Ways to Discovery!
Enriched lives through a network of land and water trails that connect people to natural and cultural resources and encourages exploration and conservation.
Check out our Projects and Activities here.
Check out our Blog posts to read about ways our members are exploring and conserving our resources.
Menard County Trails & Greenways promotes the development and use of a network of land and water trails that connect people to natural and cultural resources, encourages recreation, and advances the conservation of the county’s unique natural and cultural resources for the benefit of all.
Trails provide recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life. People of all ages and interests use trail systems for scenic driving, strolling, hiking, running, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, etc.
Greenways are corridors of land and water that are valuable for their natural qualities and opportunities for human recreational use. Greenways can be high quality natural areas in need of protection to degraded areas that need to be rehabilitated.
Trails and Greenways benefit our health, our environment and our local economy.
Check out Ways to Discovery! where we’ll be adding places to hike, bike, and visit in around Menard County.
Menard County Trails & Greenways promotes the development and use of a network of land and water trails that connect people to natural and cultural resources, encourages recreation, and advances the conservation of the county’s unique natural and cultural resources for the benefit of all.
Trails provide recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life. People of all ages and interests use trail systems for scenic driving, strolling, hiking, running, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, etc.
Greenways are corridors of land and water that are valuable for their natural qualities and opportunities for human recreational use. Greenways can be high quality natural areas in need of protection to degraded areas that need to be rehabilitated.
Trails and Greenways benefit our health, our environment and our local economy.
Enriched lives through a network of land and water trails that connect people to natural and cultural resources and encourages exploration and conservation.
We began in 1999 as a Menard County committee, tasked with developing a comprehensive plan for trails and greenways in Menard County. The plan was administered by the Menard County Trails Committee who prepared the plan for the Menard County Board of Commissioners. The Comprehensive Plan for Trails and Greenways in Menard County was finalized and published in 2001. Upon completion of the Plan, the Trails Committee chose to continue to work together to implement the Plan. Therein, Menard County Trails & Greenways formed.
Menard County Trails & Greenways is supported 100% by tax deductible donations.
Location: IL 97, 2 miles south of Petersburg (Entrances to East & West sides 39.975609, -89.841523)
What to do: Hiking, bird watching, historic village, Theater in the Park, canoe/kayak Sangamon River access, playgrounds, picnicing, campground
Read more…..
Location: IL 97 & IL 123 (39.944873, -89.845868)
What to do: Visit Council Circle, enjoy Pollinator Wayside (coming spring 2020) and historic Wayside Hawthorn, volunteering
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Location: IL 97 south edge of Petersburg (40.004680, -89.845446)
What to do: Hiking, bird watching, fishing, canoe/kayak Sangamon River access
Location: 600-698 E Sangamon St, Petersburg (40.011847, -89.842441)
What to do: Walking, bird watching, Sangamon River views, playground, ball fields
Location: 2900 Cantrall Creek Rd, Cantrall, Sangamon County, IL (39.894785, -89.709335)
What to do: Walking, bicycling, bird watching, Sangamon River views
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Location: In Cass County, west of Petersburg (39.996262, -90.069577)
What to do: Hiking, bicycling, camping, canoeing/kayaking on lakes, bird watching
From its headwaters in McLean County Illinois the Sangamon River winds its way 240 miles through the relatively flat landscape of central Illinois to its confluence with the Illinois River at Beardstown. The stretch between Springfield and Petersburg, part of the Lincoln Heritage Water Trail, is of particular interest to MCTG.
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Located on 50 acres in southern Menard County, IL, Starhill Forest is a private arboretum owned and operated by Guy and Edie Sternberg since 1976. Visitors are welcome by appointment. Whether you would like to wander the peaceful woodland trails on your own or schedule a guided tour, contact the Arboretum at 217-632-3685 or via email to plan your visit. Read more…
Bicycling Menard County backroads can be fun and rewarding. You can take in pleasant rural scenery, pass sites of historic and prehistoric significance, and often spot some interesting wildlife. Read more…
Menard County Trails & Greenways envisions inspired and healthy citizens fostering a culture of pride in and conservation of the natural and cultural resources throughout Menard County and beyond….
We host events such as the Sangamon River Fall Float, sponsor community service projects such as maintaining Wayside Park, Earth Day cleanups at our parks and Adopt-a-Highway along Rt 97, do volunteer trail maintenance at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site and much more.
Will you join us?
Or, if you prefer, Click here to download our brochure and membership form.