Trout Valley Turkey Trot

About Trout Valley

Trout Valley, IL, was the original estate of John D. Hertz, founder of Hertz Rental Car Corporation.

---

The River (Behind Lodge)

The river is famous for many reasons. This entire area used to be vacation homes along the river. Many of these people used to enjoy their summers on the fox, and their winters at Harry Hopes ski lodge. Before these homes, the river served as John D. Hertz’s runway. Every morning he would fly from the Fox River to Lake Michigan before taking a cab downtown.

---

Polo Grounds (Start and Finish)

Hertz was an avid horse breeder. While he is famous for his racing horses, his polo grounds are famous in their own right. Large polo tournaments were held here during the summers that attracted the most famous people of the day, including Mirna Loy and Walt Disney.

---

Trout Valley Pool (One mile mark)

The original pool of the Hertz Estate, it is now over 90 years old and has been a staple of the community for decades. It continues to be a favorite hangout by many Trout Valley residents.

---

Hertz Estate

Behind the pool lies the renovated Hertz estate. This was home to John D. Hertz, known for creating the first taxi company, and being the richest man in the world. It was also home to Otto Schnering, who created the Baby Ruth candy bar. At one point it was a restaurant, and eventually (and mysteriously) burnt down. It has since been rebuilt and is now a home.

---

The Other Runway

As you go over the third hill, you are on river road. This road was once a runway. During prohibition, it is believed that alcohol would be flown into this runway from Canada and hidden in a secret root cellar down the hill. This root cellar has since been converted to a wine cellar.

---

Reigh Count’s House

Trout Valley was home to 1928 Kentucky Derby winner Reigh Count. After the win, Hertz erected a special stable in his honor. The house later became a bull stable, hence the iron fence around it. Today it is a residential house.

---

Gardeners House

This was formerly the home to Hertz’s personal gardener. He was charged with bringing rare and unique plants to the estate. One of the most famous plants was the lady slipper. At the time, it was one of two lady slippers in the world. It was later stolen from the property. As you run by the barn near mile two you can see the remnants of the greenhouse.

---

The Barn

This barn housed some of the greatest racing horses in the country. It was built in the 1920s and is of English tudor design. This is where Hertz kept many of his famous horses. Today it still houses many horses, and serves as a community center.

---

Man Made Ponds

John D. Hertz had famed landscape architect Jens Jensen design an intricate series of ponds and streams to provide fishing and drainage. They are still stocked with fish every year. All connected, they add a beautiful touch to the community. Recently the ponds and fen area were restored by the efforts of John Liautaod, a local resident passionate about the community.