Let's Take A Hike!

Join us Saturday, October 6th at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL to enjoy the Beautiful autumn scenery, and get our legs in shape for skiing.

Meet at 10:00 in front of the State Park "Lodge" at the main visitor center and enjoy hiking through some of the 13 miles of nature trails along the scenic bluffs and through the forest. See nature at it's finest with beautiful overlooks, waterfalls, and places such as Lovers Leap and Wildcat Canyon. The foliage should be spectacular.

Items to bring with you: water, 2-way radio (channel 7, band 7), walking or hiking shoes, camera, snacks and money for a lunch stop after our hike.

Please note: Since the Burgoo Festival bike ride is the following day (click here and see the Oct. 7th bike flyer), consider staying in the area overnight at a hotel or campground. If you're interested in camping with a group contact Cathy Draayers at 630-985-2832.

Directions to Starved Rock from the Chicago area: Take I-55 to south to I-80, take I-80 west 45 miles to Exit #81 (Rt. 178, Utica). Go south (left) 3 miles on Rt. 178 and follow the signs into the park.

For more information stop by our next general meeting or click Here - to visit Starved Rock web-site, otherwise send us an email at SkiSanctuary@hotmail.com.

FYI: Burgoo Fest - is Sunday, October 7th and is held annually on the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend. Thousands of people are drawn to this festival, named for the hundreds of gallons of hearty stew the locals prepare for the big day. In addition, there will be food stands, crafts, and a Civil War re-enactment. For more information click here and on the cauldron below to find out what the heck burgoo really is.