Few People Know A Race Track Once Occupied The Land Of This Forest Preserve In Illinois
Illinois is filled with fascinating hikes including ones with a bit of history. As you hike along the Trail of Tears, the trails on Sylvan Island, or around the old Joliet Iron and Steel Works, you can learn about the past while spending time in nature. If you love to explore historical sites, head to Carpentersville where you can hike on the land that once belonged to an old race track.
The former Meadowdale International Raceway is located within Raceway Woods in Carpentersville. The raceway was in operation from 1958 through 1968 when it saw its last race.
The Raceway Woods Trails is a partially-paved 2.7-mile loop that's rated as moderately difficult. It also experiences a moderate amount of traffic, popular with both hikers and bikers.
Raceway Woods Forest Preserve is a 122-acre parcel of land where the raceway's track once wound its way through. It's a fantastic place to come for nature, bird watching, hiking, biking, and history.
Portions of the original 3.27-mile track can be seen throughout Raceway Woods as well as an old oil silo and part of the Monza Wall, which was once a 180-degree curve along the track.
The silo was once in danger of being demolished as nature started to reclaim it and vandals caused damage to it. However, protests to save the structure worked, funds were raised, and the silo was ultimately saved and restored.
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
