Raceway Woods- Zooming around an Old Race track

Walk on Meadowdale International Raceways, a track that held several motor races from 1958-1969. Now a part of the Kane County Forest Preserve and The Dundee Park District, as Raceway Woods, the park offers biking and nature paths along with horseback riding trails. Giving people the opportunity to get out into nature while learning about the track’s past.

 This trail holds relics of its race days with the Meadowdale Raceway silo, which can be seen via the parking lot located right off of route 31.

Overall Thoughts on Raceway Woods

Difficulty

This was our first snow hike of the year. We expected a flat race track and were a bit surprised to find back-to-back hills. We came a bit unprepared. My boyfriend who was only wearing sneakers slipped and slid up and down the hills.

With this said, it wasn’t necessarily a tough hike with the right equipment or in a different season. However, with the back-to-back hills, I’d still rank it as a 1.5 for difficulty. We ended up using the switchbacks to loop back to the car instead of doing the full 3.27-mile hike. There are also no benches or places to rest along the route. 

Getting to Raceway Woods

Unfortunately, there is no good way to get here via public transportation.

However, it is conveniently located right off of route 31. This forest preserve does offer two parking lots. We found a space in the parking lot right off of 31, where the silo is located. I would note that this area does get a bit busy.

Beauty & Wildlife  

This once-upon-a-race track is tucked away in a forest. The draw is its history. It even has the large silo from its motor racing days, a perfect place for a selfie. 

The path is wide, allowing for groups of people to pass (when it’s not covered in snow.) 

Although this time we didn’t see any animals out and about there were tracks in the snow. Making this a place to be on the lookout for deer and other Illinois animals.

Know Before You Go

This is not a flat race track. As someone who doesn’t usually go to or watch car races, I made the wrong assumption that a track was going to be nice and flat. 

With any hike be prepared for the weather and make sure you have the right equipment. For a winter hike make sure you have snow boots or shoes with traction. The hills do get a bit slippery. I also suggest wearing layers. 

During bug season be sure to bring bug spray as this is a walk through the woods.

Amenities

This forest preserve offers a restroom right near the parking lot. Along with a picnic area and shelter.

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