
The Constitution Trail is a multi-use trail in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, that covers approximately 37 miles of former railways. It is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and even skiers. The trail was named in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution in 1987 and officially opened on May 6, 1989. It features the Camelback Bridge in Normal, a site on the US National Register of Historic Places, and connects to the historic Route 66 Trail in McLean County. With over 30 miles of paved paths, the Constitution Trail provides a safe and scenic way to explore the area, offering easy access to nature and connecting various neighbourhoods in the community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Bloomington and Normal, Illinois |
| Trail Type | Multi-use rail trail |
| Trail Length | 37 miles (60 km) or 45 miles |
| Trail Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Time | 11 hours 11 minutes |
| Trail Activities | Biking, running, walking, inline skating, skiing |
| Trail Features | Camelback Bridge, wooden bridges, Route 66 Trail, Ironwood Golf Course, Bloomington City streets, 32 trailheads |
| Trail Amenities | Drinking fountains, signs, benches, landscaping, shelters, portable toilets |
| Trail Accessibility | Accessible from most parts of Bloomington-Normal, well-shaded, flat with a few rises, paved |
| Trail Extensions | Plans for expansion throughout Bloomington-Normal, connecting to nearby towns |
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What You'll Learn

The trail is named after the US Constitution's 200th anniversary
The Constitution Trail is a multi-use trail located in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Covering approximately 37 miles (60 km) of former railways, the trail is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and even skiers. The trail features the Camelback Bridge in Normal, a site on the US National Register of Historic Places.
The Constitution Trail occupies an abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor that runs through Bloomington and Normal in McLean County, Illinois. The trail is jointly owned by the municipalities of Bloomington and Normal and is considered a tremendous community asset. It provides a safe and scenic way to explore the area, offering beautiful shaded paths, water fountains, benches, and restrooms along the route.
The trail features over 40 miles of mostly paved paths, with some sections offering a hard surface ideal for riding. It connects to the historic Route 66 Trail in McLean County and consists of multiple branches, including the Illinois Central Branch, the Northtown Branch, the Bloomer Line Branch, and the Collegiate Branch, each offering unique sights and experiences.
The Constitution Trail is a beloved outdoor attraction in Bloomington-Normal, providing a safe and accessible space for recreation and exploration. Its dedication to the US Constitution's 200th anniversary highlights the community's pride and appreciation for their country's history.
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It covers 37-45 miles of former railways
The Constitution Trail is a multi-use trail located in Bloomington and Normal, Illinois. Covering approximately 37 miles of former railways, the trail is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and even skiers. It features the Camelback Bridge in Normal, a site on the US National Register of Historic Places. The trail was officially opened on May 6, 1989, and was named a "Millennium Trail" by the White House Millennium Council in 2000.
The Constitution Trail occupies an abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor that runs through Bloomington and Normal in McLean County. The trail is jointly owned by the two municipalities and offers a safe and scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts. It is easily accessible from most parts of Bloomington-Normal and provides a great way to explore the area.
The trail features over 30 trailheads and multiple historic sites and points of interest. It connects to the historic Route 66 Trail in McLean County and offers a unique perspective of the area's history and natural beauty. The trail has various branches, including the Northtown, Bloomer Line, Collegiate, Southtown, and Interurban, each offering its own unique experience.
The Constitution Trail is considered an easy route and is generally flat with some gentle rises. It is well-shaded and offers water fountains, restrooms, and benches along the way. The hard surface makes it ideal for riding, and the trail is known for its good condition and maintenance. The trail is also dog-friendly, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
The Friends of the Constitution Trail is a non-profit advocacy group that works for the expansion and beautification of the trail. They sponsor various amenities and work towards connecting the trail to more neighbourhoods and other parts of the town. With its impressive length and dedication to the US Constitution, the Constitution Trail is a testament to the community's commitment to health, recreation, and history.
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It's a multi-use trail for bikers, skaters, walkers, runners, and skiers
The Constitution Trail is a multi-use trail for bikers, skaters, walkers, runners, and skiers. It covers approximately 37 miles (60 kilometres) of former railways, occupying an abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor. The trail connects the ''Twin Cities' of Bloomington and Normal in McLean County, Illinois.
The trail is jointly owned by the municipalities of Bloomington and Normal. It was dedicated and named in 1987 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution. The grand opening took place on May 6, 1989, and since then, it has expanded into a vast trail network. In 2000, the White House Millennium Council designated it as a Millennium Trail.
The Constitution Trail offers a safe and scenic route for various recreational activities. It is mostly paved, with some sections featuring tree-lined paths and water fountains. It is considered an easy route and is generally flat, with a few gentle rises. The trail is well-shaded, providing a pleasant experience on hot sunny days. It also features tunnels that pass under busy streets, allowing users to avoid heavy traffic.
The trail accommodates different modes of transportation and offers a unique experience for each. Bikers enjoy a well-maintained and paved surface, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Walkers appreciate the flat and shaded path, which makes it easy to walk and talk while taking in the surrounding nature. Runners find the trail a great place for their workouts, with some sections specifically favoured for running, such as the north-south section in Normal.
The trail also allows dogs, but they must be kept on a leash. Additionally, it offers various points of interest, including the Camelback Bridge in Normal, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. With over 30 trailheads and multiple historic sites, the Constitution Trail provides a rich experience for all who use it.
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It features the historic Camelback Bridge
The Constitution Trail is a multi-use trail located in Bloomington and Normal, Illinois. Covering approximately 37 miles (60 km) of former railways, the trail is used by bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and even skiers. It was officially opened on May 6, 1989, and was named in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution.
One of the highlights of the Constitution Trail is the historic Camelback Bridge in Normal. This bridge is recognized as a site on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Camelback Bridge overlooks the trail and is one of the many wooden bridges that offer scenic views of the Bloomington City streets.
The Camelback Bridge is a remnant of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, which previously operated in the region. The bridge's distinctive design, with a high arch or hump in the middle, gives it its name, resembling the hump of a camel's back. This architectural feature allowed for adequate clearance for trains passing underneath while maintaining a stable structure.
The Constitution Trail, including the Camelback Bridge, is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. It provides a safe and scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective of the Twin Cities of Bloomington and Normal. The trail passes through natural areas, industrial sites, and residential neighborhoods, connecting various points of interest.
The Friends of the Constitution Trail, a non-profit advocacy group, works tirelessly to expand and enhance the trail system. They aim to increase accessibility by connecting more neighborhoods in Bloomington-Normal with short connector paths, bike lanes, and other multi-use pathways. Their efforts contribute to the trail's popularity and ensure its long-term sustainability.
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It's maintained by Bloomington and Normal municipalities
The Constitution Trail is jointly owned and maintained by the municipalities of Bloomington and Normal in Illinois. The trail covers approximately 37 miles (60 kilometres) of former railways, connecting the two towns. It is a multi-use trail, catering to bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and even skiers. The trail features 32 trailheads around the cities of Normal and Bloomington, with multiple historic sites and points of interest.
The trail is a joint venture between the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal, with both communities working together to ensure its maintenance and expansion. Bloomington and Normal each have their own plans for future trail development, aiming to increase accessibility and enhance the trail experience for users. The trail is considered a valuable community asset, providing a safe and scenic space for outdoor activities.
The trail is generally well-maintained, with regular efforts to clear snow during the winter months. However, some users have reported issues such as broken glass and graffiti in certain sections, which the municipalities are responsible for addressing. The "Friends of the Constitution Trail" is a non-profit advocacy group that also contributes to the trail's maintenance and beautification. They sponsor various amenities, including drinking fountains, signs, benches, landscaping, and shelters.
The Constitution Trail occupies an abandoned Illinois Central Gulf Railroad corridor, with the main trail running north-south through Bloomington-Normal. It features the historic Camelback Bridge in Normal, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The trail connects to other notable sites, such as the Route 66 Trail in McLean County, and passes by points of interest like the Beer Nuts production plant and Tipton Park.
The trail offers a mix of natural and urban scenery, with long sections shaded by trees and various points of interest along the way. It provides a safe alternative to walking or biking on busy roads and is considered an excellent community resource by many users. The trail is easily accessible from different parts of Bloomington-Normal, allowing users to explore different neighbourhoods and enjoy the outdoors.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Trail is a multi-use rail trail for bikers, inline skaters, walkers, runners, and skiers. It covers approximately 37 miles (60 km) of former railways.
The Constitution Trail is located in Bloomington and Normal, Illinois.
The Constitution Trail covers approximately 37 miles (60 km) with some sources citing a length of over 40 miles.
Points of interest along the Constitution Trail include the Camelback Bridge in Normal, which is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and the Beer Nuts production plant in Bloomington.
The Constitution Trail was dedicated and named in 1987 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution. Its grand opening was on May 6, 1989.


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