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State Term: Illinois


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Eight Urban Experiences Along the Great American Rail-Trail
August 10, 2020

Here is a sampling of some of the unique urban experiences along the Great American Rail-Trail, a cross country trail.

Pennsylvania's Three Rivers Heritage Trail | Photo courtesy Healthy Ride, Pittsburgh Bike Share
Blog
America’s Most Unique Trailside Attractions
July 27, 2020

Here’s our developing list of (currently) 28 of the most unique trailside attractions in America. Fun fact: Many of the trails featured fall within the footprint of the Great American Rail-Trail

Longeberger Basket Company former world headquarters along the T.J. Evans Panhandle Trail in Ohio | BY-NC-ND 2.0
Blog
Saving America’s Prairies: Illinois Leaders and Rail-Trail Advocates Work to Restore a Dwindling System
July 14, 2020

In Illinois, a good portion of what remains is found almost exclusively along the railroad corridors that crisscross swaths of intensely farmed, highly prized agricultural land.

Prairie Grassland along the Heartland Pathways in Illinois | Photo by Chris Bucher
Blog
Outdoor Adventures Along the Great American Rail-Trail
February 27, 2020

The Great American Rail-Trail spans more than 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C., and Washington State, traversing some of America’s most iconic and scenic natural wonders. While still in progress, it already connects us to our shared heritage, nature and each other in unforgettable ways.

Hennepin Canal Parkway | Courtesy Friends of the Hennepin Canal
Blog
Eight Scenic State Parks for RV Camping Along the Great American Rail-Trail
January 29, 2020

The Great American spans more than 3,700 miles. Here are a few of these picturesque parks for RV camping along the Great American Rail-Trail.

Lake Easton State Park in Washington | Courtesy Washington State Parks
Blog
Illinois’ MCT Goshen Trail
January 13, 2020

With a newly opened extension of the MCT Goshen Trail, travelers can now also access neighboring St. Clair County by trail for the first time. Providing even more transit options for locals, many of St. Clair County’s trails are being developed to intertwine with MetroLink, the region’s light rail system.

MCT Goshen Trail | Photo courtesy Metro East Park & Recreation District
Blog
50 Great Rail-Trails in 50 States
July 18, 2019

Here are snapshots of our favorite rail-trail experiences from all 50 states—demonstrating the beauty and geography our country is known for.

Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Rail Trail passes through large stands of lodgepole, spruce, fir and aspen; traverses meadows of grass and sagebrush; crosses numerous streams; and skirts dozens of swamps, bogs, ponds and lakes. Photo by Amber Travsky.
Blog
Get Your Kicks on Route 66, Illinois’ Trail
May 14, 2019

This is what Illinois’ Route 66 Trail is working to achieve: a long-distance trail from Chicago to St. Louis; an opportunity to revitalize communities and experience Route 66 as never before.

The Historic Route 66 sign | Photo courtesy iStock by Getty Images
Blog
16 Historic Highlights Along the Route of the Great American Rail-Trail
May 08, 2019

16 Historic Highlights Along the Route of the Great American Rail-Trail. Rail-trails are the perfect way for us to connect to each other, our communities and our cultural heritage. Unique in makeup and geography, each trail that’s hosting the 3,700-miles-plus preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail has many stories to tell—some as old as, or far older than, our country itself. Both well known and lesser known, the histories found along the route demonstrate why the “Great American” is a true national treasure.

Pony Express station at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center | Photo courtesy Bureau of Land Management | CC by 2.0
Blog
Illinois’ Hennepin Canal Parkway
March 11, 2019

Now, with its 112-year history, the Hennepin Canal Parkway seems a natural for its latest chapter—as a “gateway trail” in the nearly 4,000-mile Great American Rail-Trail, a cross-country route planned by Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) to stretch across the United States, from Washington, D.C., to Washington State.

Lift bridge, Hennepin Canal, night view | Courtesy of Hennepin Hundred