In this episode of The Stateline Cycling Podcast, the hosts take a deep dive into the rich history, engineering marvels, and ecological surprises of the Stonebridge Trail. Tracing its origins back to an 1853 rail line, discover how this 5.8 mile crushed limestone path once carried the raw gravel and sand that rebuilt Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871 and how the railroad’s fencing accidentally preserved a rare, Grade A dry prairie remnant along the way. Learn about the grassroots fight that saved Chief Engineer Van Meenen’s iconic 1882 double-arch limestone bridge from the wrecking ball, and get the complete trail guide info on connecting with the Long Prairie Trail for a seamless 40-mile round-trip ride. Special thanks to Thrivent for sponsoring this episode!
