Monon Trail (Lake County)

The Monon Trail in Lake County, Indiana—not to be confused with the trail of the same name in Indianapolis—links the two Chicago suburbs of Hammond and Munster. The paved trail occupies an abandoned CSX rail corridor originally built and used by the Monon Railroad (hence the trail’s name).

The trail begins in the south at Fisher Street in Munster, where it links directly with the Pennsy Greenway and a local bike path. Running due north, the trail parallels Manor Avenue through residential neighborhoods. At the Little Calumet River, a new trail bridge has replaced an original railroad trestle. In fact, the new crossing uses the beams from the Monon Railroad's dilapidated bridge, which was built in approximately 1909.

North of the bridge, the trail enters Hammond and passes under Interstate 80/94. Like Munster's segment, the portion of the trail in Hammond runs through residential neighborhoods while paralleling a local road. You'll also pass Oak Hill Cemetery, Harrison Park and Eggers Middle School. At the trail's northern terminus at Douglas Street, connect directly with the longer Erie Lackawanna Trail.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking for the Monon Trail can be found along city streets in Hammond and Munster.

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Accordion

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