The Constitution Trail
@ConstitutionTrail

Parking and Trail Access

• To reach the Atwood Wayside trailhead on the southern end of the Illinois Central Branch: From I-55/I-74, take Exit 160 for US 150. Head east on US 150/W. Market St. In 1.1 miles, turn left onto N. Hinshaw Ave., then take the second right onto W. Locust St. After 1.5 miles, turn right onto N. Robinson St. Four blocks down the street, the trailhead’s parking lot will be on your left, just past E. Monroe St.
• To reach the northern trailhead of the Illinois Central Branch at Kerrick Road/County Road 1850: From I-55, take Exit 165B for US 51 Bus. N/N. Main St. and head north. In about 1.25 miles, turn right onto Kerrick Road/CR 1850. The parking area will be past three warehouse driveways on the right side.
• There are numerous other trailheads for this extensive trail system throughout Bloomington, Normal, and along Route 66.

Open daily
1 hour before sunrise until
1 hour after sunset

No entrance fee.

Constitution Trail is a multi-use trail made possible by a joint venture with the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal.  The initial idea for the trail was proposed by Hugh Atwood, an alderman on the Bloomington City Council, in the early 1980’s.  He had seen bike trails in other cities and thought this would be a wonderful amenity for Bloomington-Normal.  The Illinois Central Gulf Railroad line was abandoned at around this same time, which provided an appropriate pathway for a trail. 

Although some members of the community had apprehensions, the railroad tracks were removed, and the first part of the trail was laid.  Initially, the trail covered 4.3 miles.  The Trail was officially dedicated and named “Constitution Trail” in celebration of the 200th birthday of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1987;  the Trail grand opening was May 6, 1989.  The community responded positively, and this led to the gradual expansion of the trail, which now covers over 24 miles. 

In 2009, The Friends of the Constitution Trail, under the expertise of Professor Robert Bradley of Illinois State University, funded six signs which were installed along the trail. These signs honor and describe key portions of the Constitution and how they apply to our daily lives. We hope these signs are used by all trail users to educate and remember this foundation of our liberties. 

The sign locations are:
The Preamble – Rosa Parks Commons
The Bill of Rights – Connie Link Amphitheatre
Article One – Tipton Park
Article Two – West Route 9 Wayside
Article Three – Keith Rich Memorial near Rollingbrook Park
Article Five – Atwood Wayside  

Because of the popularity of the Trail, the Cities have developed trail plans for future development.  These long-range plans call for extensions to connect places of employment, commerce, schools, parks, and historic interest.

A short documentary with more information was published in 2016 on Youtube.