Constitution Trail (Bloomington-Normal):
Illinois
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Description:
The Constitution Trail is so named because it was dedicated on the 200th birthday of the U.S. Constitution, September 17, 1987. The asphalt trail is a system of as-yet (summer 2011) disconnected segements covering 20 miles or so between Normal and Bloomington, Illinois. While this trail makes a great outing any time of year, take the locals' advice and try some cross-country skiing along the corridor in winter.

Begin your ride at the Atwood Wayside trailhead in Bloomington (the official beginning is 0.2 mile south at East Grove Street). This stretch of the trail is lined with trees and travels through well-kept Bloomington neighborhoods. Almost 2 miles into your journey, look for the Allers Wayside trailhead and signs for the 4.1-mile spur trail heading east. Along this commercial corridor are the Shoppes at College Hill and the corporate headquarters of State Farm Insurance.

Tipton Trails Prairie Park, at mile 3 of the spur trail, features a fishing pond, basketball courts and a nature area with a large expanse of rare native prairie grassland. From the park, head north through a quiet neighborhood before entering a wonderful stretch shaded with a beautiful tree canopy. Cardinals, robins, mourning doves and golden finches flit through the treetops, while squirrels, butterflies and brightly colored wildflowers are visible closer to the ground.

Back on the main north-south trail from the Allers Wayside heading north again, the trail emerges from the trees and enters the town of Normal right at the police station. Cross the active railroad tracks at the dedicated crossing and look for the downtown area on the right. Home to Illinois State University, Normal is a charming college town, and this area is full of colorful storefronts and hip eateries and pubs.

Leaving the quaint downtown, the rail-trail meanders through suburban neighborhoods and past larger housing complexes that appear to be rentals for the college crowd. Constitution Park sits on the east side of the trail, just under 4 miles from the start in Bloomington. A huge, open field dominates the area, which also features a playground, water fountain and parking lot. An interpretative sign commemorates the location of the historic Empire Machine Works. In 1870 William Flagg, a prominent early citizen, built his factory to produce mowers, reapers and other agricultural implements that he could easily ship out on the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. In 1848 Flagg was involved in a lawsuit over patent rights and retained the services of a young lawyer from Springfield named Abraham Lincoln. In spite of his success in defending Flagg, Lincoln refused more than $10 for his services.

The final mile of Constitution Trail takes you under Interstate 55 and past a few more housing developments interspersed with some farm fields. There are also two gravel-processing facilities along this stretch. On the horizon, a row of large silos signals the northern trailhead and conclusion of the Constitution Trail at Kerrick Road.

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Parking & Trail Access:
There are numerous access points for the Constitution Trail, refer to the local map. For detour information during trail construction, refer to the city of Normal's website.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
None
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Good. Not great.
By Bill in June, 2006
"It would seem the metro area has allowed various land owners to squat on original railbed in many places producing a disconnected patchwork. It is at least three separate trails. Furthermore, if there are signs along the route helping to connect the segments I cannot find them. I tried taking to city streets to get from one trail to the other without success. Just explored the Western section that starts/ends out near the Mitsubishi factory. Not as crowded, but plenty of glass on trail where trail safely parallels a live rail through town to Eastern Illinois. Warning signs promising camera surveillance and no tossing stones into windows on businesses in that area suggested it is not a good place to be alone with an expensive bike at times. Definately stick to the middle plus-shaped section for safety, but it is also crowded at times. Plenty of opportunity to stop and start in downtown Normal. The Eastern segment beyond Hershey Street is in very good condition, but a disappointing dead end. A few historical markers along the way. Good local trail with at least two bike shops adjacent to plus-shaped section of trail (Vitesse and Bloomington). Sadly, I would not travel from even Springfield or Chicago for this one."
Great first experience
By Ellen Forcier in September, 2005
"My daughter and I took advantage of the Constitution Trail today. It was the first time either of us had ventured out of our local town for a ride. The trail is in beautiful shape and wanders through some beautiful parts of Bloomington-Normal I didn't know existed. Well shaded with water readily available for riders, walkers and even 4 legged friends. There were portable toilets also along the trail. Hard surface made riding very easy. Generally flat with a few rises. It was totally fun."
A run through history for me!
By David Jacobs in November, 2004
"This trail is part of my past since I grew up in B&N. When I go back home to visit from Florida, I make a point of running it several times. I remember back when the camel back bridge used to have trains going under it instead of runners like me.

The run through Normal north to the Karick elevator is pure county. What more can you ask for in Illinois. Then a quick trip east and under the original Route 66 (now Veterns Parkway) and then on to Towanda Barnes Road.

There's lots to see for this old runner, but I am sure I see this trail much differently than most!"
Browse Trails by Activity:
Much of the trail is well-maintained by an Adopt-A-Trail program. This sign is at the Northernmost section of the trail looking South. It says the next half-mile is sponsored by a local college sorority.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Bloomington (East Grove Street) to Normal (Kerrick Road)
Counties: McLean
Trail Length: 22.6 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6225143

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