Simone Lawson
The Constitution Trail in Illinois is a 50+ mile trail used for walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging. It was created in 1986 when the Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington purchased the abandoned Illinois Central railway with the vision of developing a linear park. The trail was dedicated in 1987 and officially opened in May 1989 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. The trail has become a staple of Bloomington-Normal, providing easy access to nature and adventure for the community and visitors alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 45-50+ miles |
| Location | Bloomington-Normal, Illinois |
| Year opened | 1989 |
| Year dedicated | 1987 |
| Reason for dedication | 200th birthday of the United States Constitution |
| Former use | Illinois Central Gulf Railroad |
| Current use | Jogging, walking, cycling, rollerblading |
| Recognition | Designated a Millennium Trail by the White House Millennium Council in 2000 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Constitution Trail is a joint venture between Bloomington and Normal
- It is a 50+ mile trail for walking, cycling, jogging, and rollerblading
- The trail was named in honour of the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution
- It is one of the most unique and treasured recreational amenities in the area
- The trail is well-maintained, with clear signage, and is accessible to all
The Constitution Trail is a joint venture between Bloomington and Normal
The trail has become a staple of Bloomington-Normal, providing a unique park experience for the community and visitors. It offers over 37 miles of trails for jogging, walking, cycling, and rollerblading, with plans for future expansion. The trail follows the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way, connecting the two communities and offering a fun and adventurous way to explore the area.
The Constitution Trail is one of the most treasured and utilised recreational amenities in Normal, with numerous trailhead parking areas and connections for easy access. The trail is well-marked and safe, with signs indicating where it crosses streets with town traffic. It is flanked by hundreds of tall trees, providing pleasant shade, and there are benches, parks, and lawns bordering the trail for rest.
The Friends of the Constitution Trail is a civic group dedicated to the expansion and beautification of the trail system. Through memberships, donations, and grants, they fund improvements and amenities for the trail. The trail has also gained recognition beyond the local community, being designated a Millennium Trail by the White House Millennium Council in 2000.
The Constitution Trail is an excellent example of a joint venture between two communities, providing a recreational and exploratory experience for residents and visitors alike. It showcases the commitment of Bloomington and Normal to creating a clean, safe, and well-managed environment for all to enjoy.
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It is a 50+ mile trail for walking, cycling, jogging, and rollerblading
The Constitution Trail in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, is a 50+-mile trail for walking, cycling, jogging, and rollerblading. 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 route through the community. The trail was dedicated and named in celebration of the 200th birthday of the United States Constitution in 1987, with its grand opening taking place on May 6, 1989.
The Constitution Trail is one of Central Illinois' most unique parks, offering adventure, discovery, and fun. It provides easy access to numerous trailhead parking areas and trail connections, making it a treasured and well-utilized recreational amenity within the community. The trail is excellently marked with signs for the safety of its users, as it crosses streets with town traffic. It is flanked by tall trees that provide pleasant, dispersed shade, and there are benches, parks, and lawns bordering the trail for rest.
The trail consists of various branches, with one part being wider and more suitable for bikers riding southward towards Bloomington. This part of the trail can be accessed from the Uptown Normal Circle, where the trail goes north and is called Constitution Boulevard. Going south from the Uptown Normal Circle, users can take a detour up East Beaufort Street, cross the railway tracks, and join the trail.
The Friends of the Constitution Trail is a civic group that advocates for the expansion and beautification of the trail system. Through membership dues, donations, and grants, the group helps fund trail improvements and amenities. The Constitution Trail has become a staple of the Bloomington-Normal community, providing a space for healthy outdoor activities and a means to explore the unique history, parks, and vibrant communities of the area.
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The trail was named in honour of the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution
The Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois, was named in honour of the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution. The trail was dedicated in 1987, with its grand opening taking place on May 6, 1989. It is a joint venture between the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal, with approximately 37 miles of trail within both communities. The total length of the trail in Central Illinois counties is 45 miles, although one source states that it is over 50 miles.
The trail follows the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way through the community. It was developed as a linear park, with the Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington purchasing the right-of-way property of the abandoned Illinois Central railway. The trail is one of the most treasured and utilised recreational amenities within Normal, Illinois. It is designed for jogging, walking, cycling and rollerblading, and is well-marked with signs for the safety of users. There are also trailhead parking areas and connections for easy access.
The trail has unique historical significance, and users can discover much of Bloomington-Normal's history and community by travelling it. The trail also passes through parks and lawns, with benches for resting, and is flanked by tall trees that provide shade. The Friends of the Constitution Trail is a civic group that advocates for the expansion and beautification of the trail system. They help fund improvements and amenities through membership dues, donations and grants.
In 2000, the Constitution Trail was designated a Millennium Trail by the White House Millennium Council. This recognition further emphasised the importance and impact of the trail, not just for the local community but also on a national level. The trail has become a staple of Bloomington-Normal, offering adventure, discovery and fun for residents and visitors alike.
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It is one of the most unique and treasured recreational amenities in the area
The Constitution Trail is one of the most unique and treasured recreational amenities in the area. This is due to its long history, its impact on the community, and its role in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for locals and visitors alike.
The trail, which is over 50 miles long, is a joint venture between the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal. It follows the path of the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, winding its way through the community and offering a unique perspective of the area. The 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. It was dedicated and named in 1987 in celebration of the 200th birthday of the United States Constitution, with its grand opening taking place in May 1989.
The Constitution Trail has become a beloved staple of the Bloomington-Normal community. It provides a safe and well-maintained space for a range of recreational activities, including jogging, walking, cycling, and rollerblading. The trail is easily accessible, with numerous trailhead parking areas and trail connections, and is well-marked with signs for the safety of its users. It is flanked by tall, shady trees and offers benches, parks, and lawns for rest along the way.
The trail also holds a significant cultural value for the community. It is named in honour of the US Constitution, reflecting the community's respect for the nation's history and values. Additionally, the trail has become a hub for social interaction, providing a space for people to connect with nature and each other. It has also fostered a sense of community and cooperation, as users are encouraged to respect the neighbours along the trail and keep the trail clean and maintained for everyone's enjoyment.
The Constitution Trail has had a positive impact on the physical and social well-being of the Bloomington-Normal community. It has encouraged active lifestyles, provided a space for social interaction, and offered a unique and treasured recreational amenity that has enhanced the quality of life for locals and visitors exploring the area.
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The trail is well-maintained, with clear signage, and is accessible to all
The Constitution Trail is a well-maintained, accessible, and popular recreational trail in Central Illinois. The trail is a joint venture between the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal, established in 1986 with the purchase of abandoned Illinois Central railway property. The trail was officially dedicated in 1987 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the US Constitution, opening to the public in May 1989.
Spanning over 45 miles, with some sources citing a length of 50 miles or more, the trail accommodates various activities, including jogging, walking, cycling, and rollerblading. It is characterised by its wide paths, tall flanking trees, clear signage, and numerous resting areas with benches, parks, and lawns. The trail is easily accessible to all users, with designated parking areas and trail connections, and it is well-integrated into the community, offering insights into the unique history, vibrant communities, and natural beauty of Bloomington-Normal.
The trail's clear signage ensures the safety of its users, indicating directions and intersections with town traffic. This attention to safety is further evidenced by the Park Maintenance division's commitment to clearing snow from designated portions of the trail during winter. Additionally, the trail encourages users to maintain cleanliness by providing trash receptacles and requesting that they clean up after their pets.
The Constitution Trail has had a significant impact on Illinois, promoting community engagement, environmental appreciation, and economic development. It has become a beloved staple of Bloomington-Normal, offering residents and visitors alike a space for adventure, discovery, and fun. Various civic groups, such as Friends of the Constitution Trail, actively advocate for the trail's expansion and beautification, contributing to its ongoing enhancement and ensuring its accessibility for all.
In recognition of its significance, the Constitution Trail was designated a Millennium Trail by the White House Millennium Council in 2000. This prestigious designation underscores the trail's importance as a recreational, environmental, and cultural asset to the state of Illinois.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Trail is a joint venture between the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal in Illinois. It is a 50+ mile trail for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading.
The trail was dedicated and named in 1987 to celebrate the 200th birthday of the United States Constitution. It officially opened in May 1989.
The Town of Normal and the City of Bloomington began purchasing the right-of-way property of the abandoned Illinois Central railway in 1986. They planned to develop a linear park, and a portion of the trail was named the "Constitution Trail" the following year.
The trail is approximately 37-45 miles long within the Twin City metropolis of Bloomington and Normal.
The trail is designed for recreational activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. It is well-marked with signs and has benches, parks, and lawns bordering it.
