This blog post is dedicated to the new tour this year. Visit a Canyon Tour. We offer it on Saturday, Sunday and Mondays from June - September. The cost is $25.
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| Included in this tour is a bottle of water, map backpack and a 6oz package of Hiker's Mix. |
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| After checking in, you will board a trolley for a narrated tour of the area. |
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| All Aboard! And we're off! |
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| Today the first stop was the canyon for a leisurely walk into Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. |
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| The guide will point out many things on the tour. Most importantly they will show you what Poison Ivy looks like. |
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| "The boot area" Also the trail back to the Lodge |
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| Going up to Council Overhang. You can also take a lower trail, to avoid the stairs. |
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| Inside Council Overhang looking out from the back wall. |
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| Snake Grass / Horse tails |
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| Minor stream crossing |
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| Everyone took turns getting their photo by the waterfall. Ottawa Canyon |
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| Coming out of Ottawa Canyon. "Mini Council Overhang" |
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| The seed pod from the Jack in the Pulpit. |
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| "Wedding Cove" This area is near the Ottawa Canyon Parking lot |
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| Back entrance to Starved Rock State Park |
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| Front steps to the Visitor Center |
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| Display of an American Elm that died near the visitor Center. Bullet was found when they were getting it ready to display. |
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| On the tour you will have time to browse the State Park Visitor Center. Gift Shop and Concessions are also located here. |
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| Today, Tom and Kyle are ready to help any visitor with questions. |
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| There are many interesting displays at the visitor center. |
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| On the tour, you will also hear the Legend of Starved Rock on the Trolley |
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| Replica "Fort St. Louis" is also at the visitor center |
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| The Foundation Bookstore. All purchases here go to fund park activities. |
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| Trolley also stops at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. This area is also a working lock and dam. Best place to see Starved Rock |
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| Always a friendly Ranger at the facility. Today was Ranger Gary's turn. |
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| Great view of Plum and Leipold Island looking to the West |
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| Barge and tow boat, view to the East. Going up river. |
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| View of the Dam |
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| Have to keep moving, the tour isn't finished yet. Back on the trolley |
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| Downtown Utica |
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| The Aitken One room schoolhouse. Sits right next to the Illinois & Michigan Canal |
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| LaSalle County Historical Society, Former Canal Warehouse |
This is a great all around good tour. A historic trolley ride with a short hike. Offered every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. $25.00 per person. Includes a souvenir map backpack with a snack and a bottle of water.
I will leave you with this: Always believe something wonderful is going to happen. Even with all the ups and downs, never take a day for granted. Smile, cherish the little things and remember to hug the ones you really love.
