Constitution Trail Bloomington-Normal, Illinois

The Constitution Trail in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois is a 45-mile multi-use recreational trail that winds through the heart of the twin cities. The trail was named after the United States Constitution in honor of the nation's bicentennial celebration in 1987. Since then, the trail has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a beautiful and serene place to explore and get some exercise.

The trail is open year-round and is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It is a popular spot for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading, as well as for events such as 5K races, charity walks, and community festivals. The trail is also wheelchair accessible, with paved paths that are wide enough to accommodate mobility devices.

One of the unique features of the Constitution Trail is the art that is scattered along the way. The trail features sculptures, murals, and other art installations that add to the beauty and character of the trail. Some of the most notable art pieces along the trail include the "Wind Chimes" sculpture, which was designed by local artist John Mishler and features eight large chimes, and the "Family Tree" sculpture, which was created by artist Mike Baur and depicts a tree with roots that represent the different generations of a family.

In addition to the art, the trail also features several parks and recreational areas. The north section of the trail runs through Normal and includes several beautiful parks, such as Maxwell Park, which features a large pond, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

The central section of the trail runs through Bloomington and features historic homes, gardens, and the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site. The David Davis Mansion was the home of David Davis, a United States Supreme Court Justice and friend of Abraham Lincoln. The mansion is now open to the public and offers guided tours of the historic home and gardens. The central section also includes Miller Park, which is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

The southern section of the trail runs through rural areas and includes farmland, wetlands, and wildlife areas. This section of the trail is a great place to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. The southern section also includes several parks, such as Comlara Park, which features a large lake for fishing and boating, as well as camping areas and hiking trails.

The Constitution Trail is a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's something for everyone on this beautiful trail. The trail is a testament to the commitment of the Bloomington-Normal community to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area, and it is a great example of how parks and recreational areas can bring people together and improve quality of life.

Here are some of the different trails that you can explore on the Constitution Trail:

North Section Trail: The North Section Trail runs for approximately 10 miles through the city of Normal, Illinois. It is home to several beautiful parks and recreational areas, including Fairview Park, Tipton Park, and Maxwell Park. This section of the trail is also home to the Children's Discovery Museum, which is a great spot for families with young children.

Central Section Trail: The Central Section Trail runs for approximately 8 miles through the city of Bloomington, Illinois. This section of the trail is home to several historic homes and gardens, including the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site. The Central Section Trail also passes through Miller Park, which is a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

South Section Trail: The South Section Trail runs for approximately 27 miles through rural areas and includes farmland, wetlands, and wildlife areas. This section of the trail is a great place to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. It also includes several parks, such as Comlara Park, which features a large lake for fishing and boating, as well as camping areas and hiking trails.

West Section Trail: The West Section Trail runs for approximately 4 miles and connects the North and Central Sections of the trail. This section of the trail is primarily urban and passes through several residential areas.

East Section Trail: The East Section Trail runs for approximately 4 miles and connects the Central and South Sections of the trail. This section of the trail passes through several commercial areas and includes several restaurants and shops.

North Bridge Trail: The North Bridge Trail is a short trail that connects the North Section of the Constitution Trail to the Illinois State University campus. This trail passes over a bridge that spans over a busy roadway, offering a safe and convenient way for pedestrians and cyclists to access the university.

Underpass Trail: The Underpass Trail is a short trail that runs under a busy roadway, connecting the North and Central Sections of the trail. This trail features a colorful mural that was painted by local artists.

Overall, the Constitution Trail offers a wide variety of trails that cater to different interests and abilities. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk through a park or a more challenging bike ride through rural areas, there's something for everyone on the Constitution Trail.