Thursday, June 29, 2017

Visit a Canyon Tour June 26, 2017

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.

Included in this tour is a bottle of water, map backpack and a 6oz package of Hiker's Mix.

After checking in, you will board a trolley for a narrated tour of the area.

All Aboard! And we're off!

Today the first stop was the canyon for a leisurely walk into Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon.



The guide will point out many things on the tour.  Most importantly they will show you what Poison Ivy looks like.

"The boot area"  Also the trail back to the Lodge

Going up to Council Overhang.  You can also take a lower trail, to avoid the stairs. 


Inside Council Overhang looking out from the back wall.

Snake Grass / Horse tails

Minor stream crossing


Everyone took turns getting their photo by the waterfall. Ottawa Canyon

Coming out of Ottawa Canyon.  "Mini Council Overhang"

The seed pod from the Jack in the Pulpit. 

"Wedding Cove"  This area is near the Ottawa Canyon Parking lot

Back entrance to Starved Rock State Park
Front steps to the Visitor Center
Display of an American Elm that died near the visitor Center.  Bullet was found when they were getting it ready to display.

On the tour you will have time to browse the State Park Visitor Center.  Gift Shop and Concessions are also located here.

Today, Tom and Kyle are ready to help any visitor with questions. 

There are many interesting displays at the visitor center.


On the tour, you will also hear the Legend of Starved Rock on the Trolley


Replica "Fort St. Louis" is also at the visitor center

The Foundation Bookstore.  All purchases here go to fund park activities.

Trolley also stops at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center.  This area is also a working lock and dam. Best place to see Starved Rock

Always a friendly Ranger at the facility. Today was Ranger Gary's turn.

Great view of Plum and Leipold Island looking to the West

Barge and tow boat, view to the East.  Going up river.


View of the Dam

Have to keep moving, the tour isn't finished yet. Back on the trolley



Downtown Utica

The Aitken One room schoolhouse.  Sits right next to the Illinois & Michigan Canal



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.

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