The African American Heritage Water Trail

The African American Heritage Water Trail is a powerful example of collaboration, community, and partnerships coming together to bring history to life and create new opportunities for education and recreation. This project highlights the rich legacy of African American history along the Little Calumet River, connecting significant sites like the Underground Railroad with modern-day stories of resilience and activism. Spearheaded by Openlands in partnership with organizations such as the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project, Robbins History Museum, and We Keep You Rollin’, the trail represents a collective effort to preserve and share this history through outdoor engagement. Support from key community groups, such as the Golden Gate Homeowners Association and People for Community Recovery, alongside institutional partners like The Forest Preserves of Cook County and The Field Museum, has been critical in ensuring that the trail is both meaningful and accessible to the public. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and fostering connections between communities, nature, and history. Through these deep partnerships, the African American Heritage Water Trail has become a landmark project for education, recreation, and celebration of Chicago’s Black history.