Adult Bike Camping in June with Out Our Front Door out of Chicago, IL – SOLD OUT

ITINERARY:

Day 1: roughly 100 Miles | Day 2: roughly 2 miles with return on Metra

Support: Self-supported. No vehicle support.

Pace: Casual. 12-15mph. Intermediate level.

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated.

Lodging: Tent (camping gear not provided). We will stay at Chain O’ Lakes State Park (IL DNR) located at 8916 Wilmot Road, Spring Grove, IL 60081 (map).

TRIP DESCRIPTION

All aboard the Out Our Front Door Express as we trace the historic route of the grand old Roarin’ Elgin – the once-mighty interurban railway that soared along the banks of the Fox River. Setting out from Chicago, the group will first roll onto the Illinois Prairie Path. The very first Rails to Trails path, this route connects many scenic suburban towns and villages through its over 61 miles of pavement and gravel.

Riding west with the early summer sun, the group will stop for breakfast at the vibrant Wheaton French Market to grab fresh-baked pastries, local small batch cold brew, and other delights. Energized and fortified, the group will turn west up the Fox River trail and sail along the riverside through historic towns whose fortunes waxed and waned with the rails. The group will see the Fox River Railway Museum in South Elgin, ride by windmills in Geneva, a restored train depot in Batavia, and maybe stop for BBQ in a converted caboose in Dundee!

In between towns, everyone will take a break from the sun as the trail curls through deeply shaded oak forests, broad freshwater fens, and stunning stretches of oak savannah. As the summer sun starts to dip low, the group will leave the Fox River valley behind and travel through the final miles of rolling farmland to arrive at Chain O’Lakes state park. Dinner awaits you on arrival, along with s’more and story telling around the campfire.

This multi-modal adventure will cover approximately 100 miles on the first day. The following morning, the group will ride a few short miles into Crystal Lake to load up a Metra bike car and ride the rails back into Chicago to rest and recover.

Transfers: Out Our Front Door has limitations for ticket transfers, but may accommodate in the event certain criteria are met. You may review this updated Transfer Policy flowsheet to determine what next steps you need to take.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Campground fees (sites, firewood, etc.)

Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast.

Education about our local history and nature

Really nice and supportive guides

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Day 1 lunch and Day 2 lunch (we will stop at designated restaurants, but the guides will not pay for these meals).

Snacks

Train ticket home