River Bend Forest Preserve, Prairie State Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from central Prairie State, start by heading north on Main St towards E Washington St. Continue for about 2 miles until you reach I-74 E. Merge onto I-74 E and drive for approximately 10 miles. Take exit 173 for IL-150 toward Mahomet. Turn right onto IL-150 W and continue for about 3 miles. Then, turn left onto Mid America Rd. River Bend Forest Preserve will be on your left at 1602 Mid America Rd, Mahomet, IL 61853. There is no parking fee.

• Public Transportation

  From Prairie State, take the local bus service to the nearest stop that connects to the regional transit system. Depending on the schedule, you might need to transfer buses. The transfer will typically take you towards Mahomet. Once you arrive in Mahomet, you may need to use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to get to River Bend Forest Preserve, as public transport does not go directly there. Expect the rideshare fare to be around $10-$15.

• Bicycle

  For those interested in a more active route, biking to River Bend Forest Preserve is a great option. Begin in central Prairie State and head north towards E Washington St. Follow the bike lanes leading to I-74 E, and then use the bike-friendly routes along IL-150 W until you reach Mid America Rd. The total distance is about 15 miles, so plan for a ride that could take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your cycling speed. Ensure to wear a helmet and follow local cycling laws.