by Mari Radtke
Tyler Sullivan is a poet and runner. As a runner, Tyler has set his sites on a second visit to the 99 counties and many cities of Iowa. So far he has visited 95 of those counties this time around, which began in May 2021, and 1220 cities and towns. Two books have come from Sullivan’s experiences running through Iowa counties.
Sullivan has been running since junior high school. He thought he’d be a basketball player up until 7th grade when running took over. His high school coach, Bob Brown, left a big impact on Sullivan’s life. “I miss him everyday,” Sullivan said remembering his mentor and friend. Sullivan’s second book is dedicated to Brown. Sullivan’s first book was dedicated to his paternal grandparents. They lived across the train tracks in Coralville from where Sullivan grew up. He still goes there monthly for a new photo and poem. That place is “near and dear to my heart,” explains Sullivan.
These trips began in 2015. The story is bitter sweet. Like so many things in life Tyler’s story is linked to young love. While attending college at University of Iowa he would travel every other weekend to Mason City to see his then girlfriend. Somewhere during the road trips he realized that he was traveling through counties he had never heard of. The traveling caused him to realize that each county has something special to offer.
The two of them began adding meaning to the back and forth travel. The would take turns finding special attractions to visit on the weekend trips. They learned of the “Swinging Bridge” and the Wurth County Fair. The trips would include simple stops such as an ice cream shop. Eventually they went their separate ways. But for Tyler, he found another passion.
He began to study and visit Iowa’s Welcome Centers. “Every community has something. You just have to look,” he said of his wanderings. Over the years he has collected bags full of brochures. Those brochures often help him decide his trips.
In the fall of 2018 a friend suggested he run in every city. He liked the idea. He, and sometimes friends, find road races and festivals that might not always be advertised. “I have a blast,” he said. A year later, his friend and mentor Dave Gould gave Tyler the inspiration to incorporate his poetry into his running. Sullivan was in O’Brien County in Mid-March. His short visit took hime to Prairie Heritage Center near Sutherland, Mill Creek Park near Paullina, Prairie Queen Museum in Sheldon. This is the visit that inspired his O’Brien County poem. He also visited the Carnegie Library in Sanborn, toured the Patch-Eeten House Museum in Hartley, and dined on broasted chicken in Germantown. He love the old school house in Archer, especially the sign (but not so much the unleashed dog that followed him). Tyler will remember Calumet’s cannon and his wandering through Moneta. He got all through O’Brien County.
Did you know the phrase, “Sleep tight” is rooted bedding structure pre-mattress? Sullivan discovered the legend while visiting Plum Grove Historical site, the home of Iowa’s first Governor, Robert Lucas. The guided tour took him to the upstairs where Robert stayed. The tour guided pulled back the comforter revealing a maze of ropes, no mattress. The tour guide explained that at that time, there was no such thing as mattresses. Each night just before bed, the ropes were tightened, giving way to the addage, “Sleep tight.” Sullivan remembers something from every town.
Sullivan takes a run in each county he visits. At least one run. And he finds destinations within each county. The runs draw inspiration from the destinations and tours. The result is a poem and a picture featuring the impressions he got. He is currently working on a new Iowa book divided into 9 sections, starting with northwest Iowa. He expects the book to be out early 2025.
He posts to his facebook page Iowa Scenic Views by Foot.