Simone Lawson
The Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois, is a multi-use rail trail that covers approximately 37 miles of former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor. The trail, owned jointly by the municipalities of Bloomington and Normal, is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and skiers. It features the Camelback Bridge in Normal, a site on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The trail is well-maintained, with benches and trees providing a pleasant experience for users. Various small parks are also scattered along the route, offering fun diversions. The Friends of the Constitution Trail, a non-profit advocacy group, works tirelessly to expand and beautify the trail system, aiming to connect it to as many neighbourhoods as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Normal, Illinois |
| Ownership | Municipalities of Bloomington and Normal |
| Users | Bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, skiers |
| Length | 37 miles (60 km) or 40 miles or 45 miles |
| Terrain | Mostly paved |
| Trailheads | 900 S. Linden St. Underwood Park, Brander Shelter; Pepper Ridge Park; West Route 9 Wayside; Evergreen Memorial Cemetery |
| Branches | Illinois Central, Collegiate, Southtown, Interurban, Route 66 |
| Points of Interest | Camelback Bridge, Bloomington City streets, small parks |
| Amenities | Benches, drinking fountains, signs, landscaping, shelters |
| Groups | Friends of the Constitution Trail, mcleancountywheelers.com, gototrails.com |
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What You'll Learn
- The trail covers roughly 37 miles of former railways
- It's a multi-use trail for bikers, skaters, walkers, runners and skiers
- The trail features the historic Camelback Bridge in Normal
- It's well-maintained with benches and trees for shade
- The trail connects Bloomington and Normal in McLean County, Illinois
The trail covers roughly 37 miles of former railways
The Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois, covers approximately 37 miles of former railways, stretching from North Normal to South Bloomington. The trail occupies the abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor that runs through Bloomington and Normal in McLean County, Illinois. The municipalities of Bloomington and Normal own the trail, which is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and skiers.
The trail features the Camelback Bridge in Normal, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It also includes several small parks and trail connections, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. The trail is well-maintained, with benches at regular intervals and rows of trees providing shade and privacy.
The Constitution Trail was established in 1986 when the Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington began purchasing the right-of-way property of the abandoned Illinois Central railway. The trail was dedicated and named in celebration of the U.S. Constitution bicentennial in 1987, with its grand opening on May 6, 1989. In 2000, it was designated a Millennium Trail by the White House Millennium Council.
The Friends of the Constitution Trail is a non-profit advocacy group that works for the expansion and beautification of the trail system. They sponsor trail amenities such as drinking fountains, signs, benches, landscaping, and shelters. Their goal is to extend the trail throughout Bloomington-Normal, connecting various neighbourhoods with short connector paths, bike lanes, and other multi-use pathways.
The Constitution Trail is a treasured and well-utilized recreational amenity in the Town of Normal, providing a safe and scenic space for various activities. It offers a unique experience, following the path of the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad through the Twin Cities of Bloomington and Normal.
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It's a multi-use trail for bikers, skaters, walkers, runners and skiers
The Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois, is a multi-use trail that stretches over 37 miles of former railways, connecting the ''Twin Cities' of Bloomington and Normal in McLean County. It is a popular destination for bikers, skaters, walkers, runners, and even skiers, with its paved paths and well-maintained infrastructure.
The trail occupies the abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor, which was purchased by the Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington in 1986 with the vision of creating a linear park. The trail officially opened on May 6, 1989, and was named in celebration of the 200th birthday of the United States Constitution.
Constitution Trail consists of multiple branches, each offering unique experiences and distances to accommodate different users' needs. The Illinois Central branch, for example, runs west-east and spans approximately 4.5 miles. The Collegiate branch, starting at the Normal Parks & Rec Office and ending at Heartland Community College, offers a 3.5-mile route. For those seeking a longer journey, the Southtown branch provides a 7-mile adventure from Pepper Ridge Park to Streid Drive.
The trail is not just a recreational amenity but also a community advocate. The Friends of the Constitution Trail, a non-profit group, works tirelessly to expand and beautify the trail system. Through donations and sponsorships, they enhance the trail with amenities like drinking fountains, benches, and landscaping. Their goal is to connect as many neighbourhoods in Bloomington-Normal as possible, making the trail accessible to all residents.
The Constitution Trail is a cherished part of the community, providing a safe and scenic route for various activities. With its easy accessibility, well-kept paths, and surrounding natural beauty, it has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, offering a unique way to explore the Twin Cities.
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The trail features the historic Camelback Bridge in Normal
The Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois, is a beloved recreational amenity for locals and visitors alike. It is a multi-use trail occupying the abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor, stretching over 37 miles of picturesque landscapes. The trail connects the 'Twin Cities' of Bloomington and Normal in McLean County, Illinois, offering a safe and accessible route for bikers, walkers, runners, and skaters. One of the highlights of the Constitution Trail is the historic Camelback Bridge in Normal.
The Camelback Bridge is a prominent feature of the Constitution Trail, overlooking the trail and providing a unique perspective of the surrounding area. This wooden bridge is one of the many bridges along the trail, but it stands out for its historical significance. It has been recognised by the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, adding a touch of cultural heritage to the recreational experience the trail offers. The bridge is an iconic landmark along the trail, providing a picturesque setting for those enjoying the trail's paths.
The Constitution Trail, including the Camelback Bridge, was established through the joint efforts of Bloomington and Normal. In 1986, these municipalities began purchasing the right-of-way property of the abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad with a vision to create a linear park. The following year, in 1987, the trail was dedicated and named "Constitution Trail" to commemorate the U.S. Constitution bicentennial. The official grand opening of the trail took place on May 6, 1989.
The trail's development and expansion have been supported by various advocacy groups, such as the Friends of the Constitution Trail, who work tirelessly to enhance the trail's beauty and accessibility. Through membership dues, donations, and grants, these groups fund improvements, including amenities like drinking fountains, signs, benches, landscaping, and shelters. Their efforts have contributed to the trail's popularity and made it a well-maintained and enjoyable experience for all who visit.
The historic Camelback Bridge serves as a testament to the trail's transformation from abandoned railway to a vibrant community space. It adds a unique layer of interest and cultural value to the Constitution Trail, attracting history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The bridge's inclusion in the trail showcases the thoughtful integration of historical landmarks into recreational spaces, providing a unique experience that blends the past and present of the region.
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It's well-maintained with benches and trees for shade
The Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois, is a well-maintained trail with benches and trees for shade. The trail is a joint venture between the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal, and it follows the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way through the community. It is a multi-use trail that covers approximately 37 miles of former railways and is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and skiers. The trail is owned by the municipalities of Bloomington and Normal and is one of the most treasured and utilised recreational amenities within the Town of Normal.
The trail is well-maintained, with benches at regular intervals and rows of trees on both sides, providing shade and a pleasant experience for users. The trees also help block out the views of nearby apartments and houses, creating a more peaceful and natural environment. The trail is paved and easy to access, with numerous trailhead parking areas and connections. It is also clean and safe, providing a good place to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
The Friends of the Constitution Trail is a non-profit advocacy group that works for the expansion and beautification of the trail. They sponsor trail amenities such as drinking fountains, signs, benches, landscaping, and shelters. Their goal is to have the trail system stretch throughout Bloomington-Normal, connecting various neighbourhoods with short connector paths, bike lanes, and other multi-use pathways.
The Constitution Trail consists of multiple branches, including the Illinois Central branch, the Southtown branch, the Interurban branch, and the Route 66 branch. The Illinois Central branch splits off at the Normal Parks & Rec Office and ends at the Heartland Community College after 3.5 miles. The Southtown branch is 7 miles long, starting at Pepper Ridge Park and ending at Streid Drive. The Interurban branch is a little over 4.5 miles, beginning at the West Route 9 Wayside and concluding at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. The Route 66 branch follows US Route 66 and offers a 7.8-mile trail from Bloomington to Normal.
The trail also features the historic Camelback Bridge in Normal, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Constitution Trail is a valuable asset to the community, providing a safe and scenic space for various recreational activities. With its well-maintained paths, benches, and shady trees, it offers a pleasant and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike.
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The trail connects Bloomington and Normal in McLean County, Illinois
The Constitution Trail connects Bloomington and Normal in McLean County, Illinois, covering approximately 37 miles of the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor. The trail is a joint venture between the two municipalities, with plans for future expansion. It is a treasured recreational amenity, providing a safe and scenic route for bikers, walkers, runners, and skiers.
The trail, which officially opened on May 6, 1989, was named in celebration of the 200th birthday of the United States Constitution in 1987. It is well-maintained, with benches, drinking fountains, and landscaping along the route. The trail also features the Camelback Bridge in Normal, a historic site listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Constitution Trail consists of multiple branches, including the Illinois Central branch, the Collegiate branch, the Southtown branch, the Interurban branch, and the Route 66 branch. Each branch offers unique sights and experiences, with the total trail length reaching 37.2 miles. The trail connects to the historic Route 66 Trail in McLean County, further extending the recreational opportunities for visitors.
The trail is easily accessible from most parts of Bloomington-Normal and provides a safe and enjoyable experience for all. It is well-loved by the community, with advocacy groups like the Friends of the Constitution Trail working tirelessly for its expansion and beautification. Through donations and grants, these groups fund trail improvements and additional amenities, ensuring the Constitution Trail remains a valued asset for the community.
With its picturesque scenery, convenient access, and multi-use capabilities, the Constitution Trail is a proud testament to the collaboration between Bloomington and Normal. It stands as a vibrant testament to the community's commitment to health, recreation, and the preservation of history.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Trail covers approximately 37 miles of former railways.
The Constitution Trail is a multi-use rail trail located in Normal, Illinois. It was developed along an abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor that runs through the 'Twin Cities' of Bloomington and Normal in McLean County.
The trail is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners and skiers. It is also a great way to see the towns of Bloomington and Normal.
The trail features the Camelback Bridge in Normal, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. There are also several small parks scattered along the route.
