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Rathje Park – St. James Farm Preserve loop from Glen Oak County Forest Preserve

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Bike touring routes & trails

Rathje Park – St. James Farm Preserve loop from Glen Oak County Forest Preserve

Easy

3.4

(17)

riders

Rathje Park – St. James Farm Preserve loop from Glen Oak County Forest Preserve

01:57

31.9km

100m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

8.52 km

Memorial Park, Wheaton

Highlight • Rest Area

Memorial Park is located just north of downtown Wheaton. It was constructed in 1921 and is the city's oldest park. In 2020, it got a renovation, and now the state-of-the-art bandshell, a Veterans Memorial, and the Lions Terrace are in tip-top shape. It is lively all summer with events like the Summer Entertainment Series, Cream of Wheaton, Shakespeare in the Park, and HOPtober Fest. The facilities are clean, and this little park is a great place to stop.

Tip by

10.2 km

Rathje Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Rathje Park is a small, family-friend, local park that features open spaces, lakes, shaded areas, and paved trails, making it a good spot for a quick break or a brief ride.

Tip by

15.8 km

St. James Farm Preserve

Highlight • Historical Site

Step back in time as you explore the historic farmsteads dating to the late 1800s at this site. A rare gabled-roofed farmhouse remains, one of the last of its style in DuPage County, along with a massive wood-planked German barn dating back to 1890, if not earlier. The worn fieldstone foundation of another vintage barn can still be spotted. In the 1920s, Chauncey and Marion McCormick acquired the property, pursuing their passion for horses by building colonial-style red brick stables with imported English iron posts. To support their award-winning herd of Guernsey cows, they constructed an innovative dairy barn with spacious stalls and various outbuildings that set the standard for Midwest farmers. Later, their son Brooks and wife Hope erected the indoor arena that hosted equestrian events and a therapeutic riding program. Today, this charming arena with idyllic river birch views can be rented out for small gatherings, letting you experience the rich agricultural history of this special place.

Tip by

16.1 km

St. James Farm Preserve

Highlight • Historical Site

Step back in time as you explore the historic farmsteads dating to the late 1800s at this site. A rare gabled roof farmhouse remains, one of the last of its style in DuPage County, along with a massive wood-planked German barn dating back to 1890, if not earlier. The worn fieldstone foundation of another vintage barn can still be spotted. In the 1920s, Chauncey and Marion McCormick acquired the property, pursuing their passion for horses by building colonial style red brick stables with imported English iron posts. To support their award-winning herd of Guernsey cows, they constructed an innovative dairy barn with spacious stalls and various outbuildings that set the standard for Midwest farmers. Later, their son Brooks and wife Hope erected the indoor arena that hosted equestrian events and a therapeutic riding program. Today, this charming arena with idyllic river birch views can be rented out for small gatherings, letting you experience the rich agricultural history of this special place.

Tip by

16.6 km

Historic caboose display

Highlight • Monument

As you traverse the trails through Saint James Farm, you'll come across a hidden gem of railroad history. Nestled amidst the trees is Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad caboose #14351, built in 1906 in Aurora to provide shelter and rest for rail crews. This classic NE-1 waycar once rolled across the Midwest with the East End Way Freight, before being retired in 1977. Rescued and relocated here, it now delights hikers with a glimpse into the golden age of American railroads. Pause to admire the antique lettering, sturdy construction, and imagine the crews who rode this caboose over a century ago.

Tip by

16.6 km

Waycar at St. James Farm Preserve

Highlight • Monument

St. James Farm Preserve covers 607 acres of trails through fields, woods, and wetlands. Once an equestrian facility, it now features well-maintained paths, along with an old waycar and historic buildings.

Tip by

17.9 km

Illinois Prairie Path Aurora Branch

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Embark on a historic journey along the Illinois Prairie Path Aurora Branch, a trail founded in 1963 as North America's pioneering Rails-to-Trails conversion. This scenic path, part of the Illinois Prairie Path, stretches from Aurora to St. James Farm Preserve, showcasing the beauty of repurposed railway lines.

Tip by

31.9 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

16.0 km

8.35 km

5.64 km

1.53 km

241 m

211 m

Surfaces

16.0 km

7.37 km

6.87 km

1.50 km

226 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Sunday 28 June

28°C

17°C

2 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Rathje Park – St. James Farm Preserve loop from Glen Oak County Forest Preserve

Memorial Park, Wheaton

Rathje Park

St. James Farm Preserve

St. James Farm Preserve

Historic caboose display

Waycar at St. James Farm Preserve

Illinois Prairie Path Aurora Branch

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