CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Getting outside should be accessible to everyone, and the Champaign-Urbana area has several trails that make that possible. From prairie paths to wooded loops, here are six wheelchair-friendly options worth exploring.
Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Rankin is home to Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Park. The fully accessible Dark Sky Trail winds through tallgrass prairie and leads to prime stargazing spots, with an on-site observatory featuring a retractable roof.
Boulware Trail in Champaign is a paved Champaign Park District trail running north of Windsor Road through Mattis Park toward State Street and Fox Drive. It’s leafy, relaxed, and ideal for a low-key outing.
Kickapoo Rail Trail begins behind the Walmart in Urbana and stretches 6.7 miles to St. Joseph, passing through woodland, prairie, and wetland scenery along the way.
Meadowbrook Park and Wandell Sculpture Garden in Urbana offers more than 130 acres, three miles of paved paths, and over two dozen sculptures set among restored prairie. Wildlife sightings are common.
Old Timber Trail at Allerton Park in Monticello is a smooth, multi-use path running from the west entrance to the Sun Singer statue, making more of Allerton’s beauty accessible to more visitors.
Lake of the Woods Bike Path in Mahomet is a 3.3-mile paved loop passing through prairie, grassland, wooded areas, and a scenic covered bridge over the Sangamon River.
For more accessible options across restaurants, hotels, attractions, and shops, visit the Accessible CU page at experiencecu.org.