Name: Bikes, Bison, and Gravel
Address: Manhattan, IL, US

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Manhattan, IL, US

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Route Overview

Daryl Monge

Gravel Riding and Racing, Route Planning, Community Organizations IT Best Practices

33 mi.

503 ft.

Experience both the Wauponsee Glacial Trail, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and historic Wilmington, IL on this 80% gravel ride through history.

Featured in the [2023 Ride Illinois Ride Guide](https://issuu.com/rideillinois/docs/2023_ride_guide)

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Route Details

# Bikes, Bison, and Gravel: An adventure through history

Ride along a rail trail conversion into the historic former Joliet Arsenal which has been converted into the [Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/midewin).  See the tallgrass prairie restoration and a bison herd (if you are lucky).  You can also see remnants of the history of the arsenal with munitions bunkers, bridges, and other interesting views. Stop by the visitors center before or after your ride.  You can also visit the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery that was created from the same site.

The gravel sections of this ride can be moderately difficult for casual riders but well worth the effort. While in the Midewin section of the ride try to find the bison herd out in the distance. (Don’t approach bison!) As this is an active wildlife management area be prepared for detours.  The initial starting trail and the return trail are part of the much longer [Wauponsee Glacial Trail](https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/trails/wauponsee-glacial-trail) which is crushed limestone and an easy ride.

The 20% on-road part of the route is on low-traffic roads.  In Wilmington you can take a side trip and see the famous Route 66 [Gemini Giant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemini_Giant) at its new home.  Nearby to the "giant" you can find a local diner, craft brewer, and wine cafe all only .3 miles off the main route.

Featured in the [2023 Ride Illinois Ride Guide](https://issuu.com/rideillinois/docs/2023_ride_guide)

Part of the [Ride Illinois Routes to Ride Collection](https://ridewithgps.com/collections/2964629)

Visit [Ride Illinois](https://rideillinois.org)

@photo[Midewin Trail Map](18143143)

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