See a Russian Orthodox Church and downtown murals on the walk from Benld to Gillespie north of Edwardsville, Ill.
This easy hike uses a paved trail on a former trolley line between Benld and Gillespie in Illinois.
I also walked along streets and sidewalks to explore each of their downtowns.
Interurban Line History
This bike trail is 1.4 miles or 2.8 out and back between the two towns. Located on the path where the Illinois Traction System, an electric-powered interurban railway, once connected Benld and Gillespie.
Route 66 Connection
After this railway ceased this area was then connected to Springfield, Ill., along the famous Route 66, which is now signed as Illinois State Highway 4.
History of the communities
Gillespie
This town thrived from coal mining in the area and settlers came from nearby Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.
Benld
Original settlers in Benld were from Russia. They set up a local parish in 1907 and constructed the Holy Dormition of the Theotokos Russian Orthodox Church.
MY WALK
I walked 6 miles with only 92 feet of elevation gain on the trail and along local streets.
Benld Trailhead
I parked in the small lot north of Benld Park on Park Street. I walked north along the paved path next to backyards in the small town.
Along the Trail
Eventually, the trail heads into the countryside going through farm fields.
Benches can be found along the trail if you need to take a break during the walk.
The trail curved to the left passing by the Gillespie Sewage Treatment Center.
Then the trail goes into the woods.
I looked down on the left to see hedge apples from trees that were once used to mark property boundaries.
The trail comes to an end at Clark Street fronted by a wooden Illinois Conservation Bureau sign. There is no parking area by this trailhead.
Although, I guess you could park along the street somewhere in Gillespie and walk down to the trail.
Gillespie
Next, I made a left onto Clark Street and then a right onto Macoupin Street which leads to the downtown.
On the right, I notice a brick and metal entranceway to the Gillespie City Cemetery near Easton Avenue.
Then the street curves into downtown. At the corner of Macoupin and Pine Streets is a Route 66 sign that talks about the history of the town.
At 121 S. Macoupin Street, I come to a mural along the side of the Illinois Coal Museum.
Across the street from the museum at the corner of Macoupin and Chestnut Streets is a mural that includes history on Route 66 and the Veteran’s Memorial in the town.
I walked a short way up Macoupin to eat lunch at Subway.
Walking back on the other side of the street I pass by a collectibles store with almost life-sized Star Wars action figures in the windows.
Back on the Trail
I retraced my steps to the bike trail once more. Noticing a few small streams, the trail crosses over.
Then I was back at the Benld Trailhead once more.
BENLD WALK
Next, I checked out downtown Benld and the Russian Orthodox Church.
I made a left onto Park Avenue which goes under a railroad bridge and becomes Locust Street.
Then I went to the right onto Second Street passing by Benld Park.
Next, I made a left onto Willow Street which continues by the park and leads to the front of the church.
Russian Orthodox Church
It is easy to locate this red brick church with its two side onion dome pillars and a tall one in the middle. It is the only church that looks like this in the area.
The address is 304 N. Fourth St., Benld, IL, 62009. According to its website, the church is only open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for services.
Benld downtown
I made a right onto Fourth Street and head to downtown. Then I made a right onto Central Avenue. I crossed to the other side of the street.
I pass by a small taco restaurant with a mural on the side that includes the Day of the Dead skull and a hand holding a taco. Not what I expected to find in Benld.
Further down the street, I looked into a storefront window to see many different religious statues as part of Statues Plus.
Then I crossed railroad tracks and came to Veterans Memorial Park. I made a right onto Trolley Street, named for the former trolley that went through there.
At the front of the park is a brightly camouflaged tank. Behind the tank is a playground.
I walked up to this street and then made a right onto Park Avenue where I returned to the trailhead.
Final Thoughts
I am glad I decided to explore the downtowns and streets of these small communities. Both downtowns included murals and interesting storefronts to see. I might have had a taco if I hadn’t eaten at the Subway in Gillespie.
DETAILS:
Drive: To access the Benld-Gillespie Bike Trail in Benld drive down Interstate 55 out of the St. Louis area. Take Exit 44 off Interstate 55 and turn west onto State Route 138. Proceed 3.7 miles onto E. Central Avenue in downtown Benld. Turn right onto Trolley Street and continue 3 blocks to Park Avenue. Turn right onto Park Avenue; immediately to the left is parking and access to the southern end of the trail.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Address:
B – G Bike Trl, Gillespie, IL 62033
MORE ILLINOIS TRAILS
Fall Drive to Pere Marquette State Park
Up the Mississippi River to a bounty of colors and spectacular Illinois River views was what was in store for us going to Pere Marquette State Park.
Dad Hikes: Olin Nature Preserve
A bubbly waterfall and a monument to the Underground Railroad were found on the trails at the Olin Nature Preserve.
MORE ROUTE 66 SITES
A Route 66 Journey to Lincoln History
Abraham Lincoln sites, a zoo, and Route 66 are just some of what you can check out on a day trip to Springfield, Illinois. We headed out on Interstate 55 northward to Springfield, the capital of Illinois, for a road trip day.
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
The mile-long Old Chain of Rocks Bridge 60 feet above the Mississippi River with a 30-degree turn midway was my quest today.
This bridge is historical since it once was part of a stretch of historic U.S. Route 66 and is at a major point along the Mississippi River near rock ledges that once created dangerous rapids for riverboats.
