10 Best Bike Trails in Illinois
Biking is a great activity for Illinois families. They get to spend time together, make memories, and stay active all at the same time. There are also plenty of opportunities to bike in Illinois. Families can take advantage of any of the best bike trails in Illinois. Just be sure to wear a helmet.
Best Bike Trails in Illinois
The best bike trails in Illinois offer families great opportunities to make memories together while staying active and healthy. Riding a bike is a great way to get outside and remain active. We all know that riding a bike is a healthy activity, but how is it healthy?
Biking provides kids with improved strength, endurance, and even lung capacity. Parents can also benefit by letting kids use up their energy for the day on a trail. Riding together also helps build strong bonds between parents and their kids.
It is an activity that never gets old, thanks to the many different trails with different scenery and obstacles that we can overcome together. Many of the best trails start in the heart of Illinois, Chicago.
Bloomingdale Trail
This beautiful trail is perfect for any age rider. Thanks to the six different parks along the trail, it is one of the best bike trails in Illinois. Each park has educational programming or public art for families to learn about their area. The best place to start this trail is between Ashland and Ridgeway, Chicago.
Danada-Herrick Regional Trail
The entrance to this trail is on Naperville Road, which is 1 mile south of Butterfield Road in Wheaton. There are three miles of trails here, perfect for exploring and learning. Take the trail to the east side to find some horses at the Danada Equestrian Center.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Head over to the Chicago Botanic Garden at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe for a fun day of riding. There is an outer trail that wraps around the garden and passes through an aquatic garden made for bikes.
Meacham Grove Forest Preserve
This trail is another one of the best bike trails in Illinois. The trail is 2.5 miles long and is open for bikes and hikes. The trail also passes Maple Lake, which is perfect for fishing. Of course, fishing laws are upheld here, so be sure to follow them if you plan on fishing. Teens 16 and up need a fishing license.
Illinois Prarie Path
Some biking trails give riders of all skill levels something to enjoy. This trail is 61 miles long. However, you do not need to bike the whole thing. Instead, use it for specific points of interest like the Prarie Patch Play Area or the Kline Creek Farm.
Morton Arboretum
This Arboretum in Lisle allows bikes on the roads. This means you can ride through beautiful gardens filled with fun things to see and learn about. Families with children can also visit the Children’s Garden designed to help hold their attention.
Raceway Woods Forest Preserve
One of the best bike trails in Illinois was once a race track for cars. This track was built in 1958 but has since become a fun biking and hiking track. The track traverses through the woods, over bridges, and has some challenging hills. Great for families with older kids.
Chicago Lakefront Trail
We can’t talk about the best biking trails in Illinois without mentioning the lake. This trail is popular amongst tourists and locals alike. It offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and takes you to the Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, Children’s Museum, and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
This bike-friendly trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Illinois. You will pass through beautiful forest preserves complete with waterfalls. The trees offer shade in the summer, and benches give you a place to take a break or enjoy a picnic.
Busse Woods
The most popular trail system in the Chicago area might just be The Ned Brown Preserve. There are 3,700 acres of nature for you to explore on a bike or foot. You may even see an elk or two grazing in the fields.