Park Description:
History buffs, nature lovers and sportsmen will thrill to the sights and sounds of the 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal). Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites, an abundance of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, ranging from bluffs to rolling hills. This trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail.
Visitors can follow the I & M Canal State Trail beginning at Rockdale along the old towpath to LaSalle and experience 61.5 miles of scenic views of the canal and the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers. At every turn, trail users will find something of interest. One can spend an afternoon or several days exploring the wonders along this picturesque and unique area.nd what better way to end a day of riding, than to overnight on the beach and the shores of Lake Michigan.
History buffs, nature lovers and sportsmen will thrill to the sights and sounds of the 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I&M Canal). Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites, an abundance of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, ranging from bluffs to rolling hills. This trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail.
Visitors can follow the I & M Canal State Trail beginning at Rockdale along the old towpath to LaSalle and experience 61.5 miles of scenic views of the canal and the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers. At every turn, trail users will find something of interest. One can spend an afternoon or several days exploring the wonders along this picturesque and unique area.nd what better way to end a day of riding, than to overnight on the beach and the shores of Lake Michigan.
More than 650 species of plants have been recorded in this area alone, including dozens of types of unique wildflowers and rare species making Illinois Beach State Park a biological hotspot. Prickly pear cactus thrives in large colonies in the dry areas, and the wet prairies are carpeted with a wide variety of grasses and sedges. Large expanses of marsh in the swales support dense stands of cattail, grasses, big bluestem and sedges.
THE ROUTE
-Trail & Route Composition-
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40%
Crushed Limestone |
60%
Paved routes |
What You'll Discover...
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This out and back route, consists of the bicycle paths along the historic I&M Canal and into the DesPlaines River Valley. You'll roll through the Chicago's North Shore communities, overnight at Illinois Beach State Park, round back through the Forest Preserves of the Lake & Cook Counties and back into the City Metropolis Chicago. All in one weekend trip
It is one of the richest, most biologically diverse areas in the state and is considered to be Illinois’ “Crown Jewel”. Every month there is different robust show of flowers and colors so even upon a return visit it will feel like a new park. That's one of the beauties of a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
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Things to do and see...
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Lake Front Brewery: Illinois State Beach Park has a Nature Center in the southern unit located at the start of the hiking trail head, which contains exhibits, guides, restrooms, and classroom space.
Illinois Beach State Park: The southern unit hosts five miles of hiking and nature trails, including Dunes Trail and Dead River Trail. The northern unit contains the 1.8-mile Camp Logan Trail and bike paths. Route 66 Museum: The Bahá'í House of Worship (or Bahá'í Temple) is a temple in Wilmette, Illinois. One of ten dedicated temples of the Bahá'í Faith, it is the oldest surviving Bahá'í House of Worship in the world. Evanston Beach Light House: Built on the shores of Lake Michigan by the United States Government in 1873 after several shipwrecks demonstrated its need. Tours to the top. |
Chicago River Museum: The Tropics Yacht Bar located in the North unit is a great ride from camp to catch a harbor style drink, lunch, play some darts or a game of pool.
Gold Pyramid House: A six-story-tall, 17,000-square-foot Gold Pyramid House in Wadsworth, Illinois of “Power, Gold, Mystery, Exotic, and Impressive.” available for group tours on select weekends Aux Sable House: The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum situated on nine islands in the Cook County Forest Preserves. It features 27 display gardens in four natural habitats. Fort Sheridan: Originally established as a United States Army Post now turned into a neighborhood and forest preserves. Its bizarre history and quality architecture should not be missed. |
Camping & Lodging Reservations
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Camping can be had at the Starved State Park or at various surrounding private campgrounds. Both provide a variety of camping options and amenities. You can also stay in a nearby Grizzly Park Resort & Hotel, the Starved Rock Lodge Cabin or stay in a nine person Villa for a more comfortable stay.
Camping: http://www.reserveamerica.com/ Plush Hotel on the Beach: http://ilresorts.com/ The campground in the southern unit provides 241 Class A Premium sites with electricity, access to showers and sanitary facilities. Comes with picnic table and a fire pit with grill top. Water is available via ground spouts. The Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center is the only hotel in the State of Illinois located directly on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Resort offers 96 total rooms, which feature a full bath, TV, telephone and a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. Dinners and Drinks can be had at the Starved Rock Lodge no matter your lodging preference. Firewood and ice are sold at the campground. |
Nearby Train Stations
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Metra & Amtrack Options
The Metra's Union Pacific North line to Kenosha has a small commuter railroad station stop outside the state park, located in Zion, Illinois. The train station is roughly a 10 minute bike ride to the campground. Zion Train Station to Ogilive Transportation Center Station- $10.00 Train runs at select times on the weekends. 1 hour 30 minutes to Chicago.
Stops at- Kenosha, Winthrop Harbor, Zion, Waukegan, North Chicago, Great Lakes, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Fort Sheridan, Highwood, Highland Park, Ravinia, Ravinia Park, Braeside, Glencoe, Hubbard Woods, Winnetka, Indian Hill, Kenilworth, Wilmette, Evanston Central Street, Evanston Main Street, Rogers Park, Ravenswood, Clybourn, Ogilvie Transportation Center |
Field Tip Notes for Milwaukee:
You can ride your bike directly there or you can hop on the Metra train and get off at the Zion train stop right outside the State Park. But we highly recommend traveling there completely by bike. Why? Because there are great things to see along the way! Plus you have an option to take a different path back to Chicago, that way you don't see the same scenery twice.
First, take the Lakefront Trail from Chicago, then link up with the Sheridan Road bike lane where you'll see large architectural masterpieces, eventually leading you into the historic backside of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. Here you'll witness Illinois's very own natural lake bluffs! Right outside the Fort Sheridan gates is the Green Bay Trail/RobertMclory Path. This straight shot north will get you to the state park. Make sure to turn onto Salem/Shiloh Road from the bike path then navigate your way into the Park. There is traditional camping as well as a hotel on the beach. By staying at the hotel, you can travel light with just your bike, a water bottle, small gear bag, and credit card; or get your adventure on with an inexpensive camp site while on your loaded bike. The choice is yours.
You can ride your bike directly there or you can hop on the Metra train and get off at the Zion train stop right outside the State Park. But we highly recommend traveling there completely by bike. Why? Because there are great things to see along the way! Plus you have an option to take a different path back to Chicago, that way you don't see the same scenery twice.
First, take the Lakefront Trail from Chicago, then link up with the Sheridan Road bike lane where you'll see large architectural masterpieces, eventually leading you into the historic backside of Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. Here you'll witness Illinois's very own natural lake bluffs! Right outside the Fort Sheridan gates is the Green Bay Trail/RobertMclory Path. This straight shot north will get you to the state park. Make sure to turn onto Salem/Shiloh Road from the bike path then navigate your way into the Park. There is traditional camping as well as a hotel on the beach. By staying at the hotel, you can travel light with just your bike, a water bottle, small gear bag, and credit card; or get your adventure on with an inexpensive camp site while on your loaded bike. The choice is yours.
Upon your visit
Take care to ensure whatever you bring in is taken out. Be sure to stay on the established trails to not disturb this fragile ecosystem. Be a part of legacy created by conservationists and protect this crown jewel. Take care and preserve this public treasure for future generations as if you are the owner. Why? Because you are.
Take care to ensure whatever you bring in is taken out. Be sure to stay on the established trails to not disturb this fragile ecosystem. Be a part of legacy created by conservationists and protect this crown jewel. Take care and preserve this public treasure for future generations as if you are the owner. Why? Because you are.
Restore. Protect. Preserve.
The Lower Lake Rim Preserve | The Out Our Front Door Organization | #BaseCampChicago
The Lower Lake Rim Preserve | The Out Our Front Door Organization | #BaseCampChicago
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