our Bike On Amtrak Guide

Illinois Bike-on-Amtrak Guide
An informal guide to help you use the
train and your bicycle to explore Illinois
Have you wanted to give bike touring a try? Have you thought of a route in Illinois but are unsure of
how to get you and your bike there? Using our state’s “walk-on” bikes-on-Amtrak program allows
bicyclists to do close-to-home day, weekend, or even longer trips.
Ride Illinois developed this guide to encourage and assist Amtrak-based bicycle tourists by providing
information for participating communities, including links to maps with good rural routes near the
town. Consider the following trip types:
1) One Town:
Take a day or overnight trip to an Amtrak town,
exploring the town and the surrounding areas.
2) One-Way along an Amtrak Line:
Extend your bicycle ride area by taking the train to
one Amtrak town and biking to another, returning
from there.
As an example, maybe you’d like to bike the
Route 66 Trail from Chicago, returning by train from
St. Louis—or an earlier stop, if needed. Or, on a
windy day, you’d like to “cheat” with a one-way,
all-tailwind ride!
3) Between Amtrak Lines:
Especially if Chicago is part of your trip, you could
plan a ride between two towns on different Amtrak
lines. One longer example—riding a section of
Illinois’ Mississippi River Trail!
Illinois’ Amtrak towns
How this guide is organized:
Each participating town has two pages with an Amtrak line map, station address and train schedules, town
summary, photos, attractions, lodging and camping, a few suggested rides in the surrounding areas, and
other information such as hospitals, wi-fi access, nearest bike shops, and nearby towns having (at least) a
convenience store.
Logistics of bringing your bike on Amtrak:
“Walk-on” bicycle service is available for Illinois Amtrak trains with 300-level train numbers and Carbondale,
St. Louis, or Quincy endpoints. (The service is not available on longer-distance Amtrak trains.) On trains with
“walk-on” service, you can store your unboxed bike in the train car in which you are sitting—instead of
significantly taking apart and boxing your bike for baggage area storage.
When you purchase your ticket for Amtrak, you must also purchase a ticket for your bicycle. The cost is $10
each way, no matter how far you travel. Note that there is a maximum of four bikes per train.
Passengers are expected to carry their bikes onto the trains with them. With the narrow, steep stairs, this
can be tricky—so be careful.
Officially, Amtrak’s policy requires bikes to be stored in the overhead luggage areas above the seats (as
shown, at right). These luggage areas
are not used very much, so you should
be able to find space. Storing your bike
there minimally requires you to remove
the front wheel. Do that first—before
lifting the rest of the bike, rotating it 90
degrees in mid-air, and placing it in the
rack. Then, place your front wheel on
top. There generally are not hooks
which you can secure your bike to.
Despite this and the tenuous positioning,
you should not have any problems with
your bike moving around while stored in
the luggage area.
Amtrak has been replacing its old train cars with newer models having other areas more suitable for storing
your bike. These may include a large open space near the back of the train car (you may have to rearrange
others’ luggage to lean your bike against the side wall); in vertical luggage “shelves” (front wheel removal
needed); or, directly in front of you if you sit in the front seat, for some train cars.
Other resources:
The information in the town pages is only meant to be an introduction. Before you go, find an online map of
the town, verify that the businesses or attractions are open, and look online for the latest Amtrak schedules.
Also, bike maps are available with more detail. IDOT’s bicycle maps are great for learning whether a rural
road is paved and bike-friendly . Ride Illinois and others have maps for some larger communities. Finally, be
a safe bicyclist—try our quizzes at www.bikesafetyquiz.com, with relevant state laws and safety techniques.
Ride Illinois, 2016. This guide is not an official Amtrak or IDOT document.
Bloomington-Normal
Bloomington-Normal is the perfect stop for bicyclists participating in Illinois’
bikes-on-Amtrak program. Just steps from the Amtrak station is the Constitution Trail, a 30-plus-mile long trail network. Some of the area’s finest restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues and shopping are located next to the trail,
as well as dozens of parks with shelters, picnic tables, restrooms and benches.
Bicyclists will enjoy the scenic trails of Comlara County Park in nearby Hudson
and Moraine View State Park in LeRoy. Both parks also offer camping, picnic
areas and picturesque lakes. In addition, historic Route 66 can be traced
through Bloomington-Normal, and visitors can stop along the route at the
McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington or Sprague’s Super Service
Station in Normal to view Route 66 wayside exhibits.
Population of BloomingtonNormal—129,107 (2010)
The Bloomington-Normal area contains over 40 options for overnight
accommodations, including two bed and breakfasts and three campgrounds.
Contact the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800433-8226 or visit www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org for assistance in organizing
trip itineraries and locating bicycle-friendly accommodations.
Amtrak Info
CHICAGO—ST. LOUIS line
Daily southbound bike trains:
 9:14am (#301)
 11:39am (#303)
 7:29pm (#305)
 9:14pm (#307)
Daily northbound bike trains:
 7:31am (#300)
 9:46am (#302)
 5:56pm (#304)
 8:36pm (#306)
Station at 11 Uptown Circle in
Normal—309-862-2000.
Open daily 6:30am-9:30pm.
McLean County Museum, downtown Bloomington
Suggested Rides

Use the Constitution Trail Map, which not only shows the trail network
but also the best road routes to explore Bloomington and Normal.

43 mile southwest loop, including Sugar Creek Nature Center. (No food,
convenience stores outside B-N) ridewithgps.com/routes/1421859

31 miles west loop, includes Constitution Trail, and Danvers (food, drink)
at the halfway point. ridewithgps.com/routes/1415527

29 miles north loop, includes Evergreen Lake and Hudson (food, drink).
ridewithgps.com/routes/1414806
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31 miles north loop, includes Lake Bloomington. (No food, convenience
stores outside B-N). ridewithgps.com/routes/1441896
Attractions
The Bloomington-Normal area contains dozens of tourist attractions. This list is only a small sampling. A complete list,
with addresses, can be found on www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org.
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Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (in Bloomington)
Children’s Discovery Museum (in Normal)
Constitution Trail (in Bloomington-Normal)
David Davis Mansion (in Bloomington)
Funk Prairie Home and Gem & Mineral Museum (in Shirley)
Historic Normal Theater (in Normal)
Illinois State University Campus (in Normal)
Illinois Wesleyan University Campus (in Bloomington)
Miller Park and Miller Park Zoo (in Bloomington)
Prairie Aviation Museum (in Bloomington)
Rader Family Farms (in Normal)
Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm (in Normal)
Route 66
 Memory Lane (in Lexington)
 McLean County Museum of History (in Bloomington)
 Sprague Super Service Station (in Normal)
 A Geographical Journey Parkway (in Towanda)
Sugar Grove Nature Center (in McLean)
The Corn Crib (in Normal)
White Oak Vineyards (in Carlock)
Route 66, Towanda
Lodging/Camping
The Bloomington-Normal area contains 36 hotels, two bed and breakfasts and three campgrounds. Only the four hotels
located closest to the Amtrak Station are listed here. A complete list can be found on www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org.
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Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Broadway Ave (0.1 miles from Amtrak), Normal, 800-627-7468
Hampton Inn & Suites, 320 S. Towanda Ave (1.66 mi from Amtrak), Normal, 309-452-8900 or 800-HAMPTON
Signature Inn, 101 S. Veterans Parkway (1.7 miles from Amtrak), Normal, 309-454-4044 or 800-822-5252
Motel 6, 202 Landmark Dr. (1.79 miles from Amtrak), Normal, 309-454-6600 or 800-4-MOTEL6
Camping:
 Comlara County Park, 13001 Recreation Area Drive (12.47 miles from Amtrak), Hudson, 309-434-6770
 Kamp Komfort, 21408 North 600 East Road (12.96 miles from Amtrak), Carlock, IL 61725, 309-376-4411
 Moraine View State Park, 27374 Moraine View Park Road (17+ miles from Amtrak), LeRoy, IL 61752, 309-724-8032
Other info
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Emergency Phone Numbers: 911; also Bloomington Police, 309-434-2700; Normal Police 309-454-9535; McLean
County Sheriff, 309-888-5034; Advocate Bromenn Medical Center, 309-454-1400; OSF St- Joseph Medical Center:
309-662-3311
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Rural towns within 20 miles (with food and/or convenience stores): Hudson (7 miles N), Danvers (11 miles W),
Heyworth (15 miles S), Towanda (7 miles NE), Le Roy (17 miles SE).
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Bicycle Shops: Bloomington Cycle and Fitness, 712 E. Empire St, Bloomington, 309-820-8036; Vitesse Cycle Shop,
206 S. Linden St, Normal, 309-454-1541; Dick’s Sporting Goods, 200 Greenbriar Dr, Normal, 309-454-1602.
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Internet: Many businesses, restaurants and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Also, Normal Public Library, 206 W College Ave.
Carlinville
Step back into time where the City Square was the heart of the community.
Historic homes and open landscapes provide a tranquil backdrop for the cycle
enthusiast. Get back to nature by visiting Beaver Dam State Park or the local
orchards and vineyard along Stagecoach Road.
Population—5,917 (2010)
Amtrak Info
CHICAGO—ST. LOUIS line
Daily southbound bike trains:

7:00am (#301)
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9:25am (#303)
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3:05pm (#305)
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7:00pm (#307)
Daily northbound bike trains:

5:50am (#300)
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7:55am (#302)
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4:14pm (#304)
Beaver Dam State Park
Suggested Rides

25 miles southwest loop, includes orchards, vineyard, and Beaver Creek
State Park. ridewithgps.com/routes/2376309
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38 miles northwest loop, includes Blackburn College, Otter Lake, Palmyra
(services). ridewithgps.com/routes/2376338
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Route 66 Trail south—35 miles out-and-back on official “Route 66 Trail” to
Gillespie and Benld. ridewithgps.com/routes/2851620
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Route 66 Trail north— 37 miles out-and-back on official “Route 66 Trail”
to Girard. ridewithgps.com/routes/2851658
Attractions
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Macoupin County courthouse, jail (Broad & Main)
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Turkey tracks on Old Route 66 (IL4 west of Nilwood)
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Beaver Dam State Park (Plainview)
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Famous Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road”
runs through the heart of Carlinville.
Lodging/Camping
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CarlinVilla Motel, 18891 Illinois Rt. 4 – 217-854-3201
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Lake Williamson, Lakeside Dr. – 800-500-5922
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Magnuson Grand Hotel, 19067 W. Frontage Rd.,
Raymond – 217-324-2100
Camping:
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Lake Williamson, Lakeside Dr. – 800-500-5922
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Beaver Dam State Park, 14548 Beaver Dam Ln.,
Plainview — 217-854-8020
Other info
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Emergency Phone Numbers: — 911; also Carlinville
Police Dept., 217-854-3222; Macoupin County Sheriff’s
Dept., 217-854-3135
Carlinville Courthouse
Internet access available at: Salsa Grill, 242 East Side Square;
Carlinville Public Library, 510 N. Broad Street, and McDonald’s, 773 West Main.
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Rural towns within 15-22 miles with food and/or convenience stores: Benld, Bunker Hill, Farmersville, Gillespie,
Girard, Litchfield, Modesto, Mt. Olive, Palmyra, Raymond, Staunton, Virden, Waggoner.
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Nearest bicycle shops: Wheel Fast Bicycle Co., 20 Cottonwood Dr., Chatham (32 miles) — 217-483-7807;
Medford Bicycle & Sporting Goods, 608 State Hwy. 16, Jerseyville (34 miles) — 618-498-5005
Carlinville Square
Champaign-Urbana
At the crossroads of Interstate 57, 74 and 72 sits Champaign County, a microurban oasis that enjoys the benefits of a big city with the charm of a small
town. With the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana as the hub of the
community, Champaign County offers a thriving arts and culture atmosphere
combined with top-notch sporting events, unique dining options and wide
open spaces ideal for cycling. Whether you’re riding through the miles of
countryside surrounding Champaign-Urbana, or exploring campustown,
downtown or the Boneyard Creek, Champaign County is the ideal destination
for site-seeing and cycling.
Population of ChampaignUrbana area—231,891 (2010)
Amtrak Info
Illini Union, University of Illinois
CHICAGO—CARBONDALE line
Daily southbound bike trains:
 10:25am (#391)
 6:15pm (#393)
Daily northbound bike trains:
 10:14am (#390)
 7:59pm (#392)
Station at 45 East University
Ave. in downtown Champaign.
Open daily 5:15am-11:00pm.
Fighting Illini football
Suggested Rides
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Use LIB’s and Champaign County Bikes’ Champaign-Urbana Area Bicycle
Map for the best routes to explore the campus and cities
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18 miles, scenic horse farms and houses with kites. ridewithgps.com/
routes/2423231
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Extend the above to Philo, 26 miles. ridewithgps.com/routes/2423258
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32 miles southeast loop to Sidney (ice cream!). ridewithgps.com/
routes/2423200
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26 miles east loop to St. Joseph. ridewithgps.com/routes/2423344
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32 miles west to Mahomet and around Lake of the Woods trail.
ridewithgps.com/routes/2423075
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65 miles scenic southwest loop through Monticello and Allerton Park,
past bison farms and old cemeteries. ridewithgps.com/routes/2422993
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From Effingham to Champaign – get a one-way train ticket, bike 88 miles
back with the wind. www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/29683830
Attractions
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Eleven diverse museums throughout Champaign County, ranging
from the impressive Krannert Art Museum to the Chanute Air
Museum to the Pollinatarium.
The University of Illinois is home to a broad, beautiful campus
that holds historic buildings such as Foellinger and Altgeld Hall
and new, architectural marvels such as Beckman Institute. Enjoy
campustown’s expanding bike network!
Downtown Champaign offers the urban haven visitors crave, with
Foellinger Auditorium, University of Illinois
a plethora of unique and delectable restaurants, countless bars,
and small shops.
Curtis Orchard, just south of Champaign features apple and pumpkin picking, petting zoo, rides and playground for
children, and of course, the ever popular apple donuts.
Champaign County’s five forest preserves at Homer Lake, Lake of the Woods, Middle Fork River, River Bend and
Sangamon River. Activities include boating, swimming, fishing and hiking.
William M. Staerkel Planetarium, Parkland College—2nd largest in Illinois. Friday and Saturday shows at 7 & 8 pm.
A complete list of attractions and things to do can be found online at www.visitchampaigncounty.org.
Lodging/Camping
Champaign County has over 3,500 hotel rooms available for guests. Hotels are spread out in various locations making it
easy for travelers to stay close to any specific area in town. Some hotel options include:
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Hilton Garden Inn & Conference Center, 1501 S. Neil St., Champaign, 217-351-9970
I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First St., Champaign, 217-819-5000
Illini Union Hotel, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana, 217-333-3030
Courtyard by Marriott, 1811 Moreland Blvd., Champaign, 217-355-0411
Baymont Inn & Suites, 302 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign, 217-356-8900
Candlewood Suites, 1917 Moreland Blvd., Champaign, 217-398-1000
A complete listing of hotels and Bed & Breakfasts can be found at www.visitchampaigncounty.org.
Other info
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Hospitals: Carle Hospital, 611 W Park St., Urbana, 217-383-3311; Provena Covenant Hospital, 1400 West Park St.,
Urbana, 217-337-2000; Christie Clinic, 1801 W Windsor Rd., Champaign, 218-366-8000. Emergency—911.
 Rural towns within 15-20 miles (with food and/or convenience
stores): Monticello, Mansfield, Mahomet, Fisher, Rantoul, St. Joseph, Ogden, Homer, Sidney, Philo, Tolono. See
www.visitchampaigncounty.org for more detail.
 Bicycle Shops: Champaign Cycle—506 South Country Fair
Drive, Champaign, 217-352-7622; Durst Cycle and Fitness—1201
S. Mattis Ave., Champaign, 217-352-3300 or 1112 W. University
Ave., Urbana, 217-367-3600; Baker’s Bikes—1003 S. Lynn St., Urbana, 217-365-0318; Bikeworks—1103 W Main St., Urbana, 217-3282001; Flats Fixed—911 W. Main St., Urbana, 217-365-0383
Lake in the Woods Forest Preserve, Mahomet
Dwight
Dwight, Illinois…. A community that is located just 75 miles south of Chicago
and 55 miles north of Bloomington.
Discover Delightful Dwight — Come and enjoy the sites as you visit historical
landmarks, restaurants, and scenery.
Dwight has an old-fashioned
atmosphere and friendly residents. Your visit to Dwight will be more than
memorable.
Population—4,287 (2009)
Welcome Center: Ambler/Becker Texaco Station, on Route 66 at IL 47.
Amtrak Info
CHICAGO—ST. LOUIS line
Daily southbound bike trains:
 10:49am (#303)
 6:39pm (#305)
 8:24pm (#307)
Daily northbound bike trains:
 8:17am (#300)
 10:32am (#302)
 6:41pm (#304)
 9:22pm (#306)
Station at 119 W. Main St.
Outside waiting area only.
No restrooms or ticket agent.
Suggested Rides
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Route 66 Trail south—21.6 miles on official “Route 66 Trail” south to
Odell. Return how you came (24) or via a busier shortcut (21.6).
See Route 66 sites. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5551331
Route 66 Trail north— 29.8 miles on official “Route 66 Trail” north to
Gardner, Braceville. Return how you came (33.4) or via a busier shortcut
(29.8). See Route 66 sites. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5551379
Ride 51 miles north to the Plano Amtrak station (Quincy line). Services
in Mazon, Morris, and Newark. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5736137
Ride 40 miles east to the Kankakee Amtrak station (Carbondale line),
with services in Herscher. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5736162
Attractions
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First National Bank of Dwight, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (W. Main St)
 Bank of Pontiac, Dwight Branch (1855), has farm scene murals created by
Vienna-born artist Oskar Gross (E. Main St)
 Dwight Railroad Depot, a Romanesque building designed by Henry Ives Cobb
and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (W. Main St)
 Pioneer Gothic Church, Selected by the American Institute of Architects as
one of the "150 great places in Illinois”, the building is a rare example of an extant wood framed Carpenter Gothic. (N Franklin)
 The Country Mansion Restaurant, former home of the famed Keeley Institute. On the National Register of Historic Places (S Prairie & South St)
 Lions Lake, located on the SW edge of Dwight on Old Rt 66 – paved path to
walk or bike around this peaceful site.
 Prairie Creek Library, on the National Register of Historic Places – built in
1896. (behind the Country Mansion)
Historic Dwight Windmill
 Historic Dwight Windmill (1896), now on the National Register of Historic
Places (behind the Country Mansion)
 Ambler/Becker Texaco Station, longest running station on Route 66. On Nat’l Register of Historic Places (Route 66)
 William J Fox Developmental Center, stained glass windows by Louis J Millet above the entry. This is the original site
of the Leslie Keeley Co. (W. Main St)
 Four Scenic By-Way exhibits throughout Dwight
 Dogs on Parade in Dwight (scenes painted on Dogs that are displayed throughout Dwight)
 Famous Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road” runs through the heart of Dwight.
Lodging/Camping
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Classic Inn, 15 E. Northbrook Dr., Dwight (by I-55/IL47 intersection)—815-584-1200
Super 8, 14 E. Northbrook Dr., Dwight—815-584-1888
Nearest campground: 4-H park (southwest corner of 4-H grounds) in Pontiac (20-25 miles)
Other info
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24 hour walk-in Emergency Medical Services located at 209 S. Prairie Ave, Dwight
Internet access available at: Turtles Restaurant, Route 66 Restaurant, Victory Lanes Bowling Alley, McDonald’s.
Rural towns within 15-20 miles: *Braceville, *Braidwood, Campus, Emington, *Gardner, *Herscher, Kinsman,
*Mazon, *Morris, *Odell, *Pontiac, Reddick, South Wilmington, *Streator, Verona. (* - food and/or convenience
store available)
Nearest bicycle shop: Grand Schwinn Cyclery, 711 Liberty St., Morris (19 miles) - 815-942-1510
Pontiac
Centrally located in Illinois, Pontiac is the home to several museums, including
the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum; colorful outdoor wall murals; a
historic downtown shopping area; a selection of historic homes; and, five
Route 66 Heritage Sites. Visitors will enjoy small town hospitality, unique
walking tours, quaint parks and a stunning 300-acre nature preserve.
Population of Pontiac—13,049
(2010)
Pontiac is the only Midwestern city to boast of having three swinging
pedestrian bridges; and, no visit is complete without crossing the Vermilion
River on at least one of them. The downtown area buzzes with excitement
with street festivals, live entertainments, classic car shows and fairs. Softball
tournaments, drama in the park and other outdoor events are scheduled
throughout the spring, summer and fall in Pontiac. Heritage travelers, antique
hunters and art lovers will always find something unique in Pontiac. Local and
area maps and brochures are available; and, every traveler should pick up a
VIP button to receive special discounts from many of the local shops. For more
information, visit www.visitpontiac.org or call (815) 844-5847.
Amtrak Info
Route 66 shield mural on
the back of the Route 66
Association of Illinois’ Hall
of Fame & Museum and is
the largest Route 66 shield
in the world.
CHICAGO—ST. LOUIS line
Daily southbound bike trains:
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11:06am (#303)
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6:56pm (#305)
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8:41pm (#307)
Daily northbound bike trains:
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7:59am (#300)
Suggested Rides
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10:14am (#302)
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6:23pm (#304)
Route 66 Trail south—51 miles round trip on the “Route 66 Trail” south to
Chenoa and Lexington. Slightly longer if you skip the busier shortcut from
Lexington back to Chenoa. ridewithgps.com/routes/2851768
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9:04pm (#306)
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Route 66 Trail north— 46 miles round trip on “Route 66 Trail” north to
Odell and Dwight. Slightly longer if you skip the busier shortcut on the
return. See Route 66 sites. ridewithgps.com/routes/2851807
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Ride 43 miles to the Gilman Amtrak station (Carbondale line). Vermillion
River; services in Forrest, Chatsworth, Piper City. ridewithgps.com/
routes/2381437
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Northwest out-and-back ride to Cornell (services, 26 miles round trip) or
Streator (services, 55 miles round trip). ridewithgps.com/routes/2383799
Attractions
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Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, artifacts, images, and stories from the “Mother Road” (110 West Howard Street)
Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum & Resource Center, fabulous collection of antique and classic cars, vintage
road maps, and automobile memorabilia (205 North Mill Street)
International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum, the history of outdoor painted sign advertising told through
images, videos, and artifacts (217 North Mill Street)
Livingston County War Museum, a “Living Museum” dedicated to the men and women of the armed forces past
and present (321 North Main Street)
Murals on Main Street, 19 huge outdoor murals depicting Pontiac’s commercial, social, and cultural past
(Downtown Pontiac)
Looking for Lincoln Story Trail, nine outdoor informational exhibits detailing the history of Abraham Lincoln’s connections to the city of Pontiac (Central Business District Area)
The Young Abe Lincoln Statue, depicting Lincoln as the young lawyer who practiced here, this life-size bronze statue
stands on the grounds of the county courthouse (Livingston County Courthouse)
Historic Livingston County Courthouse, one of the most beautiful courthouses in Illinois
Three Swinging Pedestrian Bridges, built in the late 1800s for practical reasons, now aesthetic masterpieces
(Chautauqua Park and Humiston-Riverside Park)
The Catherine V. Yost Museum and Art Center, a beautifully preserved turn-of-the-century home and venue for
non-performing art displays (298 West Water Street)
The Strevell House, last remaining home visited by Abraham Lincoln. Currently being restored to 1850 condition
(401 West Livingston Street)
Humiston Woods and Nature Center, more than 400 acres, a 23-acre restored primitive prairie meadow and miles
of walking trails (2100 East 2100 North Rd.)
Lodging/Camping
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Best Western, 1821 W. Reynolds—815-842-2777
 Quality Inn, 1823 W. Reynolds—815-844-4444
 Fiesta Motel, Rt. 66 & Rt. 116—815-844-7103
 Super 8, 601 S. Deerfield—815-844-6888
 Three Roses B&B, 209 East Howard St.— 815-844-3404
 Lydia’s Loft, 107 ½ West Madison St.—309-824-2490
Camping:
 Livingston Co. 4-H Park Campground, 18142 4-H Park Rd.
(1.7 miles from downtown Pontiac)—815-822-3997
 Bayou Bluffs Campground, 9604 East 2350 N Road (15.8
miles from Pontiac city center), Cornell, 815-358-2537
Pontiac Museum Complex
Other info
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Hospital: OSF Saint James, 2500 W. Reynolds St., Pontiac, 815-842-2828
Rural towns within 20 miles (with food and/or convenience stores): Chenoa, Cornell, Dwight, Fairbury, Flanagan,
Gridley, Odell.
Internet: Free WiFi Internet Access is available at each of Pontiac’s four museums, the Pontiac Public Library, and a
number of local businesses and restaurants.
Quincy
Sea kayaking, free blues and the best architecture outside of Chicago—These
are just a few of the pleasures that you will experience in historic Quincy.
With its pristine setting overlooking the Mighty Mississippi, Quincy is a
beautiful four season city. Winter brings the majestic bald eagles and spring
brings the Dogwood blossoms.
Summer on the river is an amazing adventure when you explore the back
waters during guided two-hour kayak tours, the second and fourth Saturday,
June-September. The night before enjoy Blues in the District—free concerts
set in Washington Park, home of the famous sixth Lincoln-Douglas Debate
and now the much anticipated Midsummer Arts Faire. The June festival is a
juried fine art exhibit and sale; with live music, wonderful food and a cool
children’s pavilion.
Population—40,633 (2010)
Quincy and Abe Lincoln were no strangers to each other. Eighteen new
Lincoln Storyboards tell the tale dotting the streets in the historic districts. A
great way to see these, as well as a feast of fantastic architecture, is via
bicycle. Tour Quincy Bikes has affordable tandem and automatic Trek Limes
for rent, for those who did not bring their bikes onto Amtrak.
Groups rave over Private Home Tours—customized group tours of three exclusive homes. Call the CVB to arrange yours today at (800) 978-4748 or visit
seequincy.com.
Amtrak Info
CHICAGO—QUINCY line
Daily southbound bike trains:
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12:03pm (#381)
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10:23pm (#383)
Daily northbound bike trains:
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6:12am (#380)
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5:30pm (#382)
Clat Adams Bicentennial Park at Front & Hampshire streets at Quincy’s riverfront
Suggested Rides (first three based on Quincy Bicycle Club favorites)
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26 miles north loop, includes riverfront, and Ursa (services). Use start
of this route to get downtown. ridewithgps.com/routes/2375733
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Residential architectural tour—quincybikeclub.org/ride7.htm
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42 miles east loop, includes Quincy Airport, Liberty (services).
ridewithgps.com/routes/2376170
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Longer rides north (Nauvoo, 49 miles one-way) or south (Pleasant Hill,
53 miles south) on “Illinois’ Mississippi River Trail”
Attractions
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Gardner Museum of Architecture & Design, 332 Maine, 1888 limestone Romanesque revival, formerly Quincy’s
public library
Granite Bank Gallery & Wash. Perk Café, 428 Maine, 1892 pink Missouri granite, State Savings Loan & Trust Co.
St. Boniface Church, 641 Maine, 1962 John Benya design, on the 150 most significant structures in Illinois
Quincy Museum, 1601 Maine, 1880 Richardson Romanesque revival, originally the Newcomb mansion
Quincy’s East End Historic District, 12th-24th & Maine-State, 500 homes on the national register of historic places
Quincy Art Center, 1515 Jersey, 1887, originally carriage house to the Lorenzo Bull mansion
Park Place, 12th-14th between Kentucky & Jersey, Quincy’s first planned subdivision, remaining brick boulevard
Gov. John Wood Mansion, 425 S. 12th, moved here in 1862, Greek revival style mansion built for Quincy’s founder
All Wars Museum, 1707 N. 12th
Mississippi Valley Auto Museum, 1419 Bonansinga Dr.
Dollhouses Then & Now, 123 N. 4th
Dr. Richard Eells House, 415 Jersey
Villa Kathrine, 532 Gardner Expressway
John Wood Mansion, 425 S. 12th.
Lodging/Camping
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Althoff, 3511 N. 24th St. – 217-228-2460
 America’s Best Value Inn, 300 S. 3rd St. – 217-224-7733
 Bel Aire, 2314 N. 12th St. – 217-223-1356
 City Center Hotel, 201 S. 3rd St. – 217-222-2666
Kayaks along the Quincy bay of the
 Cooper Adams House, 1122 Kentucky – 217-430-1884
Mighty Mississippi
 Comfort Inn, 4122 Broadway – 217-228-2700, 800-221-2222
 Town & Country Inn & Suites, 110 N. 54th St. – 217-214-0400
 Days Inn, 200 Maine – 217-223-6610, 800-329-7466
 Diamond Motel, 4703 N. 12th – 217-223-1436
 Fairfield Inn, 4315 Broadway – 217-223-5922, 800-228-2800
 Hampton Inn, 225 S. 4th St. – 217-224-2378, 800-426-7866
 Holiday Inn, 4821 Oak – 217-223-7800, 800-HOLIDAY
 Microtel Inn & Suites, 200 S. 3rd St. – 217-222-5620, 800-771-7171
 Stoney Creek Inn, 3809 Broadway – 217-223-2255, 800-659-2220
 Quincy Inn & Suites, 224 N. 36th – 217-228-8808
Camping
 River Valley Campground, 2300 Bonansinga Dr. – 217-222-7229, 217-430-3575
 Siloam Springs State Park, 938 E. 3003rd Lane, Clayton -- 217-894-6205
Other info
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24 hour walk-in Emergency Medical Services at Blessing Hospital, Broadway at 11th and 14th streets, Quincy
Rural towns within 15-20 miles: *Camp Point, IL; *Canton, MO; *Durham, MO; *Hannibal, MO; *La Grange, MO;
*Liberty, IL: *Palmyra, MO; *Paloma, IL; *Payson, IL: *Taylor, MO; *Ursa, IL. (* - food and/or convenience store
available)
Bicycle shop: Madison & Davis Bicycle Shop, 912 S. 8th St., Quincy - 217-222-7262