RECREATION
GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY
G
CHAPIN PARK
rundy County has some of the state’s most scenic parks. Come boat, camp, picnic and hike while enjoying the area’s natural beauty. For more information, visit dnr.state.il.us or www.grundychamber.com
(Small shelter holds 25-30 people, 222 W. Chapin Street)
DES PLAINES FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA
A tranquil setting, flowing rivers, and natural prairie land — the Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area in Wilmington has it all! Visitors will delight in the abundance of wildlife, restful picnic areas and variety of sport-fishing species. Farmland and woodland, prairie and swamp, still water and shoreline offer unlimited opportunities for nature lovers and sportsmen. 24621 N. River Rd., Wilmington 815-423-5326.
THE BRISCOE MOUNDS
State archaeological site is located on Front Street along the Des Plaines River near Channahon. The mounds are the largest Native American burial mounds in northern Illinois. Briscoe Mounds is located east of Blackberry Lane and south of Bridge Street in Channahon. 815727-8700
THE DUPAGE RIVER TRAILS
CAMPELL MEMORIAL PARK
A bike and pedestrian trail follows the DuPage River from the I & M Canal at Lake Chaminwood north along the West Branch to Illinois Prairie Path in Naperville and along the East Branch to the DuPage County’s Forest Preserve’s Greene Valley Preserve in Lisle.
520 Broadway St., Coal City Facilities: Gazebo, Restrooms, Angel of Hope Memorial, Concession Stand
CANAL PORT PARK
211-299 W. Illinois Ave, Morris Monday – Friday 6 AM – 10 PM
CHANNAHON STATE PARK
The DuPage River Water Trail The Forest Preserve District has developed three segments of the trail, totaling 8.56 miles.
Channahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning “the meeting of the waters” and signifies the joining of the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers.
The southern segment may be accessed from the following locations:
Today, Channahon State Park is under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides park visitors a look back at a historic waterway that transformed a state. Locks 6 & 7 and the original locktenders house at Lock 6 located at the Channahon State Park enable visitors to daydream of a time when one of the loudest noises heard came from a blacksmith pounding out a new set of horse shoes.
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Grundy County Community Guide
Hammel Woods – Crumby Recreation Area (Black Road, Shorewood) Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access (Black Road, Shorewood) Hammel Woods – Route 59 Access (Route 59, Shorewood) A northern segment may be accessed from Whalon Lake (Royce Road, Naperville). Another northern segment may be accessed from Riverview Farmstead Preserve (Book Road, Naperville). The segment of the DuPage River Trail at Hammel Woods is a hilly, paved linear trail that travels 4.1 miles through woodland.
GrundyChamber.com
815-942-0113
The segment of the trail at Whalon Lake is a flat, paved loop and linear trail that travels 3.71 miles through wetland and around Whalon Lake. The segment of the trail at Riverview Farmstead Preserve is a flat, paved linear trail that travels 0.75 mile through open areas and a historic farmstead. All segments of the trail are ideal for the following activities: • Biking • Hiking/Running • In-Line Skating • Cross-Country Skiing • Snowshoeing • Wildlife viewing
FOUR RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is a model of green architecture, featuring a repurposed building site and interior fireplace, geothermal heating and cooling system, recycled and sustainable building materials, and energy saving technology. Four Rivers’ name comes from its location, positioned near where the Des Plaines, DuPage and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River. Every room in the building provides views of the Des Plaines Rivers and the peaceful, natural surroundings. Four Rivers first opened in 2009 and continues to expand its programs and
services. These include: • Public Programs • School Programs including field trips and in-school programs. • Facility Rentals, including weddings Four Rivers provides a picturesque setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Center provides couples with an all-in-one venue that is unique, cost effective, convenient for guests and good for the environment. A variety of rental options is available. For additional information or to check availability, call 815-722-9470 or email fourrivers@fpdwc.org
GEBHARD WOODS STATE PARK
Hikers, campers, picnickers and canoeists frequent this picturesque 30-acre park. Located in Morris, bordered by the I&M Canal and Nettle Creek, which adds to its beauty and abundant wildlife. 815-942-0796.
GOODWILL PARK
(700 E. Chapin Street)
GOOLD PARK CENTRAL
(Across from the Morris City Pool, 308 Northern Avenue)
GOOLD PARK WEST
(Across from 1000 Union Street)
