Illinois is home to picturesque Midwestern landscapes. Known as the Land of Lincoln and the Prairie State, Illinois is generally known for its agricultural land and gently rolling landscapes. However, Illinois is also home to a wide diversity of landscapes, from savannas and oak woodlands and wetlands and remnant prairies. The Des Plaines River trail provides a 50+ mile stretch for bikers and hikers alike to observe the varied beauty of Illinois.
In the early 1800s, over 22 million acres of prairie covered the state of Illinois. At present, fewer than 2,300 acres of remnant prairie exist. Northern Illinois is home to some of these beautiful remnant prairies. The Des Plaines River is the longest river in Illinois. Of its 133 miles, 105 miles of the Des Plaines exists within Illinois. The Des Plaines River Trail follows the river for over 30 miles, allowing and up close look at the diversity of landscapes within northern Illinois.
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Biking Trails of Illinois
Illinois is home to 89 rail trails spanning 1,082 miles throughout the state, constructed from abandoned railroad corridors. These scenic trails offer gentle grades and often pass through small towns and historical sites along the way. There is much to discover throughout the state!
The Rails to Trails Conservancy website includes a wealth of information on trails across the nation. Search Illinois trails using Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Trail Finder App. In my opinion, the Des Plaines River Trail is one of the most picturesque bike trails in northern Illinois.
For detailed trail maps on the go, All Trails has been my go to app for years. Search over 450,000 trails – with photos, maps, and detailed reviews. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE. Â
Des Plaines River Trail: Lake County, Illinois
Between Lake Cook Road and Wadsworth, Illinois, the Des Plaines River Trail spans over 31 miles of Lake County, IL. The trail passes through 12 forest preserves, spanning prairies, savannas, oak woodlands and floodplain forests with sugar maple, hickory, basswood, and oak. Below are the Lake County Forest Preserves with access to the Des Plaines River Trail.
- Van Patten Woods
- Wadsworth Savanna
- Sedge Meadow
- Lake Carina
- Captain Daniel Wright Woods
- Half Day
- Old School Forest Preserve
- Independence Grove
- Lyons Woods
- Grant Woods
- McDonald’s Woods
- Ethel’s Woods
Notable Stops along the Des Plaines River Trail
A major attraction along the Des Plaines River Trail is Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois. Located at 16400 W. Buckley Road, Independence Grove is home to 7.5 miles of walking trails and over 1100 acres that surround a 129-acre lake. The forest preserve is open from dusk to dawn year-round. This is a gorgeous preserve for individuals and families alike to enjoy one of many scenic trails, to fish, picnic, play volleyball or enjoy the playground areas.
Cafe and Beer Garden | Independence Grove
Independence Grove is home to Relish Cafe, located at the Visitor’s Center. The cafe is open daily from 11am – 8pm (9pm on concert days). Burgers, sandwiches and flatbread are available for purchase, in addition to cold drinks. Independence Grove is home to a Beer Garden near Audubon Hall, serving local craft beers and packaged snacks. Both are great options to stop for refreshments after a long ride! The beer garden is open from spring through fall, and is open from 5-9pm Tuesday – Thursday, and 1-9pm Friday – Sunday. (closed on Mondays).
Pets at Independence Grove
Qualified service animals are permitted; however, horses and other pets are not permitted at Independence Grove.
Des Plaines River Trail Status/Closures
Check Lake County Forest Preserve’s website for Trail Status and Closures HERE.
Notable Sights along the Des Plaines River Trail
I’ve included a few photos from my recent rides on the Des Plaines River Trail. I have ridden this trail in spring, summer, and fall, and I can say that there is beauty to be found in every season! The section of trail north of Wadsworth (Sedge Meadow parking area) is more open and quiet, whereas the southern section of the trail is busier as it passes through larger towns like Gurnee and Libertyville, IL.
Along the trail you’ll find numerous native plants; in early to mid July, look for the native Michigan Lily. This delicate orange lily faces downward, unlike the common orange lily abundant in the Midwest this time of year. Between July and September, look for the native Cardinal flower (given its name due to its vivid cardinal red color).
Des Plaines River Trail | Information & Permitted Uses
Des Plaines River Trail: Permitted Uses for this trail include biking, hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The trail is not groomed for skiing, and is a shared use trail – closed to motorized and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and hunting. Parking, restrooms, and picnic areas can be found along the trail; leashed pets are permitted. There is no fee to ride the Des Plaines River Trail. Check out the interactive Des Plaines River Trail Map HERE.
Biking Gear for Trail Rides
Weather is ever-changing in the Midwest! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, and midday sun can be intense, even into the fall months. For COOLER fall days, consider the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover – Women’s or Men’s. Explore Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off
Biking Packs
For a great biking-specific pack, consider Osprey’s Kitsuma or Katari hydration packs in 1.5 liter, 3 liter, or 7 liter sizes. I have used the Katari 3 pack for several years now, and find it just large enough for extra water, snacks, and a light layer of clothing. The bright yellow color adds extra visibility for road crossings.
For a lumbar off-the-back pack, check out the Seral 7, with enough room for a spare tube and patch kit. For something a tad larger, I recommend the Raptor 10, with hipbelt pockets and shoulder harness. Check out Osprey’s Packfinder to find the pack that best fits your frame and activity.
Waterproof Packs
Summer weather can change on a dime. For a waterproof pack for those potentially rainy summer rides, check out the Osprey Transporter Waterproof 18, with back-panel ventilation, and roll-top closure to fit all your gear. The Transporter comes in 18, 25, and 30 liter sizes.
Enjoy your ride on this beautiful Illinois trail!
As a side note……..if you’re interested in southern Wisconsin rail trails, check out my blog post Bike the Scenic Glacial Drumlin Trail | Explore Wisconsin’s Post-glacial Landscapes
Bike the Scenic Glacial Drumlin State Trail | Explore Wisconsin’s Post-glacial Landscapes
-Erin
