Once an abandoned and derelict railroad, now a peaceful haven for hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers. A slender oasis of woodlands and prairies in central Illinois, 29 miles and counting. This website is maintained by Friends of the Rock Island Trail, Inc., a non-profit community group dedicated to protecting and extending the trail.
The Friends of the Rock Trail, Inc. is a group of concerned citizens and local organizations that are aware of the social, economic, and wellness benefits that greenway corridors provide to the Central Illinois region. Our mission is to promote and support the organized development of trail systems and amenities throughout the area. This will be done by working with the various park districts and other governmental bodies involved with trail and greenway development.
We will encourage community participation by providing a central conduit for financial donations and communication by individuals as well as non-profit and corporate organizations. The organization is recognized as a 501 (c) 3 corporation by the IRS and all donations are tax deductible.
Meetings & Events
July 6, 2009 - 7PM - next meeting @ Paparazzi
Trail Information
Fact Sheet / FAQs / Kellar Branch Map
- WHY THE COMBINATION RAIL & TRAIL CAN’T EXIST - SIDE BY SIDE!!! (click to read)
- Click here to Take a walk on the Kellar Branch
- (Presentation not playing? Download the PowerPoint file here.)
The RIT currently ends at Pioneer Parkway in North Peoria. The Kellar Branch rail line, owned by the City of Peoria and Village of Peoria Heights, but currently operated by Central Illinois Industrial Railroad, is to be converted into an extension of the RIT, connecting the trail with downtown Peoria. To allow the Kellar Branch to be taken out of operation, a spur of the Union Pacific rail line was extended into the Pioneer Park industrial area, providing continued rail service to local businesses (at a cost of $2M in taxpayer dollars.).
Copyright © 2009 Friends of the Rock Island Trail, Inc.