Illinois Prairie Path: Main Stem

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

This popular urban trail is one of five sections comprising the entire Illinois Prairie Path system found at ipp.org. This Main Branch begins in Maywood and passes through the suburbs of Bellwood, Hillside, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton.

The flat trail consists mostly of crushed limestone with some hard surface sections. Much of it is lined with trees and foliage. There are a number of street crossings over its length but there are long sections without any. Refreshments and food can be found easily in most of these suburbs.

The trailhead begins in Maywood on the west side of South 1st Ave. just south of Maybrook Dr. At the start is a monument of two tall pillars and is labeled "Illinois Prairie Path." From there, the trail goes 2.5 miles through residential and industrial areas to Mannheim Rd. at which point it transitions to a section of street called Warren Ave. Travel on Warren 0.5 miles and at N. Forest Ave. turn right (north) continuing 256 ft. crossing Butterfield Rd. to re-enter the trail at the water tower.

Upon reaching Wheaton the path transitions to a sidewalk for the last 0.3 miles where the Elgin Branch (northwest) and the Aurora Branch (southwest) begin.