American Discover 250 Relay makes Sunday stop in MV

One Trail. One Nation. 250 Years in Motion. Pictured at the American Discover 250 Relay stop in Mount Vernon on Sunday are, l to r: local resident Judy Heberer; biker Richard Vonnegut; runner Mike Samuelson; biker Alyssa Reynold; runner Paul Kuesa; local resident Julie Vann; and National Board Member providing relay management, beverages, and aid Mike Leland. Photos supplied

Mount Vernon, IN—Over the weekend, Mount Vernon proudly served as a key milestone overnight stop for the American Discover 250 Relay. Bikers, runners, and walkers have been sharing varying lengths of the journey that started July 1, 2026 in California and ends on Thanksgiving in Delaware, spanning 6,800 miles.

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, bikers, runners, and walkers arrived in Mount Vernon to join in a celebration. Mike Leland from the National American Discovery Trail (ADT) Board of Directors and Richard Vonnegut from the Indiana ADT Board of Directors arrived in Mount Vernon. Together with others they enjoyed tastings at the Dusty Barn, a local craft distillery. The fertile soils, favorable climate, and abundant rye production make it a unique agricultural heritage business to explore. It was a farm distillery opportunity to welcome to our guests.

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m., the bikers, runners, and walkers gathered at the corner of Second Street and Main for the beginning of the relay day from Mount Vernon to Evansville’s Four Freedoms Monument along the Ohio River. Alyssa Reynolds was one of the persons assigned to pass the relay baton that contained a copy of the U.S.A. Declaration of Independence.

Arrangements for the day were coordinated by Sherry Willis from Mayor Steve Loehr’s office. The local route from Illinois traveled through Posey farmlands and ended at RiverBend Park about 3:30 p.m., on Saturday. On Sunday morning, local police and fire provided a escort for the group as they left the riverfront area and traveled along Second Street toward Evansville. This Relay has been a great tribute to the 250 years, since the USA became gained its independence.

The coast to coast trail was developed through a grassroots, cooperative process in the 1990’s. Congress funded the feasibility study. The Department of Interior orchestrated the research and plan development. The trail was designed to connect America’s landscapes, historic sites, communities and existing trails in one coast-to-coast recreational route. It took many years to evaluate the many alternatives and opportunities. Mount Vernon is one of the small town destinations along the route. The American Discover Trail is now overseen by the non-profit board that was established in 1996.

The American Discovery Trail stretches from the Western terminus: Point Reyes National Seashore, on the Pacific coast to the Eastern terminus: Cape Henlopen State Park on the Atlantic coast.

The trek traverses 15 states and Washington DC, passing through more than 325 communities to spotlight local American history, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Posey County is an exceptional hub for outdoor enthusiasts because of its unique geography at the confluence of the Ohio and Wabash Rivers. Judy Heberer was involved in the 1990’s when the grassroots effort decided to list Mount Vernon as a small city along the American Discovery Trail and she has followed developments since. Julie Vann was involved with the American Discover Trail in Beavercreek, Ohio. She and the Youth Council designed and built/installed a bike trailhead on a site adjacent to the trail. Julie continues to be supportive of trails and associated economic development for Posey County.