Train O’ Lakes 2025 – Adult Overnight with Out Our Front Door out of Chicago, IL

Ride Specifics

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

Support: Self supported – you carry all of your own camping gear on your own bike. No vehicle support.

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).

Pace: 12-15mph

Trail/Route: Paved road with minimal gravel incorporated and possible snow.

Age: Adult Ride (21+)

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 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, the group 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 ride a few short miles into Fox Lake to load up a Metra bike car and ride the rails back into Chicago to rest and recover.