Winston Tunnel State Natural Area — Attraction in Illinois

This is a great hike that pretty much anyone can do, old building ruins on the way to explore too. and once on the old rail bed the view as you approach the tunnel is incredible and Erie at the same time! A black void through the trees and grows bigger the close you get! No access and probably or good reason, possibly low to no air or worse further in, lots of water and springs... heading back to the parking lot skip going the way you came and follow the moss covered rail bed it will take you to a old bridge abutment overlooking the valley with the trail from the parking lot below. Easy climb down and cuts some time off the trip back! If your into the history of the Chicago Great Western Railroad there are lots of lore and old images online, and you can use google earth or maps to trace the rail bed back to Chicago to the East and West through eastern Iowa!!! This railroad was still active in the 70s then when abandoned the part through Dubuque Iowa became the heritage trail from 26 miles from Dubuque to Dyersville! Also we worth the hike or bike...

Went to the Winston tunnel over Memorial weekend 2019 we went on a Saturday afternoonand it was horribly infested with gnats also very flooded so could not get that close to the tunnel also I had forgotten my my phone so is not able to do my paranormal investigating which I was pretty bummed about overall it was nice to see the tunnel but not that great of an experience and couldn't stay long because of the horribly infesting of gnats...

Wide, grassy trail. There are several hills that are quite steep and could be slick if the trail is wet. There are several very small stream crossings. Most you can just step across. As you approach the tunnel, you can step to the right of the railbed and the retaining wall to get above the mud and water. Accidently found a geocache box and added our names. Look for the...