Tunnel Hill, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tunnel Hill
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Tunnel Hill, high point and eponym of the Tunnel Hill State Trail
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 Tunnel Hill
Location in Illinois
Tunnel Hill
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Johnson |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Postal code |
62972
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
Tunnel Hill is a small, unincorporated community located in northwestern Johnson County, Illinois. It's a place without its own local government, but it's well-known for a special railroad tunnel. This tunnel gives its name to the famous Tunnel Hill State Trail, which is a fun path for biking and walking. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources helped create this trail from an old railroad line.
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Discovering Tunnel Hill
Tunnel Hill is nestled in the southern part of Illinois. It's a quiet spot, but it holds a piece of history. The community is mainly known for its connection to the old railroad.
The Historic Tunnel
The most famous part of Tunnel Hill is its old railroad tunnel. This tunnel was once a key part of the Illinois Central Railroad line. It was built a long time ago to help trains travel through the hilly landscape.
The tunnel is 543 feet long, which is about the length of one and a half football fields! It's special because it's the only tunnel in Illinois that was used by trains. Today, trains no longer use it. Instead, it's a cool part of a popular trail.
The Tunnel Hill State Trail
The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a "rails-to-trails" project. This means an old railroad track has been turned into a path for people to enjoy. The trail is about 55 miles long. It stretches from Harrisburg in the east to Karnak in the west.
The trail is perfect for many outdoor activities. You can go biking, walking, running, or even horseback riding on certain parts. It's a great way to explore the beautiful nature of Southern Illinois.
Exploring the Trail
As you travel along the Tunnel Hill State Trail, you'll see different landscapes. The trail goes through forests, open fields, and small towns. You'll also cross many old railroad bridges. The most exciting part for many is going through the actual Tunnel Hill tunnel itself!
The trail is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. They make sure it's safe and fun for everyone. It's a wonderful example of how old infrastructure can be reused for recreation and enjoying the outdoors.
