Bikes, Bison, and Gravel

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Manhattan, IL, US

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Routenübersicht

Daryl Monge

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

53 km

153 m

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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Routendetails

# 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)

Andere Routen von Daryl Monge

Daryl Monge

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

Naperville, IL, US

Practically Perfect Preserves & Parks route is a 45-mile tour through the west/southwest suburbs of Chicagoland taking in quite a number of local parks, trails and forest preserves. Featured in the [2024...more

Practically Perfect Preserves & Parks route is a 45-mile tour through the west/southwest suburbs of Chicagoland taking in quite a number of local parks, trails and forest preserves.

Featured in the [2024 Ride Illinois Ride Guide](https://issuu.com/rideillinois/docs/2024_ride_guide) (less)

Daryl Monge

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

81 km 331 m

Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

Befestigt

A wonderful way to experience Downtown Bloomington and Uptown Normal, including beautiful tree-li... more

A wonderful way to experience Downtown Bloomington and Uptown Normal, including beautiful tree-lined sections. Longer rides experience the agricultural character of central Illinois, from planting to harvesting, depending on time of year.

The Bloomington-Normal Constitution Trail is one of Central Illinois' most unique parks. This 50+ mile jogging, walking, cycling and rollerblading trail has become a hit with the community and visitors alike. The Constitution Trail has been a Bloomington-Normal staple since 1989. Much of the trail follows the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way through the community. It was dedicated and named in celebration of the 200th birthday of the United States.

Slightly modified from the original to provide less out-and-back as well as visit more of the two universities.

Originally published in the Ride Illinois 2022 Ride Guide. Contribution by the Friends of the Constitution Trail. Editor Daryl Monge (less)

Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

Slightly modified from the original to provide less out-and-back as well as visit more of the two universities.

Originally published in the Ride Illinois 2022 Ride Guide. Contribution by the Friends of the Constitution Trail. Editor Daryl Monge (less)

Daryl Monge

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

108 km 452 m

DuPage County, IL, US

Gemischte Fahrbahnoberflächen

Tour the Fox River Trail, the Illinois Prairie Path, and DuPage River Trail on this metric centur... more

Tour the Fox River Trail, the Illinois Prairie Path, and DuPage River Trail on this metric century. Also known as the "Arrowhead Trail Ride". This is a relatively flat tour of the Illinois Prairie Path and the Fox River Trail. The route is along trails and lightly traveled local roads.

Featured in the 2022 Ride Illinois Ride Guide
https://issuu.com/rideillinois/docs/2022_ride_guide
(less)

DuPage County, IL, US

Featured in the 2022 Ride Illinois Ride Guide
https://issuu.com/rideillinois/docs/2022_ride_guide
(less)

Bikes, Bison, and Gravel

Routenübersicht

Routendetails

Andere Routen von Daryl Monge

Practically Perfect Preserves and Parks

Constitution Trail Full out and back

Going Loopy with a River Runs Through It

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