Illinois Bike-on- Guide

An informal guide to help you use the train and your bicycle to explore

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 , 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’ 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 Constitu- tion Trail, a 30-plus-mile long trail network. Some of the area’s finest restau- rants, 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. 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 800- Population of Bloomington- 433-8226 or visit www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org for assistance in organizing Normal—129,107 (2010) 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) McLean County Museum, downtown Bloomington

Station at 11 Uptown Circle in Normal—309-862-2000. Suggested Rides Open daily 6:30am-9:30pm.  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 , 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  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.  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 (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) Route 66, Towanda  The Corn Crib (in Normal)  White Oak Vineyards (in Carlock)

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.  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

 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  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).  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.  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: Beaver Dam State Park  7:00am (#301)

 9:25am (#303) Suggested Rides  3:05pm (#305)  25 miles southwest loop, includes orchards, vineyard, and Beaver Creek  7:00pm (#307) State Park. ridewithgps.com/routes/2376309

 38 miles northwest loop, includes Blackburn College, Otter Lake, Palmyra Daily northbound bike trains: (services). ridewithgps.com/routes/2376338  5:50am (#300)  Route 66 Trail south—35 miles out-and-back on official “Route 66 Trail” to  7:55am (#302) Gillespie and Benld. ridewithgps.com/routes/2851620

 4:14pm (#304)  Route 66 Trail north— 37 miles out-and-back on official “Route 66 Trail” to Girard. ridewithgps.com/routes/2851658 Attractions  Macoupin County courthouse, jail (Broad & Main)  Turkey tracks on Old Route 66 (IL4 west of Nilwood)  Beaver Dam State Park (Plainview)  Famous Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road” runs through the heart of Carlinville.

Lodging/Camping  CarlinVilla Motel, 18891 Illinois Rt. 4 – 217-854-3201  Lake Williamson, Lakeside Dr. – 800-500-5922  Magnuson Grand Hotel, 19067 W. Frontage Rd., Raymond – 217-324-2100 Camping:  Lake Williamson, Lakeside Dr. – 800-500-5922  Beaver Dam State Park, 14548 Beaver Dam Ln., Plainview — 217-854-8020

Other info  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.  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.  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 , 74 and 72 sits Champaign County, a micro- urban 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 , Champaign County is the ideal destination for site-seeing and cycling.

Population of Champaign- Urbana area—231,891 (2010)

Amtrak Info , University of Illinois CHICAGO—CARBONDALE line

Daily southbound bike trains:  10:25am (#391) Suggested Rides  6:15pm (#393)  Use LIB’s and Champaign County Bikes’ Champaign-Urbana Area Bicycle Daily northbound bike trains: Map for the best routes to explore the campus and cities  10:14am (#390)  18 miles, scenic horse farms and houses with kites. ridewithgps.com/  7:59pm (#392) routes/2423231

Station at 45 East University  Extend the above to Philo, 26 miles. ridewithgps.com/routes/2423258 Ave. in downtown Champaign.  32 miles southeast loop to Sidney (ice cream!). ridewithgps.com/ Open daily 5:15am-11:00pm. routes/2423200  26 miles east loop to St. Joseph. ridewithgps.com/routes/2423344  32 miles west to Mahomet and around Lake of the Woods trail. ridewithgps.com/routes/2423075  65 miles scenic southwest loop through Monticello and Allerton Park, past bison farms and old cemeteries. ridewithgps.com/routes/2422993  From Effingham to Champaign – get a one-way train ticket, bike 88 miles back with the wind. www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/29683830

Fighting Illini football Attractions

 Eleven diverse museums throughout Champaign County, ranging from the impressive 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 and new, architectural marvels such as Beckman Institute. Enjoy campustown’s expanding bike network!  Downtown Champaign offers the urban haven visitors crave, with , 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. , —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:  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

 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. Jo- seph, 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., Urba- na, 217-365-0318; Bikeworks—1103 W Main St., Urbana, 217-328- Lake in the Woods Forest Preserve, Mahomet 2001; Flats Fixed—911 W. Main St., Urbana, 217-365-0383 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 Suggested Rides

Daily southbound bike trains:  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).  10:49am (#303)  6:39pm (#305) See Route 66 sites. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5551331   8:24pm (#307) 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 Daily northbound bike trains: (29.8). See Route 66 sites. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5551379  8:17am (#300)  Ride 51 miles north to the Plano Amtrak station (Quincy line). Services  10:32am (#302) in Mazon, Morris, and Newark. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5736137  6:41pm (#304)  Ride 40 miles east to the Kankakee Amtrak station (Carbondale line),  9:22pm (#306) with services in Herscher. www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5736162

Station at 119 W. Main St. Outside waiting area only. No restrooms or ticket agent. Attractions

 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)  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 ex- tant wood framed Carpenter Gothic. (N Franklin)  The Country Mansion Restaurant, former home of the famed Keeley Insti- tute. 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

 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

 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. 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, visitwww.visitpontiac.org or call (815) 844-5847. Population of Pontiac—13,049 (2010)

Amtrak Info

CHICAGO—ST. LOUIS line Route 66 shield mural on the back of the Route 66

Association of Illinois’ Hall Daily southbound bike trains: of Fame & Museum and is  11:06am (#303) the largest Route 66 shield in the world.  6:56pm (#305)

 8:41pm (#307)

Daily northbound bike trains:

 7:59am (#300) Suggested Rides

 10:14am (#302)  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  6:23pm (#304) Lexington back to Chenoa. ridewithgps.com/routes/2851768  9:04pm (#306)  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  Ride 43 miles to the Gilman Amtrak station (Carbondale line). Vermillion River; services in Forrest, Chatsworth, Piper City. ridewithgps.com/ routes/2381437  Northwest out-and-back ride to Cornell (services, 26 miles round trip) or Streator (services, 55 miles round trip). ridewithgps.com/routes/2383799 Attractions  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 ’s con- nections 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  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 Pontiac Museum Complex  Bayou Bluffs Campground, 9604 East 2350 N Road (15.8 miles from Pontiac city center), Cornell, 815-358-2537

Other info  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. Quincy and Abe Lincoln were no strangers to each other. Eighteen new Population—40,633 (2010) 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 ex- clusive 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:

 12:03pm (#381)

 10:23pm (#383)

Daily northbound bike trains:

 6:12am (#380) Clat Adams Bicentennial Park at Front & Hampshire streets at Quincy’s riverfront  5:30pm (#382)

Suggested Rides (first three based on Quincy Bicycle Club favorites)  26 miles north loop, includes riverfront, and Ursa (services). Use start of this route to get downtown. ridewithgps.com/routes/2375733  Residential architectural tour—quincybikeclub.org/ride7.htm  42 miles east loop, includes Quincy Airport, Liberty (services). ridewithgps.com/routes/2376170  Longer rides north (Nauvoo, 49 miles one-way) or south (Pleasant Hill, 53 miles south) on “Illinois’ Mississippi River Trail” Attractions  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 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  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  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