Monon Trail facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Monon Trail
The Monon Trail utilizes the same logo and design cues throughout the entire trail.
Length	4.4 mi (7.1 km) (Northwest Indiana) 24 mi (39 km) (Indianapolis)
Location	Lake, Hamilton, Marion counties, Indiana
Established	1996-present (in segments)
Designation	U.S. Bicycle Route 35
Trailheads	Munster—Hammond Indianapolis—Sheridan
Use	Shared use path
Season	Year-round
Surface	Asphalt Compacted stone (north of 161st St. in Westfield)
Right of way	Monon Railroad
Website	Northwest Indiana segment Indianapolis segment

The Monon Trail is a popular path in Indiana for walking, running, and biking. It's often called the Monon Greenway in Carmel. This trail was built on an old railroad line called the Monon Railroad. This railroad used to connect big cities like Chicago and Indianapolis.

After trains became less popular, the railroad line was sold in 1987. Part of the line was no longer used. People then decided to turn these old tracks into a fun trail for everyone.

The Monon Trail has two main parts. One part is in Northwest Indiana, and it's about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) (7.1 km) long. It goes through Lake County from Munster to Hammond. The other part is near Indianapolis. This section is about 24 miles (39 km) (39 km) long. It connects Indianapolis, Carmel, and Westfield, and even reaches Sheridan.

The first parts of the trail opened in the late 1990s. Since then, both sections have been made longer. The Monon Trail is a path for everyone to share. It has places to start and stop, parks nearby, and cool local spots to visit.

Exploring the Monon Trail: A Fun Adventure

The Monon Trail is a great place for outdoor activities. It's built on the path of an old railroad, making it mostly flat and easy to use. You can find different surfaces on the trail, like smooth asphalt and compacted stone. This trail is open all year round, so you can enjoy it in any season.

The Trail's History: From Trains to Trails

The Monon Trail is a special kind of path called a "rail trail." This means it was created from an old railroad line. The Monon Railroad was once a very busy train route. It carried people and goods across Indiana.

When the railroad stopped running, its tracks were removed. But the wide, flat path where the tracks used to be was perfect for a new use. People decided to turn these old railway lines into trails. This way, the land could still be used for travel and fun.

Northwest Indiana's Monon Trail Section

The Northwest Indiana part of the Monon Trail is about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) (7.1 km) long. It begins near the Illinois-Indiana border in Munster. From there, it goes north to downtown Hammond. This section is a great way to explore the area.

Connecting Communities: Trail Extensions

In 2014, this part of the trail got much longer. A new section opened between Munster and Hammond. This new path connected to an older part of the Monon Trail that was only in Munster. Building this extension was a big project. It included rebuilding an old railroad bridge from 1909. This bridge crosses the Little Calumet River. The cost to rebuild it was about $1.5 million.

There are also plans for a new train service. This service, called the West Lake Corridor project, will use part of the old Monon route. It will help people travel from southern Lake County to Chicago. This new train line is expected to be ready around 2025.

Indianapolis Area Monon Trail: City to Countryside

The Monon Trail traverses Indianapolis's north side neighborhoods.

The Monon Trail in the Indianapolis area is quite long. It starts just north of downtown Indianapolis. It then goes through many neighborhoods like Broad Ripple and Nora. After that, it continues into Carmel and Westfield. This section is about 18.1 miles (29.1 km) (29.1 km) long.

How the Trail Grew: Building for Fun

People started planning this trail way back in the late 1980s. In 1999, a 10.0 miles (16.1 km) (16.1 km) part of the trail was finished in Indianapolis. Then, a 5.2 miles (8.4 km) (8.4 km) section in Carmel opened between 2001 and 2002. The first phase of building the trail cost about $5.5 million.

The trail was extended into Westfield starting in 2008. It has since been made longer, heading north towards Sheridan. This added about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) (4.7 km) in Westfield. The Monon Trail also connects to other trails. In Indianapolis, it links with the Central Canal Towpath and the Fall Creek Trail. In Westfield, it connects to the Midland Trace and other trails.

Why the Monon Trail is Important

More than 1.3 million people use the Monon Trail in the Indianapolis area every year. The trail has been very good for the neighborhoods next to it. For example, areas like Broad Ripple in Indianapolis have seen a lot of growth. Downtown Carmel, with its shops and homes, has also grown a lot. The trail helps these areas become more lively and popular.

The longest part of the trail that you can ride or walk without stopping is about 20.6 miles (33.2 km) (33.2 km). It starts in Indianapolis at 10th Street and goes north to Grand Park in Westfield. From Grand Park, you can take country roads to connect back to the trail. The trail then continues for another 3.1 miles (5.0 km) (5.0 km), ending in Sheridan. The final connection was planned to be finished in 2019.

Cool Places to See Along the Trail

There are many interesting places to visit right along the Monon Trail:

• Monon Depot Museum: Learn about the history of the railroad.
• Carmel City Center: A modern area with shops and restaurants.
• Monon Community Center: A large recreation center with pools and fitness areas.
• Indianapolis Art Center: A place to see art and take classes.