Illinois Prairie Path

Biking to downtown Chicago or however far you can get and then taking the Metra back if you wear yourself out too much — it’s awesome. The prairie path was a great idea and is decently well maintained. There’s rarely dog poo or anything lying around, so someone is keeping up on it really well.
I agree with some other reviewers that it passes through some busy intersections, so if you’re with kids, take some caution.
But otherwise, I suggest giving yourself a destination where you want to get some dinner (near a Metra station) and bike on out. You pass by trees, parks, neighborhoods, quaint little Chicago suburb downtowns, and so forth. A great outdoor activity in the area.

I’ve ridden portions of the trail Glen Ellyn to Wheaton and Glen Ellyn to Lombard — what a lovely asset!

This is a nice trail. Definitely not challenging and I’d describe it as a place to take a leisurely ride. I brought my dog with me and went about 10 miles in total. You have to be cautious on this trail because it crosses through quite busy intersections.
I’d bring Zusa out here again when the weather improves to get some exercise and take a break from the city.

The Prairie Path is heaven for any bikers, runners, or walkers in the DuPage County area! I am so fortunate to have this trail run just one street away from my house. Needless to say, I spend a LOT of time on it all year round.
The path itself runs 61 miles, with branches running from Elgin, Aurora, and all the way out to nearly Oak Park. It is a lovely trail with crushed limestone covering most of it, with portions also paved. One of my favorite things about the trail is that it is well lit for much of it, so even if you like to run or bike at night you can. It is frequented by running and biking groups as well, so you can always expect a friendly group on the trail. Where it runs through my town, Lombard, it is only a short walk away from quite a few parks and also meets up with the Great Western Trail, another wonderful community trail.

This is my new place to train for a bike tour. I took the path from forest park to Wheaton and up to Elgin and was amazed by all the wildlife. I also love that in some locations there are street lights to guide you on an early morning ride. Be careful at the stop signs and to yield to cars as they don’t yield to you!!! If you are on your way up to Elgin you must stop at Lincoln Marsh for a relaxing getaway. There is a repair station in Wheaton if you have a bike emergency. All the regulars of the path are very warming. I will be taking the path to Geneva and to Batavia soon. Can’t wait!!!

Love Love Love this path. If you can hop on you can get to so many awesome areas in the western suburbs. It can be pretty crowded in the summer or fall, but everyone is very courteous and friendly. If you are riding your bike I would suggest non road bike tires to make it easier to navigate the gravel. It is very easy to go for a walk or ride your bike and get so distracted that you end up going MUCH further than you originally intended. The path also connects to a few other paths in the are which make it quite enjoyable.

This is a very nice trail, close to my house and takes you through some good forest preserve. Some parts of the trail are gravel roads but its definitely good for walking. The trail is very close to my house and i often go biking or walking down the trail. My only complaint is that there are bugs when the weather gets a little damp. One the whole a great place to get a nice bike ride.

The prairie path is *huge* so I chose to review a particular part of it. I am a runner so I will preface this with the fact that this review is catered towards the active group.
I am reviewing the Elgin branch from Geneva Rd. And County Farm to Smith Rd.
The pluses for runners/​cyclists:
+ long stretches– I hate waiting to cross roads, drivers don’t have the courtesy they used to. The first crossing is 1.9 miles in, the next is a residential road (not busy) and the one that follows is the same. I did a 5 mile out run and didn’t have to stop.
+ the scenery– the scenery is beautiful. The first 2 miles is mostly wooded (it backs to Klien Creek Farm and a forest preserve). The next stretch is almost all woods as well with some breaks when you cross under North Ave.
The minuses:
— no port-​o-​potties, water fountains or other amenities. Pack t/​p and wear a water belt if you are going to be out long.
— pretty secluded– even though there are a lot of homes around, I was nervous running by myself (even though I carry pepper spray). I would suggest it for running clubs and group runs, and only Day time running.
This is my go-​to route for long runs. Beautiful and no distractions.

The prairie path is a gorgeous path for bikers, walkers, and anyone who loves the nature of the midwest! It travels many miles and people from all over the area love to use this path for exercise or leisure. In the warmer months, this path is crowded with so many people and it is such a beautiful view of the trees and nature of illinois. There is a clear cut path between a forest of trees and it is paved neatly. There are stop signs and paths that cross busier roads so the users of the path can stay safe while they use the path.
My family and I used the prairie path all the time when I was growing up. It is great for large groups and has a very distinct path with mile markers. When running, it is fun to see how far you have gone and figure out how long you have to go.
It travels through downtown wheaton, so kids love to use the path with friends to get to and from downtown areas. Also, it connects to a path that leads to Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst and other suburbs closer to Chicago.
There are drinking fountains along the path as well as maps to see how far you have gone on the trail. There are also rest stops for people who need to take a break. It is an attraction for any type of person!
I am very thankful to live so close to an amazing trail for biking, running, and any other type of exercise.

The Illinois Prairie Path is amazing! It’s a gorgeous trail that runs several miles throughout the western burbs. I have very fond memories of biking on it as a kid, and I still love hopping on when I visit Elmhurst. It’s a great way to spend a summer day because it’s seemingly endless. The trail itself is crushed limestone and appears to be pretty well maintained. If you’re biking, be careful of shoobies because they tend to walk in big groups and crowd the trail.

I have always loved the path! My favorite is riding my bike on it. I end up riding for hours and getting lost. However you can’t really get lost because they make a point to have plenty of maps placed around the path so you always know where you are.
I love taking my bike out on a nice summer day because most of the path is shaded by trees so it doesn’t get too hot.
There are also many friendly faces on the path!
This path really takes you everywhere you want to go!

The website says that the path begins at First and Washington so I took Washington straight west from my house. Couldn’t find it. Then I remembered another portion of the website (or could it be a review?) that said something about the entrance at the CTA Blue Line. So I biked back east. I eventually found the darn opening after disregarding the poorly routed signage.
BIG TIP OF THE DAY: The official entrance is between Washington and Roosevelt on First but the entrance the farthest East is through the auxiliary parking lot of the Blue Line. Don’t look for a big sign that says «Prairie Path starts here» because you wont find it
From the sub entrance all the way to Taft street in Berkley the path is quite depressing. There are two backless benches, broken glass and about 10 neighborhood intersections to cross over through Maywood and Bellwood.
The website boasted water stations, porto-​potties and benches. I rode all the way past Villa Park and didn’t see one toilet. They had water but the flow and spigots were so low that it was nearly impossible to refill my water bottle. All the niceties started at and after Taft Street.
The good points are that the rest stops were really nice and well, restful. I stopped a few times and read a chapter in my book and ate some crackers I brought with me.
The path is pretty wide so even though there was a decent amount of people out it didn’t seem too crowded. Some of the path is gravel, some parts nice and paved and some parts were shaded.
I will certainly bike the path again but I’ll load my bike in my car and drive to a more interesting starting point. It’s a nice place to bike or run without the all the hassle of the car filled urban environment I usually find my self in.

Wowzas, what a path! I was so glad I decided to venture out from my comfort zone (i.e. Busse Woods) and try a new path. It seems the Illinois Prairie Path also runs into the Great Western Trail. I just kind of kept riding today (and ultimately got a bit lost on the way back), so I didn’t take note of where one path ended and the other started.
The path itself seems pretty well-​maintained, but some parts were covered with packed grass from a recent mow. Most trail-​goers seem to adhere to the regular Rules of the Road, though a kid who was rubbernecking almost took me out! Yikes!
Christina M.‘s review is pretty on-​point with mention of the dog droppings. I also noticed some litter. Blah to that!
I’ll definitely be exploring this path more!

I love how this old railroad (which consequently runs along the Union Pacific West Line) is now a multi-​use path. Great for runners, walkers, and bikers. I’ve lived in Wheaton my whole life, so I’m not sure many other areas who have something unique as this. Yes, there’s other paths in the Northern Illinois Area, but this is the only one I’ve frequently traveled on, and always maintained very well, even when there is tree damage from storms.

Spring is finally here (kinda)! I moved pretty close to the Prairie Path last summer, but didn’t get to take advantage of it since a large part of our summer consisted of moving and all the joys that go along with it. Finally, though, the past few days have been pretty nice. What better time to bust the bikes out of hibernation and put them into action!
A few days ago, we rode from Villa Park to Elmhurst by York Road. It was a Saturday and a bit busy. The trail looks like it will be pretty well shaded come summer. One part of the trail over there runs over a railroad track, so there is the possibility that you might get caught by a train but I’m sure there’s a way around it.
Today, we went the other way and rode from Villa Park to about in between Lombard and Wheaton, just a bit past I-​355. I really enjoy looking at all the houses as I ride by and seeing some streets I haven’t yet encountered. There are always people on the path: joggers, walkers, bike riders, and people walking dogs. I love seeing the dogs. My only complaint about the trail is that it’s pretty bumpy in some areas. I’m wondering if maybe that’s just because we’re coming out of winter and as the weather gets warmer and more people travel on it, it will be evened out by whoever maintains it. I really hope so because my butt hurts from all the bumps in the trail.
One other complaint is this scary portion of trail right before the overpass to 355 going west. As you’re about to go up the hill to the bridge, the two areas of ground off to the sides dip wayyy down. The path gets a bit narrow there, so I got really nervous going up and looking down (which I don’t recommend if you’re scared of heights or have a fear of falling down a cliff). It would be nice if that was fenced off.
There’s maps at a bunch of intersections so you can really see how far the trail goes. I had no idea it went so far! I doubt I’ll ever get to the end of it, but it would be nice to take a day trip and see how far I can go. I’m really glad I live so close to this path, and really, that I live in the Western ‘Burbs. Hooray for nature!

Beautiful path that runs through a lot of west and northwest suburbs! Great for walking/​running and just getting outside!

Warmer weather = bike rides on the Prairie Path!
The Illinois Prairie Path is a great way to get your exercise. We usually ride from Villa Park to Wheaton which is about 16 miles round trip. This past weekend, I noticed that the trail itself was a lot more bumpy in certain areas. There were a lot of grooves from bike tires. I’m wondering if they put down a new top layer each year? Also, the trail is some type of lime stone so be prepared for your bike, and yourself, to be covered in a fine layer of dust. It is still a great path to take in nature and to be active. There are always a ton of people biking, running or walking.
There is also an unwritten rule that you stay on the right side of the trail and when busy, you should bike single file. /​Begin Rant/​It was a bit crowded this past weekend because of the nice weather but it seemed some people just were completely oblivious to others around them. There were many times when I was approaching someone and I was getting ready to pass on the left but some speed racer behind me decided to wiz past and tell me to get over. C’mon guys. I’m in the process of passing a walker/​jogger so don’t scream at me «on your left, get over». Keeping my heart rate up is just as important to me as I’m sure it is to you. I shouldn’t have to slow down and abort my passing attempt just because you feel you are more important and need to pass first. /​End Rant/​
Oh, and I should mention that the Wheaton stretch can become very congested. You are riding along the downtown area on a sidewalk.

I’ve run the prairie path — I’ve done a 15 miler on it .my thoguths
Pros
* It’s flat
* It has beautiful sceenery
* You feel like you’re riding in a car — with mile markers and city postage (Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, etc) — one you get in zone it’s like your traveling
* water fountains /​porta-​potties in the summer months (but they can few and far between)
Cons
* No diversity (That is why I run in the city)
* Annoying for runners like slow walkers take up entire path, mom’s with kids wont move, people let their dogs crap on the path and don’t clean it up, etc —
* It can be scary — a guy just popped out of the bushes and stared at me, and another guy stopped running and thew a rock at me, — YIKES (people are psycho)
* They don’t salt the path in the winter –like people don’t excersize in winter
* The path just ends in some places — so you don’t know where to go next —
* Stray animals sometimes wonder — mostly cats but large dogs roaming from local neighborhoods can be scary.
I go to the lake path in the city — but this is a good alternative

Most folks here review Elmhurst to Wheaton, lets review Maywood to Elmhurst so you can get a better idea of a segment of the Prairie Path least traveled and some of the precautions you may want to take.
Accessible as far east as Forest Park from the CTA Blue Line use Van Buren St. thru the west Parking lot you will pass Concordia Cemetery then travel over a small foot bridge over the Des Plaines river onto Maybrook drive, several blocks west at 1^st ave you will see a Illinois Prairie Path archway where the trail officially begins.
Maywood, the first thing you notice is that this is the paved segment of the trail in Cook County, the trail is interrupted by crossings at intervals of one block for about 9 streets from 1^st ave to 11^th ave before traveling longer distances without interruption, this is an urban area with an industrial park feel mixed with neighborhoods that have been in decay for many generations.
The Bad: though motor vehicles are prohibitted from entering the IPP, that didn’t stop one idiot from entering at 8^th ave. with his Cadillac at late hours of the night and scaring the bejesus out of us, they should keep the metal barriers up to stop traffic from entering.
Bellwood-​Hillside, mostly industrial park scenery in between neighborhoods, you will notice Two 911 emergency phones on the this segment of the Prairie Path, also some of the prairie grasses or brush do meet the trail, use precaution with small wildlife, scared rabbits, Opossum and unfortunately Skunk, my friend was sprayed by a skunk that jetted into his path, although he ran over the critter the skunk seemed to escape with little harm.
The Bad: several trail street crossings are not flush with the street so you may ride off a curb while crossing on the path and find another curb across a busy street, not smart for cyclist crossing.
Hillside-​Berkely, from Mannheim Rd. West the neighborhood improves but the trail ends forcing cyclist to ride 8 very short blocks on Warren Ave. (follow bike path signs) until reaching Forest ave. where you can pick up the trail again at Butterfield Rd., continue west until Taft Rd, becareful with the curb where Berkely starts.
The Good: Village of Berkely is pretty small and is just a short distance from Elmhurst once you pass under 290 & 294 you will see the trail change from paved to crushed limestone.
The Bike trail by night is fairly well lit by street lamps until reaching Elmhurst (wooded forest canopy), a little spooky at times, just stay alert of your surroundings and keep a little bit of energy stored in case you have to haul *ss … LOL

I’ve lived in Western ‘Burbs off and on for several years now and even though I knew about the Prairie Path, I only started taking advantage of the trail over the last few years.
The Path (as I like to call it) is about 62 miles of multi-​use nature trails. It runs through DuPage County, a little bit of Cook and Kane county. The path surface is crushed limestone so it’s suitable for walkers, runners and folks on their bikes. The Path runs through towns too, and many local business like coffee shops and cafes are close to the Path.
I mostly use the Lombard/​Villa Park/​Elmhurst trail for running or biking just because of the proximity to my house, but plan to hit more of the western area soon to check out more of the forest preserves. There are always folks out using the trail – the number depends on the time of day and of course the weather. The path is well-​maintained, but it relies on volunteers to keep it clean. It’s also marked with signs with the trail map and distance between points. The Path gives us a chance to enjoy nature at any pace. One of the pluses to living in the ‘Burbs and definitely one that says «get on out there and enjoy yourselves!»