Explosives Road Trailhead
The Explosives Road Trailhead provides access to the 1.6 mile Newton Loop trail. This is a great bird watching area for Henslow sparrows, loggerhead shrikes, bobolinks, eastern meadowlarks, and dickcissels.
General Information
Address: 30239 S. State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone: 815-423-6370
Hours: Mon - Sat, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Trails: year-round, Mon - Sun, 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From the Welcome Center
- Turn right/north onto Route 53
- Travel north for 1.7 miles to Explosives Road.
- Turn left onto Explosives Road, weave through the barricades.
- Continue on Explosives Road to the trailhead parking at the end of the road, located on the left
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Road Cycling Info
Newton Loop Trail: No bikes are allowed on the Newton Loop Trail. Bikes are not allowed in the 811 Bunkerfield.
Day Hikes Info
Newton Loop Trail: The crushed rock Newton Loop Trail, named for George Newton, whose grave marker sits alongside the trail, is a 1.6-mile walk. The Newton Loop Trail crosses paths with the Henslow Loop Trail and hikers can easily add the 1.5-mile trail into their excursion.
Hunting Info
Big Game Hunting
Whitetail archery and shotgun hunting is permited in the open areas that may be accessed via the Explosives Road Trailhead. All hunters must sign in and sign out using the hunter sign in sheets located at the trailheads. All Midewin and state rules and regulations must be followed.
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Turkey hunting is permitted in the open areas that may be accessed via the Explosives Road Trailhead. All hunters must sign in and sign out using the hunter sign in sheets located at the trailheads. All Midewin and state rules and regulations must be followed.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Newton Loop Trail: As visitors traverse the mowed grass path they will see bobolinks, dickcissels, indigo buntings, grasshopper sparrows and eastern meadowlarks.
Viewing Plants Info
Newton Loop Trail: The restored prairie that visitors will see is home to an array of native plants that are grown in the Chicago Road seedbeds, located in the prairie boundary.
Viewing Scenery Info
Newton Loop Trail: you can view the surrounding wooded areas as well as Newton Cemetery.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
Individuals may snowshoe Midewin during the winter if conditions permit. Snowshoers must follow Midewin boundary rules and stay in open areas only.