Getting There

The Long Prairie Trail (LPT) bisects northern Boone County by running from the Boone/McHenry County line through the villages of Capron, Poplar Grove, and Caledonia to McMichael Road in Winnebago County.  To access the trail, parking lots are provided in all three villages and at the trail's intersection with the Boone/McHenry County Line Road.  Click here for maps of the western and eastern ends of the trail.

Natural Considerations

The trail side vegetation harbors many prairie plant species which are remnants of the oak savannah prairies that once blanketed northern Illinois.  Because the trail sets on an abandoned rail line, the vegetation was preserved during the past 150 years.  It remained unplowed and sparks coming from the train would ignite the dry grasses.  These fires encourage the prairie to dominate over woody species because they have adapted to tolerate periodic burning.  Today, fire is the key tool used in the management and preservation of prairie.  Many types of wildlife are active along the trail, which acts as an ecological highway by creating a conduit for the movement of animals and plat seeds.

History

Until recently the trail was owned by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad where it was maintained as an active line for many decades.  It was originally known as the Kenosha Division (KD) Line which crisscrossed Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.  The KD line started out in the early 1850's at a time when nearly every community realized the need for a railroad to help in establishing a strong commercial base.  A few years ago, on the same set of tracks, a train crossing Beaverton Road derailed, leaving behind a torn up road bed, broken ties, and twisted tracks.  A huge gouge in the railroad bed remains today, as a reminder of this accident which put an end to train traffic here forever.

Opportunities for fun

The LPT travels through some of the most rural areas in Boone County.  Views from the trail are dominated by rolling fields, scattered farms, and an occasional woodland.  It is this rural flavor which gives the LPT its charm.  The 14.2 mile asphalt trail provides a safe opportunity for long distance bicycling, skating, and walking with very few rural crossroads.  It contains several interpretive signs which explain the history of the area as well as specifics about the rail line which once rolled along the same path.

For those looking to make a day excursion, dining and convenience opportunities are located in the Village of Capron and Poplar Grove and at the intersection of Routes 173 and 76.  A small bike shop, which rents and repairs equipment, is located in Capron.

Activities and Facilities

Surfaced bicycle trail, hiking trail, cross country skiing, interpretive trail, picnicking,  accessible facilities, historic exhibit, restroom, interpretive exhibit.

Long Prairie Trail