Grand Illinois Bike Tour

 

To start this list off, we recommend checking out Champaign County Bikes and their great map of bike lanes, paths, and recommended routes here. Below, you will find a collection of recommended local bike trails, forest preserves, parks, bike shops, and restaurants to visit at your leisure. Happy biking! 

Local Bike Trails

 

Boulware Trail 

Where: 1836-1910 Fox Dr, Champaign, 
Length: 0.5 mi

This trail extends North from Mattis Park, running behind Fox Drive. If you’re looking to cool down, a two-mile bike ride west will take you to the Sholem Aquatic Center. This outdoor facility features a zero-depth entry pool, a 660-foot lazy river, and waterslides to plunge, twirl and spiral your way down. 

Kickapoo Rail Trail

Where: E Main St. Spur, Urbana
Length: 13 mi

Kickapoo Rail Trail will span nearly 25 miles in total across some of the state's most diverse ecosystems, including woodland, prairie, and wetland. The retired railroad corridor is a great place to bring the bikes for a day of adventure. Just start the trail at Weaver Park in Urbana and explore all the way to St. Joe for an over 13-mile ride!

 

Forest Preserves

 

Lake of the Woods

Where: 109 S. Lake of the Woods Rd, Mahomet
Length: 3.3 mi

Lake of the Woods has much to offer, from the Museum of the Grand Prairie to some incredible walking and bike paths. The 3.3-mile paved Bicycle/Pedestrian Path stretches the entire length of the preserve, winding through grasslands, prairie, and wooded areas as well as crossing the Sangamon River on the Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge. Hop off the trail for a short visit into the Rayburn-Purnell Woods to break up your adventure.

 

local Parks

MEADOWBROOK PARK

Where: 2808 S Race St, Urbana
Length: 5 mi

Meadowbrook Park features 3 miles of 10’ wide multi-use paved paths. A large loop around the entire park and a smaller loop around the Wandell Sculpture Garden provide for those with different schedules or ambitions. For a more off the beaten path experience, an additional 2 miles of unpaved paths wander through the park’s prairie and stream corridors. 

Crystal Lake Park

Where: 1505 N Broadway Ave, Urbana
Length: 0.75 mi

A ride to Crystal Lake Park is nothing short of an adventure! If you’re looking to immerse yourself underneath a canopy of trees, hop off your bike and trek through Busey Woods—a 59-acre bottomland Oak-Hickory forest located at the north end of Crystal Lake Park. This natural area is notable for its native spring wildflowers, bird watching opportunities and a 1/3-mile elevated boardwalk! 

Dana Colbert Park

Where: 203 E. Church St, Savoy
Length: 0.7 mi

The path around Colbert Park is as scenic as it is smooth. The ride around the 8-acre lake is an easy trek from Curtis Orchard, featuring a spacious lawn, a playground, and a large hill offering a beautiful panorama of Savoy.

Hessel Park

Where: 1400 Grandview Dr, Champaign
Length: 0.98 mi

A scenic 8’ wide paved path runs through this park, which boasts 50 tree species, sports courts, grills & more. 

Mattis Park

Where: 607 Devonshire Dr, Champaign
Length: 0.7 mi

Generally considered an easy route, this 0.7 mile loop is North from the Boulware Trail.

Morissey Park

Where: 1209 Harrington Dr., Champaign
Length: 0.73 mi

A community park with a kids' playground, tennis courts, open fields & a curved walking path, perfect for biking.

Bike Shops

Bike Lab by Neutral Cycle

Where: 624 S 5th St, Champaign

Durst Cycle and Fitness

Where: 1112 W University Ave, Urbana

Trek Bicycle Champaign

Where: 506 S Country Fair Dr, Champaign

 

GROUP DINING IN CHAMPAIGN-URBANA

Our award-winning culinary scene is ready to feed you after biking across the Champaign-Urbana area! From Farm to Table to pizza and everything in between, we've created a list of group-friendly dining options with options for everyone!