This Abandoned Railroad In Illinois Actually Has A Happy Ending

What happened to this abandoned railroad in Illinois is such an amazing story I have to share it with you.

Abandoned Stories In Illinois Usually Don't End Well

Whenever a business, building, or anything else becomes abandoned, it's usually a sad story. They close or go out of business, which is never a good thing. Then sit unoccupied for years and become a wreck of a place.

An Abandoned Story In Illinois With A Happy Ending

This abandoned story in Illinois is an exception to the rule. Many years ago, a rail line around the Chicago area shut down. Instead of just leaving the old track there to rot, a group of residents decided they wanted something better. It was converted into a bike and hiking path.

The former Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin Electric rail lines became the Illinois Prairie Path.

I grew up near the Prairie Path. My friends and I would ride our bikes down it all the time. When I played youth football we did a "walkathon" fundraiser every season there too.

What Is The Illinois Prairie Path?

According to onlyinyourstate.com, 

The Illinois Prairie Path is a network of 61 miles of biking and hiking trails.

 

It is mostly in DuPage County, with some spilling out to Kane County and Cook County.

 

The Illinois Prairie Path has been around since 1963.

 

The project was started by volunteers but now the local government maintains it. The path is filled with beautiful scenery including wildlife, vegetation, water, bridges, and even railroad tracks.

For more info about the Illinois Prairie Path, HERE.