Green Bay Trail Day 2026
7th Annual Green Bay Trail Day
Saturday, July 25 from 9 am – 1 pm
Join the Festivities
The Friends’ seventh annual Green Bay Trail Day is a FREE community celebration marking the Green Bay Trail’s 15-year restoration. Once a former commuter rail corridor, the Trail has become a year-round recreational destination connecting communities and inviting visitors to walk, bike, relax, and experience nature close to home.
Celebrate nature, community, history, and sustainability at one of the North Shore’s favorite summer traditions.
Begin your morning with a stroll along the Trail between Glencoe’s Shelton Park and Woodlawn Avenue, where local experts and organizations will host more than 25 colorful information tables and interactive exhibits.
Explore Nature: Enjoy the Trail’s summer blooms, birds, butterflies, and restored landscapes while walking the scenic paths.
Coffee & Treats: Pause for coffee and morning bites from local vendors.
Gardeners & Nature lovers: Gather expert advice on:
- Sustainable gardening
- Native plant selection
- Tree selection and care
- Eco-friendly landscape management
- Free native plants and tree saplings will be available while supplies last.
Butterflies & Birds: Visit the always-popular butterfly hatchery and observe butterfly metamorphosis up close. Learn about birdwatching opportunities, how to attract more birds to your yard, and ways to support migrating species.
Sustainability & Conservation:
Connect with local environmental organizations and discover simple ways to make a positive impact in your community. Learn how you can become part of the Homegrown National Park movement.
Family Activities:
- Crafts and story time with the Glencoe Public Library
- The Bee Toss game
- Hands-on insect exploration using bug boxes from the Friends of the Green Bay Trail.
- Information about local children’s eco-school programs
- Be sure to look for the juggler and balloon artist along the Trail!
Music & Entertainment: Tap your toes or sing along to live music featured throughout the Trail.
Cycling: Pick up local bike trail information. Chat with a mobile bike service to learn how to tune up your bike. Meet other bike organizations and enthusiasts.
Local History: Speak with representatives from the Glencoe and Winnetka Historical Societies about the Trail’s fascinating past and find the remnants of the former electric railway line still visible on the Trail.
Art & Discovery:
- Search for whimsical fairy houses tucked beneath trees, wildflowers, and prairie grasses
- Watch plein air painters capture the beauty of the summer landscape
Take Home Trail Day Treasures: Pick up a free Friends of the Green Bay Trail tote bag and fill it with information and giveaways from participating organizations and exhibitors.
