM). Make sure to look at the full RAGBRAI route to learn more about the 2024 event and how you can support riders and businesses throughout the route.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

Whether it’s a morning on the lake or an evening spent exploring Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) 800 miles of connected recreational trails, the region has many outdoor options. Don’t miss seeing the High Trestle Bridge, Terra Park or Principal Riverwalk — with attractions like Lauridsen Skatepark or the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden — all along walkways throughout the region.