Route 53 Greenway & State Park

From Highway Extension to Public Nature Preserve

In 2019, after decades of grassroots advocacy led by Midwest Sustainability Group and the Green Corridor Coalition, the Illinois Tollway officially cancelled the proposed Route 53 extension. This historic victory protected 1,100 acres of state-owned land running through the heart of Lake County.

Today, our focus is on ensuring these lands remain permanently protected and accessible to the public as a multi-use greenway trail and state park.

Key Greenway Benefits

  • Environmental Protection: Preserves critical oak savannas, prairie habitats, and natural stormwater absorption areas.
  • Recreational Trails: Connects regional trail networks for biking, walking, and outdoor recreation across Lake County.
  • Economic Value: Boosts nearby property values and eco-tourism without burdensome highway maintenance costs.

Support the Greenway

Help us urge state legislators and IDNR officials to complete the land transfer for the Route 53 State Park & Trail.

From Highway Extension to Public Nature Preserve

In 2019, after decades of grassroots advocacy led by Midwest Sustainability Group and the Green Corridor Coalition, the Illinois Tollway officially cancelled the proposed Route 53 extension. This historic victory protected 1,100 acres of state-owned land running through the heart of Lake County.

Today, our focus is on ensuring these lands remain permanently protected and accessible to the public as a multi-use greenway trail and state park.

Key Greenway Benefits

  • Environmental Protection: Preserves critical oak savannas, prairie habitats, and natural stormwater absorption areas.
  • Recreational Trails: Connects regional trail networks for biking, walking, and outdoor recreation across Lake County.
  • Economic Value: Boosts nearby property values and eco-tourism without burdensome highway maintenance costs.

Support the Greenway

Help us urge state legislators and IDNR officials to complete the land transfer for the Route 53 State Park & Trail.

Campaign: Route 53 Greenway & State Park

Transforming 1,100 acres of preserved highway corridor into a public state park and ecological greenway for Lake County.

From Highway Extension to Public Nature Preserve

In 2019, after decades of grassroots advocacy led by Midwest Sustainability Group and the Green Corridor Coalition, the Illinois Tollway officially cancelled the proposed Route 53 extension. This historic victory protected 1,100 acres of state-owned land running through the heart of Lake County.

Today, our focus is on ensuring these lands remain permanently protected and accessible to the public as a multi-use greenway trail and state park.

Key Greenway Benefits

  • Environmental Protection: Preserves critical oak savannas, prairie habitats, and natural stormwater absorption areas.
  • Recreational Trails: Connects regional trail networks for biking, walking, and outdoor recreation across Lake County.
  • Economic Value: Boosts nearby property values and eco-tourism without burdensome highway maintenance costs.

Support the Greenway

Help us urge state legislators and IDNR officials to complete the land transfer for the Route 53 State Park & Trail.