Directions - Benld :
    On Illinois Route 4 on the west side of Benld, turn east on Illinois Route 138, also known as Central Avenue in Benld. Continue east for three blocks, the fire Department is on the south side and Trolley Street goes north. Take Trolley Street to the north for three blocks which is to the end of the street. On the north side is the Bike Trail entryway, just across the street from the ball daimond.

Directions - Gillespie :
    On Illinois Route 4 at the southern side of Gillespie, turn to the east on Clark Street. Continue east on Clark Street for two and one-half blocks, then just past the AmerenIP sub-station is the Gillespie entryway.

Photograph furnished by : Jill Secoy

      The Illinois streetcar system of Champaign and Urbana was purchased by William B. McKinley in 1890 and thus began McKinley Lines, the basis for the beginning of this railroad. Through merging and connections with other lines, this became the Illinois Traction System and the route was completed through to Staunton in 1905. Another line betrween Alton and Edwardsville, the Illinois Terminal Railroad was bought by Illinois Power and Light in 1928 and then in 1956 these lines were merged to form the Illinois Terminal Railroad Company.

      With this system no longer in operation and the rails and related items removed, the blank strip of land was eventually utilized as a paved trail for it current use.