Great Western Trail – View of Fabyan Windmill loop from Elgin

Bike touring routes & trails

Great Western Trail – View of Fabyan Windmill loop from Elgin

Hard

4.8

(2232)

11,649

riders

Great Western Trail – View of Fabyan Windmill loop from Elgin

05:22

87.8km

290m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

James "Pate" Philip State Park

Fabyan Forest Preserve

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

19.3 km

Great Western Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Once the railbed of the Chicago Great Western Railroad, the Great Western Trail is now a lovely, mostly flat ride on a surface of crushed limestone dust.

Tip by

22.5 km

Timber Ridge Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Timber Ridge Trail connects the Illinois Prairie Path Elgin Branch with the Great Western Trail. This smooth, paved path runs past Kline Creek Farm and Timber Lake.

Tip by

34.2 km

St. James Farm Preserve

Nature Reserve

60.6 km

Fox River Trail at Clark Island Recreation Area

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Fox River Trail (FRT) follows the paths of three former railroads: the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin; the Aurora, Elgin & Fox River Electric; and the Chicago & North Western. Spanning from Algonquin to Oswego, the trail features diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and woodpeckers. It starts in Algonquin, travels through East Dundee, Elgin, and South Elgin, and crosses the Fox River near Batavia. The trail connects to several other paths and has parking options in Elgin, Batavia, and Aurora. Between Batavia and North Aurora, the trail parallels the river, passing through Red Oak Park and Glenwood Park Forest Preserve. This particular section of trail in Batavia passes by the Clark Island Recreation Area.

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64.3 km

View of Fabyan Windmill

Highlight • Monument

The Fabyan Windmill is an authentic Dutch windmill still in operation. It is a structure dating from about 1950 and is located on what was the property of Colonel George Fabyan, now Kane County Forest Preserve District.
It was used for grinding several types of grain, including corn, wheat, rye, and oats.

Tip by

67.2 km

Riverside Park (Buie Park)

Highlight • Rest Area

This park sits at the juncture of the Fox River Trail (which runs north and south along the river) and a spur of the long-distance Illinois Prairie Path, which you can join to the east. And, of course, you get great views of the river from right here in the park.

Tip by

68.4 km

Fox River Trail (FRT)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This paved trail winds along the Fox River, providing a stunning view of the water, with plenty of break points along the way. French explorers, missionaries, and traders built their posts and missions along these trails, contributing to the area's long history.

Tip by

74.2 km

Norton Woods

Highlight • Forest

As you approach the Red Gate Trail intersection with the Fox River Trail by Norton Creek as it flows into the Fox River, you cross Norton Woods. Near Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve, the dense trees protect you from the elements and the noise of traffic as you enjoy a section of this 25 miles long greenway.

Tip by

74.6 km

Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve

Nature Reserve

78.1 km

Fox River Trail (railway bridge view)

Highlight • Bridge

The reflection of the classic stone brick railway bridge on the Fox River on a still day is beautiful, with a backdrop of green mixed trees. A lovely spot to take a break off the bike and enjoy your peaceful surroundings.

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