Bunn to Lost Bridge Trail

This trail is an extension of the Lost Bridge Trail that goes from Springfield to Rochester. From its western terminus, the first half mile is a heavily wooded section of urban rail-trail. It has a bridge across a creek that runs from the small lake in the golf course of its namesake Bunn Park.

With the opening of the Stanford Avenue extension, a sidepath now connects the western terminus with Fox Bridge Road at the southeast corner of Bunn Park. The next phase of the Stanford Extension involves widening Stanford between Fox Bridge Road and 11th Street and adding a sidepath there. When this first section of trail reaches Taylor Avenue, there is a spur across to Dreamland Park, where there is another 0.3 mile of trails throughout the park. From there, the trail continues for another mile alongside city streets to its eastern terminus at the IDOT parking lot. On its way, it passes another park, schools and businesses.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at both trail ends: On the west, at the nearby Abundant Faith Christian Center; on the east, at the IDOT building on Dirksen Parkway.

To reach the IDOT parking from I-55, take Exit 26B and turn left onto S. Dirksen Pkwy. Proceed 0.8 mile and turn left into the parking lot (at E. Ash St.).

First ride of the season.

June 2017 esjlmj6667

Great warm weather ride. Most of the trail passes through a heavy tree canopy on a flat and level path.We started from the IDOT trail head off Dirksen Parkway and road east to Rochester. Just off this end of the trail is a great little place called Walnut St. Winery. Stopped in for a bit of wine and cheese before returning back down the trail.

Keep hope alive.

July 2013 wilhelmggw

There's not much here for now, except the nice, short rail-trail section, the access to Dreamland Park, and the safe home-to-school-and-park connection for some neighborhood children. Oh, and the connection to the great Lost Bridge Trail at the IDOT building. This short Lost Bridge extension piece will be considerably nicer and more used when it goes on west someday, and when IDOT builds a trailway across its parking space there at the connection area. Maybe we can all lobby IDOT to make this happen soon.